DERMALOGICA – PRO CONCERNS

Chemical peels remain the most popular treatments among our clients, and for good reason: they are quick, easy, affordable, and provide immediate gratification! With a variety of acid types and strengths, chemical peels are an effective way to treat almost every skin issue from breakouts to photodamage by dissolving the proteins that hold together skin cells, accelerating cell turnover, and boosting collagen.

PRE-TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

To avoid unwanted irritation and side effects, and to maximize the benefits of your treatment, you must prepare your skin beforehand.

• Don’t exfoliate. Since a chemical peel is an in-depth exfoliation, it’s important that you don’t exfoliate for at least 1 week before your appointment. In addition, watch out for ingredients in your daily skin care products that may have an exfoliating effect. If you use such products prior to your treatment, you could cause damage to your skin by over exfoliation and sensitivity.
• Refrain from using make-up.You want as little dirt on your face as possible before your peel, so take a break from wearing makeup for a few days before your treatment and let your skin detox!
• Avoid the sun. Most chemical peels respond better to skin that isn’t skin-damaged, so make an effort to avoid the sun as much as possible prior to your treatment, and if you are outside, make sure to wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunblock (at least SPF 30).
• Stay hydrated. Your skin should be well-hydrated on the day of your chemical peel. Make sure you stop using any products that dry out your skin a few days prior to your appointment, and remember to drink lots of water.

POST TREATMENT ADVICE

After your peel, what you do and don’t do can dramatically enhance your results. Even though many peels don’t have any visible downtime, you still want to treat your skin gently over the next few days. Here are our post-peel guidelines for getting the most out of your treatment.

• Your cleanser should be mild, soap-free and gentle to remove impurities without disturbing the skin barrier during healing. Dermalogica’s UltraCalming™ Cleanser contains calming Bisabolol, Oat Kernel Extract, and Cucumber extract to soothe freshly peeled skin.
• Use cool water when rinsing and avoid hot water on the face when showering for the first few days. Heat could exacerbate irritation, so we also recommend not sweating or doing heavy exercise the first few days after a peel.
• Also avoid using anything abrasive like washcloths, scrubs, and cleansing brushes for 5 to 7 days after your peel.
• Keeping your skin hydrated is essential post-treatment, but we also want to soothe inflammation while simultaneously nourishing with antioxidants. If you are on the drier side, go with the velvety Barrier Repair moisturizer. It contains anti-irritants like Oat and botanical actives plus Vitamins C & E.
• If you have oily skin, try the UltraCalming™ Serum Concentrate. It has an array of anti-irritants like the Barrier Repair, but in a lighter texture. If your skin is feeling parched at any time during the day, it’s easy to want to over moisturize, but instead, spritz on the UltraCalming™ Mist to immediately minimize any discomfort. Try stashing it in the fridge for an even more refreshing treat.
• Avoid using retinoids, topical acne medication, and Alpha/Beta Hydroxy Acids for 5 to 7 days after your peel because they can disrupt the healing process.
• Protecting your skin from the sun should already be part of your daily regimen, but post-peel it’s non-negotiable. Switch to a chemical-free sunscreen that is formulated specifically for sensitized skin using only natural UV protectors like Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. Dermalogica’s SPF’s are loaded with antioxidants and botanicals to protect your skin. Over the next week, keep your face out of direct sun, seek shade, and find a cute hat in the summer!