Whether you perform a chemical acid peel at home or have it done in a dermatologist’s office, you will need to do some skin preparation before the treatment, and there will be some aftercare required also. There are also a few tips for how you can make the process easier during the treatment included.
Before a chemical peel:
Well before the time you are scheduled to have the peel done, or are planning to do it yourself, you should perform a spot test. If you are having the procedure performed by someone else, that person will probably tell you when to come in for the spot test, or the test may be done a little while before, but on the same day as, the treatment.
It may be best, however, to allow for a sufficient period of time between the spot test and the actual treatment to elapse so that the test area can heal completely. This is because the same solution, diluted to the strength that is considered best for your skin type, will be used both for the test and the actual treatment. If the patch test is done beforehand, this leaves enough time to change the dilution of the solution, especially if the test reveals that the original strength used was too strong.
Approximately two to three weeks before acid peels are done, either at home or in a medical office, all cleansers and other skin care products which contain exfoliating ingredients should be discontinued. This includes exfoliating pads, brushes, or other applicators. Instead, a skin product that contains no more than 8% alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) should be applied to the skin. By doing this, you will actually start the exfoliation process that the chemical acid peel will complete.
Immediately before the treatment is performed, wash your face with a mild cleanser. Again, no exfoliates should be used. Rinse your face well with cool water, and pat it dry. Then, take a cotton ball soaked in alcohol (you can also use a small piece of alcohol-soaked gauze such as the kind used to prepare the skin for an injection) and apply the alcohol to your entire facial area. Avoid getting cleansers or alcohol into your eyes.
After you have used the alcohol, and if you wish to do so, you can apply a thin film of petroleum jelly around your eye area. This will prevent the chemical peel solution from getting too close to your eyes, where it can cause severe damage if it should get into them.
If you are doing your own treatment, wait until you have completed all the “prep” work that needed to be done immediately before the treatment to mix and dilute. Follow the instructions EXACTLY and carefully.
During the chemical acid peel treatment:
As the treatment solution is applied, you will almost immediately notice a stinging or burning sensation. This is normal, and will most likely get a little worse, especially right before you are ready to remove the solution. Depending on the strength of the solution, your pain threshold, and the condition of your skin before you started the treatment, this pain may range from very mild to fairly uncomfortable.
During the time it takes for the solution to dry (or “frost” as it is sometimes called) the stinging and burning may increase and subside, or it may build to a certain level and stay there until you remove the solution. AFTER the solution has completely dried on its own, and you are waiting the additional few minutes before you remove the solution (if that is what your instructions say to do) you can use something to fan your face or you can have a fan or other cooling unit GENTLY blow COOL (not freezing cold) air onto your face. This will make this part of the treatment process more tolerable.
If the procedure is being done in a medical office, most likely someone will be glad to fan your face for you, or to provide a fan or other cooling unit to blow on your face. Don’t be afraid to ask.
If you are doing the treatment yourself, and you notice the burning or stinging is becoming too severe, or if you notice swelling or signs of extreme irritation, immediately follow the directions for removing the solution. Do NOT wait to see if it subsides; you can permanently damage your skin if you do so. After you have removed the solution, if the pain or irritation does not subside, or if either one worsens, seek medical attention immediately.
If you are in a medical office, tell whoever is performing or assisting in the treatment that you feel you are having difficulties. They will do what is necessary to remove the solution and calm the burning or irritation.
After acid peels:
The first thing you will notice is a darkening and reddening of your skin. This is normal; it proves the chemical acid peel is working. For about the first week afterward, you may see the darkening increase, and you will experience a lot of peeling and sloughing off of the skin.
Follow the instructions given in the treatment kit that you used yourself, or that your dermatologist gave you carefully during this time to avoid skin infections. These instructions may include applying a triple-antibiotic ointment to your entire face a few times a day, as well as instructions or how to clean your skin during this initial stage of healing.
As your skin continues to heal, it is very important to keep it moisturized. Use a mild moisturizer for this.
You will also want to use a sunscreen product—not a product that contains sunscreen, but an actual sunscreen product such as you would use if you were going to be tanning—for at least the first two weeks. Afterward, anything you put on your face should contain at least 15 SPF. This includes moisturizers and facial make-up, which you can begin using approximately two weeks after the treatment.
While your skin is healing, keep your hands away from it. Do not pick or pull at loose skin; allow it to come off on its own or each time you perform your cleansing routine, which for the first few weeks, will be a very gentle one. You will use only your fingertips to apply a very mild cleanser, will rinse it off gently, and blot, not rub, the skin dry.