What is a Chemical Peel?
A Chemical peel is one of the least invasive ways to improve the appearance of your skin. Although chemical peels are used mostly on the face, they can also be used to improve the skin on your neck, chest, back, and hands. Chemical peels are used to treat acne, acne scars, age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, freckles, melasma, irregular skin pigmentation, rough skin and scaly patches, scars, sun-damaged skin. Timeless Med Spa offers customized chemical peels too.

Pre-Care Instructions:

  • 3 - 4 weeks before your peel:
    • Prepare your skin with the use of glycolic acid and/or retinol resurfacing products.
  • 1 week before your peel. avoid the following:
    • Waxing/Depilatories
    • Laser Hair Removal
    • Facial Services
    • Microdermabrasion / Dermaplanning
    • Sun Exposure
  • 1 to 3 days before your peel:
    • Discontinue the use of retinol products.

What to expect during the treatment:
Some aspects of the chemical peel procedure differ according to the type of peel being administered. However, all chemical peel procedures follow the same basic protocols. After cleansing the face, or other areas to be treated, a peeling agent is applied. Depending on the agent used, it may be washed off or left on the skin. The procedure is usually around 30-40 minutes.

  • The provider cleanses the skin and, if necessary, applies a topical anesthetic to the treatment area.
  • The provider then applies the chemical peel solution. Solution is formulated according to each patient’s specific needs and goals. As the chemical peel is applied it is common for the patient to feel a tingling or stinging sensation.
  • After the skin peel solution has been on the skin for the prescribed amount of time, it is washed off with water. A soothing ointment is then applied; a thick coating of petroleum jelly is often used after deep chemical peels.
  • Depending on your skin condition and the strength of the chemical peel, multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve the desired results.

What happens after treatment?

An aggressive resurfacing of the skin in a single peel or series, for maximum skin rejuvenation. Immediately after the peel your skin may appear frosted and/or sunburned, with the potential for increased redness over several hours. Your skin may feel dry and tight; you may experience a mild itching in the treated area during the first 24 hours. Your skin may darken in color by day 2; you may continue to experience mild itching,
tightness and dry skin until sloughing and peeling occurs. Skin sloughing and peeling is likely to occur by day 2-3.
Once peeling has begun it can continue for an additional 2-4 days. Skin peeling commonly begins in the
peri-oral area and continues to the outer perimeter of the face. DO NOT SCRUB, PICK OR PULL PEELING SKIN.

What are the counter-indications to chemical peels?

Chemical peels should be avoided if any of the following conditions are present:

  • Active cold sores, herpes simplex or warts in the area to be treated
  • Wounded, sunburned or excessively sensitive skin
  • Accutane use within the last year
  • History of recent chemotherapy or radiation therapy
  • Allergies to aspirin
  • Women who are pregnant or actively breastfeeding
  • Patients with Vitiligo
    Patients with a history of autoimmune disease (such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, etc) or any condition that may weaken their immune system

Post-Care Instructions:

    Day 1 – Day 7
    • Avoid washing your face or applying makeup for a minimum of 4 hours after the peel.
    • Avoid exercise or vigorous physical activity.
    • Discontinue use of resurfacing products, abrasives, or facial brushes.
    • Use a gentle cleanser such as Age Intervention Gentle Cleanser.
    • Apply a post-procedure barrier protection product such as Marini BioShield.
    • Apply Daily Face Protectant SPF 33 or Marini Physical Protectant SPF 45 daily and reapply as needed…..AVOID SUN EXPOSURE.
    Day 8 & Beyond
    • Continue with the recommended home care program that supports the results of your peel and skin care goals.
    • Re-introduce resurfacing products, abrasives or facial brushes slowly.
    • If your skin becomes red or sensitive, wait to re-introduce these back into your home care regimen.
    • Re-introduce accelerator - Retinol Plus / MD, Marini Luminate Face Lotion/MD or Duality/MD.
    • Apply Daily Face Protectant SPF 33 or Marini Physical Protectant SPF 45 daily
      and reapply as needed……AVOID SUN EXPOSURE.