Can I get a chemical peel?

If you have never had a peel before, your esthetician will patch test your skin in a discreet location beneath your jaw or behind your ear prior to your first peel to minimize risk of adverse reactions. Please monitor the area for the following 24 - 48 hours for any of the following: blistering, hives (urticaria) or raised welts, severe burning or itching, significant swelling, darkening or discoloration of the patch area, rash spreading beyond the test area. Any of these reactions will indicate that your skin is not suited for the selected peel.

You can fill out your patch test completion form here.

If you have had a light to medium depth peel before and would like to waive the patch test, you can fill out this form here.

• Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning beds for at least 7 days before treatment.
• Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30–50 daily and reapply when outdoors.
• Discontinue retinoids/vitamin A products for 5–7 days prior.
• Stop using exfoliating products including: AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHAs (salicylic acid), scrubs or physical exfoliants, enzymatic exfoliants (Stop 5-7 days before treatment unless otherwise instructed.)
• Avoid waxing, sugaring, threading, dermaplaning, or laser treatments on the treatment area for 7 days prior.
• Do not use self-tanners for 5–7 days before treatment.
• Avoid new skincare products the week before your peel to reduce the risk of irritation.

Peel cannot be performed if you have any of the following: Active cold sores (herpes simplex outbreak), Open wounds, cuts, or skin infections (bacterial, fungal, viral), Severe acne or irritated/inflamed/compromised skin barrier, eczema flare on the treatment area, Sunburn, Accutane within the past 6–12 months, allergy to peel ingredients (e.g., aspirin for salicylic acid, milk for lactic acid if severe.), current cancer treatment: chemotherapy, radiation.

Pre-care for those with increased risk of hyperpigmentation:

• Avoid excessive sun exposure before your peel. Daily sunscreen is especially important.
• Your esthetician may recommend pigment-suppressing products such as Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Azelaic acid, Tyrosinase inhibitors (such as hydroquinone). Follow any pre-conditioning regimen recommended by your esthetician.

Follow carefully for optimal healing and results.

• Do not pick, peel, scratch, or exfoliate the skin while it is shedding. Redness may last for 1-5 days for lighter peels and up to 3-14 days for medium depth peels.
• Avoid heat and sweating for 24–48 hours, including: saunas, steam rooms, hot yoga, intense workouts
• Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 7 days.
• Apply gentle broad-spectrum SPF 30–50 daily.
• Keep skin well hydrated using gentle moisturizers without actives (AHAs, BHAs.)
• Cleanse with a gentle, non-exfoliating cleanser only.
• Avoid retinoids, exfoliating acids, scrubs, and active treatments for at least 7-10 days.
• Avoid facial waxing, lasers, microneedling, or other aggressive treatments for at least 10–14 days.

Redness, dryness, and flaking are normal for several days after treatment, most often lasting 1-5 days for light peels, and up to two weeks for medium depth peels. Contact us if you notice any of the following adverse reactions: blistering, hives (urticaria) or raised welts, severe burning or itching, significant swelling, darkening or discoloration of the patch area, rash spreading beyond the test area. These are extremely unlikely to occur and are often rooted in a previously unknown allergy or sensitivity that should be unveiled during initial patch testing.

Certain medications may increase skin sensitivity to peels, especially those that thin the blood, compromise immunity, or increase photosensitivity. Please be sure to include these on your intake form when booking a peel with your facial. If you book a peel and your esthetician determines that your skin is not suited for one, they will perform an alternate, more effective treatment.