Q: Why should I consider a chemical peel?
A: A chemical peel encourages cell turnover. Like a young child, whose cells are turning over quickly, the skin is constantly changing over, making the skin dewy, fresh, hydrated.

A great way to rejuvenate the skin through this cell turnover is with a chemical peel. A chemical peel can be applied to your face and decollete to help improve:

• Skin tone and texture
• Pigment
• Acne
• Scarring

Q: Does it hurt?
A: There is mild discomfort with a chemical peel, including warmth, moderate burning, and itching, which subsides or ends a few minutes later.

Q: What should I expect?
A: Peels can range from gentle to more aggressive. We offer a glycolic peel that will cause no obvious peeling. We also offer VI Peel which can create 3-6 days of peeling.
Depending on the type of peel we recommend for you, you may experience:

Q: What should I be aware of?
A: All peels are different, and react differently to people’s individual systems.

• Melanin: If you are a Fitzpatrick V-VI (what Fitzpatrick am I?), ask lots of questions about the peel and its appropriateness for your skin. Because people with Fitzpatrick V-VI skin types have more melanin in their skin, peels can also cause hypo pigmentation, where the skin loses its pigment. This is almost irreversible. We also do a test on your skin to check for allergies and skin sensitivity.
• Rosacea: Depending on the peel and the severity of your rosacea, we will recommend a peel, or determine if you should skip the peel.

Q: How should I treat my skin after a peel?
A: Because every peel is different, we will give you specific instructions to follow for your skin post peel. In general

• You can gently wash your face before bedtime the day of your peel.
• Apply moisturizer as often as necessary for dryness.
• Apply sunscreen daily.
• DO NOT pick or pull skin. Allow skin to peel at its own pace. Premature peeling may lead to hyperpigmentation.
• AVOID rubbing the skin.

Q: How often can I get peels?
A: If the peel isn’t too aggressive, you can get peels appx. every 4 weeks. Consult with your provider for the best program for your skin. Remember the effect of the peels is cumulative with time.

Q: What do I need to know about sun exposure after a peel?
A: During and immediately after your peel, your skin will be very susceptible to sunburn. Sun is also the biggest contributor to skin aging. Be extra vigilant about avoiding sun, and wearing a sunscreen containing Zinc oxide and Titanium oxide, with an SPF of 30 or more for at least a week after your peel. We recommend keeping up the sunscreen, even afterwards!

Always call us immediately if you have questions or any reactions after your peel, such as:

• Moderate to severe swelling, burning or redness.
• Itching that doesn’t subside or stop after applying moisturizer.
• Rash-like spots on skin.
• Pain.