Instructions

Each product comes with full detailed step by step instructions on how to use it properly. Before applying, read accompanying procedure entirely. It is important to note these are directions for a good starting point. Once you become more familiar or comfortable with peels you will adjust the contact time and frequency of the peel based on how your skin reacts towards each type of peel.

Step 1. Cleanse the skin with warm water or a mild cleanser. Repeat. Allow skin to air dry.

Optional: Apply an isopropyl alcohol prep pad to treatment area to degrease the skin and remove any oils, dirt, or impurities. Do not use alcohol prep pad if you have sensitive skin.

Step 2. Initial application: Apply peel using a gauze or cotton pad evenly across treatment area using circular motions. Allow peel to work on the skin for 1 minute or less. Contact time and/or number of layers on subsequent treatments may be increased with tolerance.

Step 3. Begin to stop activity and remove peel by flushing with cool water.
*Chemical peel may be layered to increase penetration and create a deeper exfoliating effect. May repeat treatment once every 1-3 weeks depending on peel strength level, skin sensitivity, and/or tolerance.

Never exceed 5 minutes for any peel, unless instructed by a professional.

Is is highly recommended to prep the skin before a peel. A prep cleanser which includes an exfoliant can be used each day for 3-7 days prior to using the peel. A prep cleanser will prepare the skin for a more even peel by lightly exfoliating the skin and removing the skin cells on the surface so the peel can work on a deeper level. If a prep is not used, the peel can work deeper in some areas then others causing an uneven peel.

You also need to prep or clean your skin appropriately before applying the peel, which includes cleaning the skin. The impurities and oils on the surface can block the penetration of the peel into the skin. Make sure to use a mild cleanser or warm water and wash the skin 1-2 times really well and allow the skin to fully dry before applying the peel. You may also use an alcohol prep pad or toner to more thoroughly remove the oils and dirt if you do not have sensitive skin or if you feel the peel is not penetrating the skin well.

A facial toner functions to remove oil from the surface of the skin to ensure even penetration of the peel. TCA, glycolic and lactic acid peels are water soluble, and do not penetrate well with excess oil on the skin. The toner helps to remove this oil, and any soap residue left on the skin. An alcohol prep pad using isopropyl can also help remove these impurities on the skin even more so. The alcohol can be very sensitizing to the skin, and cause more “stinging” or “redness” than would otherwise be present. It is not recommended for sensitive skin types or if you are trying the peel for the first time. If you think the peel is not penetrating well then it may be appropriate to use.

The recovery time after a chemical peel depends on the type of peel administered, because each type of peel affects the skin to a different degree. Daily-use chemical peels or level 1 peels require virtually no recovery time. Though the skin may be mildly irritated after the peel, patients can return to their daily activities immediately after treatment. Occasionally there will be mild flaking of the skin, visible peeling is not always present, especially in the daily-use and level 1 peels. This depends on skin sensitivity, thickness, pH of peel, type of peel, how often you exfoliate etc.

For medium strength level 3 chemical peels or level 2 peels, you should allow the skin 3-7 days without using any exfoliation products and allow your skin to replenish itself. Visible peel is not always the case, but more often with these compared to level 1 peels. It is important to note that visible peeling is not the only sign the peel is working. Many daily-use and level 1 peels may have little to no visible peeling, but visible signs such as brightened skin, refine texture, smoother skin, improved marks with consistent use can all be noticed with regular use.

After a chemical peel you will notice some tightness and skin dryness after use. This is why it is recommended that you apply a non-irritating hydrating moisturizer to the treated area. The surface skin is being exfoliated, which means the new underlying skin will be more sensitive to the sun. It is necessary to apply a sunscreen of SPF 30+ if you will be outside. Also, your skin is in a recovery stage after losing surface skin cells, and it is important to replenish that skin with nutrients and vitamins afterward. It is also important to not over moisturize as your skin is getting rid of damaged skin cells and constantly applying a moisturizer will delay this process.

Applying sunblock is necessary to achieve optimum results. Real improvement is seen only when you make a commitment to avoid and protect against sun exposure. For some patients remembering to use sunblock is not easy. However, when the skin is exposed to the suns UV rays without proper protection, the risk of hyperpigmentation reoccurring is greater. Hyperpigmentation (“age spots”), wrinkles, fine lines, and pre-mature aging are all caused by sun exposure. 10 minutes under the sun is the recommended daily dose for sun exposure as UV-B rays after penetrating the skin cells, promote Vitamin-D production. We recommended using at minimum of 30 SPF+ and applying it anytime you are out in the sun, especially 1-2 weeks after a peel. The peel will make your skin much more sensitive to the skin after removing those outer layers.

