TAKING CARE OF A PEEL
The most important concept in healing from this type of peel is to allow the old chemically burnt skin to stay in place as a bandage as long as possible. Anything that promotes premature peeling of this skin will increase the chance of complications.
It is extremely important that you do not scratch, pull or rub your skin during your peel. If you do, you may damage the underlying new skin and cause changes in your pigmentation or scarring. If, despite these warnings, you pick or rub your skin, you may ruin your peel.
Please realize that these warnings are for your protection. If you have any questions or do not understand the directions, always call the office before you do anything at (949) 646-7546.
DAILY ROUTINE SKIN CARE
- Gently cleanse skin with a gentle cleanser twice a day. DO NOT SCRUB. Lather the cleanser in your hands and gently pat it onto your face, then splash with lukewarm water on the face to rinse off the cleanser. Dry your skin by gently patting.
- Gently apply a thin layer of Vaseline or Aquaphor to area. DO NOT RUB. You may use the ointment as often as necessary to keep your skin from getting dry or cracked. Do not let your skin dry out as it will pull on the new tissue underneath and may cause red irritated areas. You may need to apply the ointment as many as five times a day.
- Use a soft cloth to apply cold compress for comfort. You may add one tablespoon of plain white vinegar in a bowl of ice water for cold compresses. Again, DO NOT RUB.
- If you are experiencing itching in the peeled area, you may apply a mild hydrocortisone cream to help decrease the itching. This can be applied on top of the ointment.
- Do not use any other facial products, including your normal facial products, during your peel. You can easily react to many of your normal products due to the skin's increased sensitivity.
- Avoid any vigorous exercise both to avoid sweating in the peeled area and unnecessary sun exposure. A leisurely walk in the early morning or late evening while wearing a broad rimmed hat is okay.
- Do not expose the treated area to sunlight at all during the time of the peel. Remember, UVA (i.e. tanning rays) goes through glass so it is necessary to avoid exposure to direct light even through glass when healing from a peel. You will need to avoid sunlight for two to three months after the peel as it may feel hot and uncomfortable and can create dark blotches on your new skin.
- Try to sleep on your back to avoid rubbing your face into the pillow and peeling prematurely.
- You may have some swelling during the first two to three days of your peel, particularly around your eyes. Elevate your head as this will decrease the swelling. Do not let the shower beat on the peeled skin. When you wash our hair, wash it with your head tilted back in the shower after ointment has been applied to your face.
- Avoid other activities that excessively stretch the skin (i.e. hearty laughter, eating a large sandwich, or going to the dentist) may cause premature peeling of the skin and may lead to formation of scars. You are welcome to leave the house as long as you do not sweat, exercise heavily, go in the sun, or excessively move your facial muscles.
- If any antiobiotics or antiviral medications are prescribed for you, please take them as directed.