Your face will be thoroughly washed and prepped before the application of the chemical peel. Sensitive areas such as the corners of your eyes, lips and nose will be protected from the peel with an ointment.

The peel is applied and left on your skin for approximately 8-10 minutes for each layer. The number of layers applied will be depend on the desired depth of the chemical peel and your skin’s reaction. The person applying your peel will watch carefully for the desired end point.

The peel application is usually accompanied by tingling and warmth in the treated areas. It is common that, one area may respond more vigorously than another. A fan is typically enough to mitigate discomfort in the peel. The discomfort is short-lived as the sensation starts to reduce and disappear within a few minutes.

If you are looking to achieve a certain result, multiple sessions may be required. It’s advised that you wait a minimum of 30 days between chemical peels to allow your skin to fully heal. Specific protocols will be dependent on individual evaluations.

• Hydrate: for seven days prior, moisturize your skin in the morning & evening.
• Be gentle on your skin. As you prepare for a chemical peel, you will need to refrain from waxing your skin or using chemical depilatory (hair removal) treatments for at least 7 days before treatment.
• Stop all topical acids (like glycolic, alpha, or beta hydroxyl acids), retinol, Retin-A, or other like products 7 days prior to treatment.
• Refrain from any other chemical peels. In the two weeks leading up to a chemical peel, it is imperative that you refrain from having any other chemical peel treatments. If it has been less than two weeks since your last chemical peel, you should wait until at least 14 days have passed.
• Avoid microdermabrasion treatments. Microdermabrasion treatments work similar to chemical peels, except this treatment uses a gentle abrasive tool to peel off the outer layer of skin. If you are planning on having a chemical peel performed, you should avoid having a microdermabrasion treatment for at least 14 days before the procedure.
• Avoid tanning beds or prolonged exposure to the sun 14 days prior to treatment.  Always use a zinc oxide sunscreen with SPF 30+.
• Avoid self-tanning topical products for two weeks before your chemical peel
• Avoid cosmetic treatments within two weeks of your peel such as neurotoxins, fillers, resurfacing treatments, lasers.
• Take antiviral medication as needed. Some people preparing for a chemical peel will not need to take antiviral medication. However, if you have a history of herpes infections on or around your mouth, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication for you to take before and after the treatment.

• Pregnancy or nursing
• Allergic to resorcinol
• Allergies to salicylic acids
• Increased convulsive
• Serious problems with internal organs and the cardiovascular system
• A history of diseases stimulated, such as recurrent Herpes Simplex in the treatment area or active facial or oral herpes infection
• History of drugs with photosensitizing potential
• Facial cancers, especially facial melanoma
• Any active condition in the treatment area, such as sores, psoriasis, eczema and rash as well as excessively/freshly tanned skin
• History of skin disorders such as keloid scarring, abnormal wound healing, as well as very dry and fragile skin
• Any medical condition that might impair skin healing
• Any surgical, invasive, ablative procedure in the treatment area in the last 3 months or before complete healing
• Cosmetic treatments including neurotoxins, filler, threads, Sculptra will need to be evaluated for possible contraindications or risks.
• Use of Isotretinoin (Accutane®) within 6 months prior to treatment due to the increased risk of scaring
• Currently taking antibiotics
• Any surgical procedure in the treatment area within the last three months or before complete healing.
• Treating over tattoo or permanent makeup.
• Excessively tanned skin from sun, tanning beds or tanning creams and sprays within the last two weeks.
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Uncooperative patient (patient is careless about sun exposure or application of medicine)
• Patient with unrealistic expectations

Immediately after your peel, your face will appear red and a little frosty. Often people describe the appearance as “looking a bit burnt.” The redness subsides by the next day and your skin will start to feel a little tight. Your skin will start to shed from day 3-4 and shedding can last up to 7-10 days.

Some rules to follow:

• Do not exercise/use saunas/use jacuzzi or sweating until the skin is fully healed.
• Avoid direct UV exposure (sunbathing and tanning) for at least 4 weeks after your peel. Something to consider if you have holidays planned. Stay out of direct sunlight until the skin is completely healed.
• Avoid the use of abrasive or exfoliation sponges and scrubs. Wash your face using cool water and the Gentle Cream Cleanser. Gently pat your skin dry afterwards.
• Do not pick or pull at your shedding skin, this can lead to pigmentation. It is recommended that the skin be left to shed on its own. To remove large pieces of hanging skin you may opt to use a clean, small cuticle scissor to trim the exfoliating skin.
• Do not use any active ingredients until your skin has stopped shedding for 7 consecutive days
• Apply SPF religiously, you don’t want to do more damage.
• Do not book any cosmetic treatments for at least 2 weeks post-treatment.
• Keep your face moisturized and reach out to your practitioner if you are concerned about any adverse effects. Moisturize the treated area intensively until dryness is gone.
• Remedy Gel can be used to minimize redness or itching.
• Dark spots can appear darker during the peeling process. Inform the office if you have any persistent redness or brown discoloration three weeks (21 days) after the peel.
• Do not use Retin-A for one month after your peel.
• Do not have laser hair removal in the treated area for at least one month (30 days) after the peel.
• Do not wax or pluck the treated area for two weeks (14 days).
• You may start wearing make up the day after your peel has healed.

After 24 Hours the post care skincare routine may be initiated:

1. Wash skin with the Gentle Cream Cleanser with cool water. Avoid using towels or abrasive scrubbing cleansing cloths. Pat dry once rinsed with cool water.
2. Tone skin with the Calming Flower Mist.
3. Apply post care safe serums after toning options include: Phyto Calm Aloe Drops, EGF Drops, Antistress CBD, HA Revive Hydrator Dops or Daily Hydration Drops.For excessive itching or redness the Remedy Gel is recommended.
4. Moisturize with the Phyto Calm Hydrator or Vita E Moisturizing Cream.For additional moisturizing, apply a thin coat of Barrier Balm over areas where skin may have excessive dryness, irritation. A small (rice grain) amount of Barrier Balm may mixed in with post care moisturizer as well for an overall boost in moisturizing.
5. Apply SPF of 30 or higher 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply often or as needed.

Additional advisories:

• Expected downtime can vary depending on treatment settings and may range between 1-10 days. The expected healing sequence and expected treatment side effects include redness, swelling, light discomfort, and skin peeling.
• During the healing process keeping the items in contact with treatment areas clean. This may include: clean pillow cases, linens, wiping down cell phones  or any accessories coming in contact with treated skin.
• Avoid washcloths and harsh cleansers until all transient healing processes have resolved naturally.
• Avoid excessive sun exposure in the treatment area and use sunscreen (SPF 30+) for one month following the procedure.
• Contact the office if you have any concerns about how your skin is responding to treatment or is healing.
• Makeup should be resumed once skin has healed.

Though most people seek the TCA peel to refresh, smooth, and brighten skin on the face, it can be used on other parts of the body as well, such as the neck, chest, back, arms, legs and hands.

TCA peel can significantly improve the appearance and health of the skin by effectively removing the layers of aged and damaged skin from the face or other parts of the body. After these dead skin cells are shed, the skin rejuvenates itself by replacing healthier new cells. This process promotes skin resurfacing and generates tighter, fresh, and youthful skin.