Candidates for Chemical Peel
Choosing the right chemical peel is important. What peel is best for you depends on the condition you hope to address. It also depends on your skin type. Dr. Foulad custom formulates each chemical peel to fit the needs of each patient. His selection is based on your individual skin goals and concerns.
Patients with darker skin or melasma may not be appropriate candidates for stronger chemical peels. Medical grade chemical peels should be avoided if pregnant or lactating and if you have taken isotretinoin (such as Accutane) within 6 months. If you have an allergy to Aspirin, you should avoid salicylic acid peels. Chemical peels should also be avoided if you have had significant sun exposure or have active facial sores, rash, inflamed skin, or infection.
Different Types of Chemical Peels
Superficial chemical peels are among the mildest in the category of chemical peels. These peels only penetrate and affect the outer layer of your skin. They are ideal for first-timers and patients with delicate skin. They are often referred to as “the lunchtime peel”. This is because they are quick and there is little to no downtime. These relatively gentle peels are excellent exfoliators. With repeated use, they can smooth skin texture, reduce blemishes, diminish fine lines, and increase collagen. They can also lighten pigmentation irregularities (such as with sun spots and melasma) and treat acne.
Our most common superficial chemical peels include the use of glycolic acid (30% to 50%), salicylic acid (20% to 30%), and Jessner’s solution.
Medium depth chemical peels provide an advanced non-surgical solution to improve the appearance of your skin. They are great for those battling fine lines, sun damage, uneven pigmentation, acne and acne scars, and various color irregularities. These peels boost the production of collagen in your skin. They improve the texture and tone of your skin. They reveal a smooth, fresh layer of skin which enhances the overall brightness and radiance of your complexion. Although applied in the same way, medium depth chemical peels provide more powerful results than lighter peels. However, they require a longer healing period.
Our most common medium depth chemical peel includes a TCA solution in combination with other formulations such as Jessner’s solution.
How Chemical Peel is Performed
All make up must be removed before the peel. If you arrive with makeup, we can provide a gentle cleanser for washing. Contacts must be removed from your eyes before the peel. Your face will be prepped and degreased. The chemical peel will be applied to your face and usually maintained for several minutes. You will likely notice a mild to moderate burning or stinging sensation. Based on various factors, Dr. Foulad will determine the number of layers and duration of time to apply the peel. You may be provided a fan to help soothe your skin. At the appropriate timing, the chemical peel will be neutralized and/or cleansed from your face. A soothing ointment will be applied to your face following the completion of your treatment.
How to Prepare for Chemical Peel
Although priming the skin is commonly used for medium and deep peels to help reduce complication and improve results, priming is usually not necessary for superficial chemical peels. Priming the skin involves using topical tretinoin, hydroquinone, and/or a light acid starting about 1 month before the peel and stopping 3 to 7 days before the peel. Dr. Foulad will review priming with you if necessary for your individual case.
Starting 1 month before the peel, try to avoid sun exposure and use a sunscreen when outside. Starting 1-2 weeks before the peel, avoid waxing, electrolysis, depilatory creams, laser hair removal and skin care products that contain acids (such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, etc.). Starting 3-10 days before the peel (depending on the type of peel), discontinue using skin care products that contain retinoids (such as retinol, tretinoin, Retin-A, Differin, Tazorac, etc). Also avoid facial masks, hair dyes, rough sponges, and any harsh or drying topicals. Starting 3 days before the peel, discontinue skin care products that contain active ingredients such as Vitamin C (and other anti-oxidants) and benzoyl peroxide. On the day of your chemical peel please do not shave or wear contact lenses to your appointment.
Please notify Dr. Foulad if you have a history of cold sores, as you may be recommended additional pre-treatment. Patients who have had recent cosmetic procedures such as laser treatments, cosmetic fillers or other surgical procedures should wait until skin sensitivity has completely resolved before receiving a peel. Please discuss with Dr. Foulad to determine ideal timing.
We are conveniently located to serve Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, & Los Angeles. However, we are available to help with coordinating your stay if you are an Out-of-Town Patient.
What to Expect After Chemical Peel
Following the peel, a gentle facial cleanser should be used to wash your face for the next week. You may start using make-up the day after your peel. For 1-2 weeks after the peel (depending on the peel), avoid scrubs, exfoliants, waxing, dermabrasion, electrolysis, depilatory creams, and laser hair removal. For 3-14 days after the peel, avoid topicals that include retinoids (such as retinol, tretinoin, Retin-A, Differin, Tazorac, etc), acids (such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, etc) and benzoyl peroxide. Also avoid facial masks, hair dyes, and any harsh or drying topicals.
Avoid picking at peeling or flaking skin. Avoid sun exposure for at least 2 months after your peel. If you must be out in the sun for brief periods, apply a physical sunscreen, stay covered with a wide brimmed hat, and seek shade when possible.
A gentle hydrating moisturizer should be applied twice a day or as often as necessary to relieve dryness.
CHEMICAL PEEL faq
How many chemical peel treatments will I need?
Treatment plans can range from a single treatment to a series of treatments depending on your goals and the type of peel performed.
Superficial chemical are more commonly recommended to be performed as a series of treatments. Superficial chemical peels can typically be repeated as early as every 3 to 4 weeks. Medium depth chemical peels you may repeat after 3-6 months if necessary. Dr. Foulad will determine the best timing for your individual case.
Is there downtime after a chemical peel?
There is typically minimal downtime following a superficial chemical peel. After a superficial chemical peel you may have mild skin redness. Although you may develop mild peeling or flaking after several days, it is also not uncommon to have no peeling at all. The amount of peeling depends on the quality of your skin, the use of prior skin care products, and the formulation of the peel. Although you may not have visible peeling, you are still receiving the benefits of the chemical peel. If the peel was performed for acne control, there is a possibility that more acne might temporarily be seen due to the clogs in the pores being brought to the surface of the skin.
After the medium depth peel, you will have skin redness and mild swelling. The swelling may increase over the next couple days. There will be significant peeling and flaking of the skin. It may take up to two weeks for the skin to appear healed.
Do not exercise or wear makeup immediately following your chemical peel. You may resume regular activities the next day per your comfort. Direct sun exposure should be avoided for at least 2 months after your chemical peel treatment.
How long does the chemical peel procedure take?
Chemical peels take about 10-30 minutes to perform on average.
