What To Do Before a Chemical Peel
Written by: Erin Sevigny
If you’re considering getting a chemical peel, you’re in the right place! In this article, we’ll explore the steps and benefits behind this professional process so you can be prepared, excited and ready to experience the fantastic post-peel glow everyone has come to love!
From explaining what to do before a chemical peel to how to care for your skin after getting a chemical peel, you can never have too much knowledge about the chemical peel preparation steps to best care for your skin before and after the procedure. Let’s dive in!
What is a Chemical Peel?
Chemical peels rejuvenate the skin by removing dead cells, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, and revealing smoother and more youthful-looking skin. During treatment, a chemical solution is applied to the skin, causing the surface to exfoliate and eventually peel off. It might sound a little daunting if you’ve never done this, but the results can be gratifying. Most people report a subtle glow immediately after treatment.
Our clients get chemical peels for all sorts of reasons. Typically, they want to address fine lines, acne scars, uneven skin tone, or achieve the elevated complexion they’ve been seeking. At Franklin Skin Studio, our process starts with a consultation, followed by applying the peel, and ends with a period of healing that will reveal your skin transformation!
It helps to know the ins and outs of your chemical peel prep to get the best results from your treatment
What to Do Before a Chemical Peel?
Unfortunately, not just any salon can do a quality chemical peel – you’ll need to seek out a studio with seasoned professionals who know how to administer the process correctly! When thinking of how to prep for a chemical peel, it’s all about protecting and hydrating, but it’s essential to go a little deeper to ensure you’re informed on everything you need. Here’s what to do before a chemical peel.
Consult a Skincare Professional
Of course, the first and most crucial step is to consult a skin care professional you trust who can tell you how to prepare skin to get a chemical peel. Here at Franklin Skin Studio, our experts will evaluate your skin type, discuss your skincare goals, and recommend the best kind of peel to ensure our approach is tailored to your unique skin. We will also provide valuable information about prep for your chemical peel to ensure a good experience and recovery.
Avoid Tanning Booths and UV Rays
Before getting a chemical peel, it’s imperative to protect your skin from the sun and avoid tanning booths and excessive exposure to UV rays. Sun-damaged skin can have unpredictable reactions to chemical peels, so wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen and sporting a chic hat on those sunny days should be your go-to while preparing for this procedure.
Use Prescribed Lotions
During your consultation, your skin care professional may recommend specific lotions or creams to prepare your skin. These products are specifically designed to precondition your skin to ensure a more effective peel and a smoother recovery.
Stop Using Exfoliants Up to 48 Hours Before Your Treatment
Give your skin a break for at least 48 hours before your chemical peel, especially from exfoliating products, including scrubs, retinol, alpha or beta hydroxy acid. The goal is to avoid overstimulating the skin and making it too sensitive for the chemical peel, so you’ll want to stick to only prescribed products and nothing else.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration is critical, both inside and out! If there’s one thing everyone should remember about to prepare their skin to get a chemical peel, think hydration.
Drink lots of water in the days leading up to your peel, and use a gentle, hydrating moisturizer on your face. Consider this factor – well-hydrated skin will naturally be more resilient and faster to revere post-peel. So whip out your favorite water bottle and ensure you get enough water to protect your skin for your session.
What to Expect When Getting a Chemical Peel
Now, you know how to prep skin for a chemical peel, but you may need clarification on the chemical peel best suited of your facial condition. Here’s a little breakdown of each procedure.
Superficial Peel
This is the gentlest chemical peel, perfect for novices or people with sensitive skin. It targets the outermost layer of skin, focusing on brightening your complexion and smoothing out minor imperfections.
During the treatment, you might feel a bit of tingling, but don’t worry- it’s just a sign that the peel is doing its work. Plus, there’s minimal downtime involved, so you won’t have to put off any big plans because of flaking or redness.
Afterward, you’ll likely notice your skin looking refreshed and feeling softer, with a subtle, natural glow. It’s a great introduction to the world of peels if you’re a newbie and offers excellent results without the intensity of deeper treatments, especially if you’re not used to them.
Medium Peel
This peel takes it up a notch, making it a great choice for those seeking solutions for more pronounced skin concerns. This peel is perfect for addressing issues like deeper wrinkles, significant sun damage, or more noticeable uneven skin tone.
During the treatment, you’ll probably feel more of a warning sensation – a tell-tale sign that it’s penetrating deeper into the skin. Post-treatment, don’t be surprised if your skin looks sunburned, including peeling a few days after the procedure. It’s all part of the process of revealing that more youthful and vibrant layer of your skin underneath.
Deep Peel
The deep peel is the most intensive option available, making it an excellent choice for those seeking dramatic improvements in their skin. This peel is specifically designed to target the deepest skin concerns, including severe wrinkles, prominent scars, and even precancerous growths. During the treatment, you will likely experience a more intense sensation. It penetrates deeply into the skin, working meticulously to rejuvenate and renew.
Post-treatment, it’s common for the skin to appear significantly red, more like a severe sunburn, with excessive peeling a few days after procedure. It might seem intimidating, but it’s precisely what’s supposed to happen, revealing a profoundly renewed skin surface with a more youthful, smooth, and revitalized complexion.
Customize Your Skincare Treatment with Franklin Skin Studio
At Franklin Skin Studio, we believe in the art of personalized skincare, from gentle facials to deep peels. We can answer all of your questions, from what to do before a chemical peel to where to start your skincare journey.
Get started today to find the right chemical peel to restore your natural radiance!
To speak to a Franklin Skin Studio skin care specialist, book an appointment for a chemical peel, or find out about the kind of peel that would be right for you, give us a call at 615-509-4730 today.
