The chemical peel is an effective treatment for renewing the skin and removing small imperfections, such as wrinkles and scars, resulting in a younger-looking complexion. During the procedure, the outer layers of the skin are removed to allow younger and smoother ones to replace them. Usually, it is performed at three levels of depth: the light peeling removes the epidermis, the medium one reaches the dermis, while the deep one also acts on the layers of the dermis. In most cases no specific preparation is required, but in others a specific skin care regimen must be followed until the day of the session. Knowing how to prepare allows you to successfully undergo the treatment.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Avoid Skin Stress Before The Procedure
Step 1. Do not undergo any other type of chemical peel
In the two weeks preceding the session, it is essential to avoid any other type of similar treatment; If it has been less than two weeks since you last performed a chemical peel, you must wait until at least 14 days have passed.
Step 2. Don't do microdermabrasion
This treatment works in a similar way to a chemical peel, using a gentle abrasive tool to remove the outer layer of the skin. If you plan to undergo a peel, you should stop abrasion appointments at least two weeks in advance.
Step 3. Don't use tanning beds
Tanning, even artificial tanning through UV lamps, causes significant damage to the skin; for this reason, any person who plans to perform a chemical peel must refrain from this practice for two to three weeks before the treatment.
Step 4. Limit sun exposure
In addition to not using tanning lamps for 2-3 weeks before the peel, you should also minimize the time you spend in the sun for the previous 10 days.
If you have to stay in the sun for any length of time during this period, you should spread an SPF cream and still limit your exposure as much as possible
Step 5. Treat your skin gently
While preparing, you should avoid waxing or using chemicals for hair removal for at least 5-7 days before the session. In the previous week, you shouldn't have any chemical injections, including those of Botox or collagen.
Part 2 of 3: Prepare the Skin
Step 1. Take antiviral medications as needed
Some people who go through this procedure should not take such medicines; however, if you have suffered from herpetic infections in the mouth or surrounding area in the past, your doctor may prescribe this therapy for you before and after your beauty treatment.
- Acyclovir (Zovirax) is a common antiviral drug used to prevent cold sores before a chemical peel; normally, it is taken two to seven days before the procedure to two weeks after. The dosage is typically 200 mg five times a day.
- Valaciclovir is another common antiviral that is taken in doses of 1 g three times a day; the treatment must be followed for at least two days before the aesthetic treatment and for the following 10-14 days.
Step 2. Apply prescribed lotions
Depending on the depth to which the treatment is performed, your doctor may recommend that you use a moisturizing product and medicated lotion before your appointment.
- Generally, lotions with glycolic acid are suggested for superficial procedures; these products should be used during the two weeks prior to the session, to ensure a uniform result and promote healing.
- If a light or medium-depth peel is planned, the doctor usually suggests creams with retinoids, such as tretinoin (Retin-A), to reduce the duration of the session and speed up the recovery phase. The application of retinoids is usually stopped three days after the session.
Step 3. Use a lightening agent
Depending on the complexion, the doctor may recommend the use of a whitening product such as hydroquinone, especially in association with a retinoid such as tretinoin; thanks to this preparation, the skin does not darken during peeling.
- Hydroquinone is one of the most recommended products for the preparation of people with a dark complexion; however, it is a potentially dangerous active ingredient and the European Community strictly regulates its use.
- Your doctor may suggest that you stop applying the lightening agent at least a week before your beauty treatment.
Step 4. Be aware of drug interactions
Based on the medications you are currently taking, your doctor may recommend that you stop some therapies before undergoing a chemical peel. Generally, the drugs not suitable before this procedure are those that cause photosensitivity, that is, that increase the skin sensitivity to the sun and that can trigger inflammation after exposure to sunlight. These include:
- Antihistamines;
- Coal tar and its derivatives;
- Some contraceptives (the pill and female sex hormones);
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories;
- Phenothiazines (tranquilizers);
- Psoralen;
- Sulfonamides (antimicrobials);
- Sulfonylureas (oral diabetes medications);
- Thiazide diuretics;
- Tetracyclines (antibiotics);
- The tricyclics (antideessives).
Part 3 of 3: Undergo the Procedure
Step 1. Don't smoke
If you smoke, you should quit well in advance of your chemical peel appointment. Talk to your doctor about when you should stop and how to follow a quit schedule.
Step 2. Take antibiotics
If your doctor has recommended a course of these medications before the procedure, you should start at least 24 hours earlier; if you have to take antivirals, make sure you start therapy one day before the time of the peel.
Step 3. Assess if you have drug allergies
Some patients who undergo a deep peel need to be sedated; if you know you have some allergies to anesthetics or pain relievers, you must inform your doctor immediately to avoid any negative reactions.
Step 4. Plan to go home
If you need to do a deep treatment, anesthesia may be needed so that the doctor can work effectively. If this is also the case, plan to return home in advance, as you will not be able to drive.
