Post-Peel Care for John Di Saia MD's Patients

For Light Chemical Peels

These peels cause partial to complete loss of the epidermis (superficial layer of the skin) depending upon the strength and time / method of application. The deeper dermis is only minimally affected in most cases.

BEFORE:

- Stop Retin A 3-4 days before the peel.
- Stop Self-Tanners 1-2 weeks before the peel.
- Stop the use of coarse abrasives (Loofah, etc) 3-4 days before the peel.

POST PEEL CARE:

Expect flaking to thin sheets of the superficial skin to come off in the first 2-4 days. The underlying tissue may turn slightly darker or redder than the adjoining skin. Some areas will peel more than others. The skin will be "hungry" for moisture as it heals over the first week or so. Apply liberal amounts of a water-based moisturizer without glycolic, salicyclic or lactic acid (such as Curel, Eucerin, or Kinerase) for this period. The skin should always be moist as if you just stepped out of the shower. At night, you can use small amounts of a petroleum-based moisturizer (such as Aquaphor or Vaseline). These more intensive moisturizers can also be used when the skin feels too dry with the water-based formulations. Be careful to not use too much as it can plug pores and cause acne. Stay out of the sun. During the day, try to use a moisturizer with SPF 15 or better sunscreen in it. These may sting a bit when first applied as the sunscreen may tingle on the skin. Stop these products if the stinging doesn't fade after a few minutes. Call the office if a rash develops with any skin care products. Showers are OK from the day after these peels. Just let the water run over your face and pat yourself dry. You may use a mild cleanser again without acid content. After a few days, a light acid content (less than 2%) is generally OK. No scrubbing. Then apply the moisturizer after you have dried off. Retin A can be used after the skin has healed completely after the peel (usually in 1-2 weeks).

For those who have asked, below are some better grade skin care products. Eucerin and Aquaphor get adequate results. These are for those that want better.

A Few Product Recommendations Available Online

PRODUCT	DESCRIPTION	USE	QUALITY
Kinerase Gentle Daily Cleanser	A nice cleanser from the makers of Kinerase. Good for cleaning the peeled skin after a day or two.	Skin Cleanser	High
Kinerase Lotion - Intro Size 1.4 fl. oz.	This water-based conditioner is ideal as a post-peel moisturizer.	Hydrator	High
DDF Moisturizing Photo-Age Sunscreen, SPF 30	A great protective sunscreen with a light moisturizer.	Moisturizer/Sun Screen	High
DDF Fade Gel 4	A very nice fade gel from DDF for pigmented skin and sun spots.	Pigment Fading Gel	High

Please note that this information (as well as that on all my pages) is offered freely to individuals considering cosmetic surgery. No rights are granted and it is not to be reprinted or copied without the author's prior written consent. Understand that some of the information presented may be a matter of professional opinion. Although efforts have been made to assure accuracy, no guarantees are expressed or implied.