Cosmetic Dermatology: How to Prepare for Your First Chemical Peel

Whether you’re looking for a wrinkle treatment or you need some relief from a minor acne flare-up, a chemical peel could be the treatment you’re looking for. But before you go in for your first chemical peel, you need to know how to properly prepare. Here’s what you need to do before your first chemical peel.

What Can a Chemical Peel Treat?

Before you dive headfirst into a chemical peel, it’s helpful to know what exactly they can help you with. Depending on your level of skin sensitivity and your skin needs, your dermatologist will apply a chemical solution to your skin. The peel will help remove the outermost layers of skin, revealing new skin beneath. And they’re not reserved solely for your face, either. Chemical peels can be performed on the neck, chest, and hands, as well. In addition, they can be used to treat wrinkles, reduce the appearance of acne scars and age spots, and even help reduce hyperpigmentation. Now that you have a basic understanding of what a chemical peel entails, here’s how you can prepare.

Select the Right Chemical Peel

This is a key step in preparation for a chemical peel, and one that only your dermatologist can help you with. The type of chemical peel your dermatologist chooses will be based on a number of factors, including your skin type, your age, and the skin condition you’d like treated. For example, if your primary intention in doing a chemical peel is to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, then your dermatologist isn’t going to administer a chemical peel that they might use to treat acne scars on a younger client.

Don’t Exfoliate Beforehand

Something important to note about chemical peels is that they are a form of exfoliation. In fact, a chemical peel is a form of in-depth exfoliation that shouldn’t be preceded by any other kind of exfoliation. Skin scrubs of any kind should be avoided for at least a week before your appointment. In addition, check for ingredients in your normal skin care routine that may act as exfoliants. Failing to avoid exfoliating could lead to skin damage during or after your procedure.

Minimize Sun Exposure

You should aim to avoid any kind of sun exposure before your chemical peel. Sun damaged skin could lead to adverse effects during your chemical peel, not to mention a nasty skin rash if you’re not careful. In addition to avoiding sun exposure on the intended treatment area, you should take care not to invest in any tanning booth exposure prior to your chemical peel. This, as well as avoiding sun exposure, should be put in practice for at least two weeks before your appointment.

Stop Hair Removal

Any kind of hair removal methods should be avoided prior to your chemical peel. Whether you have a laser hair removal appointment, you’re scheduled for an eyebrow wax, or you plan on plucking any unwanted facial hair, it’s crucial that you refrain. Failing to do so could cause unwanted skin irritation, which could affect the quality of your chemical peel results.

Chemical peels can be excellent skin treatments if you know how to prepare properly. If you want to know more about how chemical peels could help you treat some of your skin issues, set up your consultation with SE Dermatology Specialists today.