I had an Obagi Blue Radiance peel done a week ago. Now having extreme irritation with tretinoin cream. Another peel today?

Question

I had a blue radiance peel about 8 days ago. Reacted fine to the peel but am having intense redness, burning, and red patches on new skin after using tretinoin cream. It burns to wash my face with Cetaphil and to use the moisturizer..almost like a sunburn. I have another peel this afternoon. Should I call and reschedule?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Avoid the retinoids for a few weeks and moisturize with Elevase Moisture Booster to hydrate your skin with ceramides. Best, Dr. KaramanoukianLos Angeles

Chien C. Kat, MD · Answer

I would advise not having another peel until the irritation has settled and discontinue using the Tretinoin and see your practitioner for advise.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

I recommend that you cancel, start a regimen of skin hydraton and moisturization with an Opti Ceramide cream (Elevase) and use wide spectrum UV protection and sun block with Spectrase (three times daily application).H Karamanoukian MD FACS

Andrew Pichler, MD · Answer

Peels should be delayed until your skin has settled enough so there is no irritation. Restarting retin a after peels should be gradual as the skin has become more sensitive from the peel.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

This is not usual. For a peel that involves 30 % or higher TCA, I would wait 2 weeks, then titrate your skin care. Namely use half the amount of tretinoin, diluted in moisturiser, apply twice a week, and increase from there. All the best, Dr Davin Lim. Brisbane. Australia.

I had an Obagi Blue Radiance peel done a week ago. Now having extreme irritation with tretinoin cream. Another peel today?

Answers (5)