Cotton pad or ball? I always get an uneven result of missed areas with a fan brush. I plan on doing a 40% TCA peel (Photos)

should i use a cotton ball or pad instead for a more even peel? should i spot treat first with a qtip? then apply yo whole face? I am using kojic acid soap as a pretreatment. when should i discontinue the soap before the peel? When should i start using hydroquinone & tretinion after the peel date? i head that not moisturizing the skin during a tca peel helps it heal faster and am considering doing so is this safe? what other products should i use to successfully have the best results possible?