Chemical Peel

Pre-treatment & Aftercare Information

Chemical peels remove the outermost surface of your skin to help reduce visible signs of skin ageing, acne and discolouration. At the same time, they reveal brighter, smoother skin below.

Skin Goals offer chemical peels for all skin types.
Click here to learn more on skin types.

Chemical peels are a safe and effective procedure. However, as with all treatments, it’s essential to take special care of your skin before and after the procedure for fast recovery and best results.

Pre Treatment

Don’t exfoliate. Since a chemical peel is an in-depth exfoliation, it’s important you don’t exfoliate for at least 1 week before your appointment. In addition, watch out for ingredients in your skin care products that may have an exfoliating effect such as acids (glycolic, salicylic, lactic), retinol and topical antibiotics.

Avoid the sun. Most chemical peels respond better to skin that isn’t sun-damaged, so make an effort to avoid the sun as much as possible prior to your treatment. If you have to be outside, make sure to wear sunscreen (minimum SPF 30).

Stay hydrated. Your skin should be well-hydrated on the day of your chemical peel. Make sure you stop using any products that dry out your skin a few days prior to your appointment (such as clay masks and salicylic acid), and remember to drink plenty of water.

Aftercare

Wash your face with cool water. This will help soothe post-peel sensations. You do not need to perform any skin care until the morning after your treatment. You should also avoid hot showers and baths for 48 hours as this may cause discomfort.

Use gentle, calming products. Avoid harsh fragrances, acids and exfoliants (including flannels and face cloths) for at least 3 to 4 days following treatment as these can all irritate and damage the skin.

Moisturise and hydrate. Since peels can temporarily compromise your skin’s protective barrier, it’s important to reinforce that barrier with a medium-to-thick, non-stripping moisturiser. Also, drink more water to help avoid dehydration, which could make your skin feel tight.

Apply sunscreen with SPF30 or more. Your skin is more delicate after a peel, so avoid direct sun exposure, which can lead to more visible signs of skin ageing and could make hyperpigmentation worse. If you must be exposed, use a Broad Spectrum physical sunscreen.

Avoid makeup until the skin has settled. This time will vary between clients, but it’s best to be prepared to not wear make up for a day or two following your peel.

Avoid strenuous workouts, dry saunas, steam rooms and swimming pools. Increased blood circulation to the face can intensify warming, tingling, itching, redness or other uncomfortable side effects on freshly peeled skin. In addition, chlorinated water may also irritate the skin. Skip such activities for at least 48 hours.

Avoid further facial treatments. Your skin needs time to recover before undergoing further treatment. How long you wait will depend on the treatment you plan to undertake. Please consult your therapist for advice.

Once your skin feels “back to normal”, it’s generally considered OK to resume your normal skin care regimen. If you have any questions or concerns following your treatment, do not hesitate to contact me.

Contraindications

Please let me know as soon as possible if any of the following apply to you as this may restrict treatment:

• Active bacterial, viral, fungal, or herpetic infection

• Open wounds on face

• History of medication with potential to cause photosensitivity (eg. accutane)

• Pre-existing inflammatory dermatoses (eg. psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, pemphigus)

• Facial cancers, especially facial melanoma

• Recent sunburn

• Current pregnancy or within the last 6 months

• History of abnormal scarring (eg. keloid)

• Nut allergy