It is always best to apply the chemical peel for the minimum recommended time or less, and continue to monitor your skin closely after applying the peel. If your skin turns white (frosts), you should always wash the peel off quickly. If the skin does produce a frost, it typically means you have penetrated past the epidermis into the dermis, and the skin may darken or turn red before peeling off. Usually the results are very noticeable after a deeper peel has been performed. When using the salicylic peel, the white on the skin is typically not a frost, as micro amounts of salicylic acid stays on the surface as it is exposed to air when the alcohol evaporates, which has the appearance of a frost.

You can control the depth of a chemical peel by adjusting the application time or amount of layers used. You can also use an alcohol prep pad (isopropyl) to clean the skin of excess oils or dirt prior to the peel for a more effective penetration. Since most of our peels have an adjusted pH and are in a gel form you will not experience a frost. The recommended times are good starting points. As your skin sensitivity allows, you can increase the application time. Each time you apply a layer during a treatment, the peel will penetrate a little deeper into the skin until it reaches a certain point. Layers should be used approximately 1-2 minutes apart from each other, and should not exceed 5 layers for any peel.

If you skin does burn and you experience excessive redness or swelling you should apply a good moisturizer, aloe vera or Aquaphor, and Ibuprofen and Tylenol can be used for inflammation. If your skin develops dark patches or a scab is beginning to form, you should use triple antibiotic ointment for 2-3 days followed by Aquaphor or aloe vera for 2-3 days.

Most chemical peels may take between 3-6 minutes from start to finish. First you need to cleanse your skin with warm water or a mild cleanser and allow to dry, this can take 1-2 minutes. After you will apply the peel to the skin for 1-3 minutes and neutralize it with water and follow with a restoring or replenishing cream or lotion. You should allow your skin 2-5 days for the healing/recovery process and 1-2 weeks until starting another peel, depending on what peel and concentration is used.

The deeper Phenol peels can take between 1-2 hours for a complete facial peel performed only by a registered physician or surgeon in an outpatient surgery center, where special precautions would be taken. We do not sell the deeper peels.

First, keep in mind that if you are using a stronger peel or if you have sensitive skin the contact times can be adjusted based off your particular circumstances. The benefits of applying a peel in layers can certainly be enhanced as multiple layers can increase the penetration of the peel and depth. Do not attempt to apply a peel in layers if you have never used the peel before. Layering is for those who have experience using peels and for those who may have become more tolerant of the peel through consistent use.

Step 1: First apply the peel as normal following the instructions. Allow the peel to penetrate the skin for 1 minute.

Step 2: After 1 minute (do not wash off the peel at this stage), apply a second layer to the same exact area in which you applied the first layer and allow it to work on the skin for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: For most people, a second layer is enough. However, if you decide to apply a third or fourth layer, use the same method of 1 minute intervals. Make sure not to leave the peel on longer than the total recommended time.

Step 4: Always make sure to neutralize the peel with water and remove all traces of the peel.

Note: Some peels may not feel like it is burning that bad, such as the lactic peel, until you actually start removing it with water. Then you can begin to tell it was penetrating the skin the entire time. With this is mind, do not leave the peel on for longer periods of time because it does not feel as if it is burning that bad. During any part of the process if you do feel like the peel is burning beyond what you are comfortable with, quickly neutralize the skin by removing it with cool water. Keep in mind layering is more risky and it is easier to burn your skin, so be very cautious when using it in multiple layers. It is recommended you keep a close monitor of your skin throughout the entire peel process.

Many companies sell neutralizers with they're peels, however these are not necessary, and often are somewhat irritating to the skin. Washing the face completely with water is sufficient to neutralize the peel. Water is also considered a base, so its the safest neutralizer for your skin. If you wish to make a neutralizer, you can add baking soda to water to create a thick paste. Apply this to the skin where you applied the peel to neutralize. Then follow by cleansing with water.

You must be very careful when applying around the eyes as this area is very sensitive. I would avoid applying it to this area until you have some understanding of how your skin reacts to the peel. Always apply to the eye area separately from the rest of the face, and only after you know how you respond to the Glycolic, Salicylic, or Lactic acids. In this way you can then better estimate how long you can leave it in the eye area… most likely 30 seconds and then remove it to avoid irritation.

Be very careful to not to get any in your eyes. If this happens wash repeatedly with cool water for 5-7 minutes. We would not recommend using any level 2 peels around the eye area. Do not apply any TCA peel around the eye as it can be more damaging.