Pre & Post Treatment Care

Proper pre-treatment care is essential to ensure safe treatment, even peeling, and optimal results.

2–4 Weeks Before Treatment

• Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanners
• Use broad-spectrum SPF 30–50 daily
• Discontinue retinoids, retinol, tretinoin, adapalene
• Stop using exfoliating acids (glycolic, salicylic, lactic), scrubs, and harsh active products
• Avoid waxing, threading, or depilatory creams in the treatment area (Shaving is okay)

2 Weeks Before Treatment

• Avoid chemical peels, microneedling, laser, or IPL treatments
• Notify your provider of any new medications or recent skin treatments
• If you have a history of cold sores, antiviral medication may be prescribed — take as directed

1 Week Before Treatment

• Avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen) unless directed by your physician
• Avoid alcohol and smoking/vaping, as these may impair healing
• Keep skincare simple and gentle (cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen only)

24–48 Hours Before Treatment

• Avoid strenuous exercise
• Do not apply makeup, lotions, or active products to the treatment area
• Ensure skin is healthy and intact (no rashes, infections, open wounds, or sunburn)

Day of Treatment

• Arrive with clean skin — no makeup, sunscreen, oils, or lotions
• Inform your provider of:
  • Recent sun exposure
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • History of cold sores
  • Any changes to medications (especially accutane use within the last 6 months) or skin condition

Important Notes

• Peels are not safe on tanned or sunburned skin
• Treatment may be postponed if skin is irritated or compromised
• Downtime and peeling vary by peel type and individual response

Contraindications

• Retinoids, AHA, BHA, etc.
• Open wounds
• Nursing or pregnancy
• Allergies to ingredients (Aspirin)
• Accutane
• Acne medication
• Antibiotics

Thank you for choosing MD Esthetics for your chemical peel treatment. The following post-care instructions are designed to support proper healing and optimize your results.
All chemical peels at MD Esthetics are medical procedures performed in accordance with state regulations and under the oversight of our Medical Director.

After Your Appointment

• The treated skin will appear red, tight, and warm, similar to a sunburn.
• Do not wash the treated area for the first 12–24 hours, unless otherwise instructed.
• Apply only the post-procedure products provided or approved by your provider.
• Avoid touching, rubbing, or picking at the skin.
• Sleep with your head elevated for the first few nights, if possible.

Please Avoid

For the first 24–48 hours:

• Washing the face unless specifically directed
• Makeup or tinted products
• Strenuous exercise, sweating, or activities that increase heat
• Alcohol consumption
• Direct sun exposure

For 7–10 days (or until fully healed):

• Retinoids, exfoliants, acids, benzoyl peroxide, or active skincare products
• Facial treatments, waxing, threading, or hair removal in the treated area
• Swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas, or steam rooms

Peeling & Healing Expectations

• Peeling typically begins within 2–4 days after treatment
• Skin may darken, crack, or lift before shedding naturally
• Do not peel, pick, or exfoliate flaking skin
• Healing usually takes 7–14 days, depending on depth and individual response

Allow peeling to occur naturally to reduce the risk of scarring or pigmentation changes.

Sun Protection Is Critical

• Avoid sun exposure during the healing phase
• Once the skin has re-epithelialized, apply a broad-spectrum mineral SPF 30 orhigher daily
• Wear hats and protective clothing when outdoors

Failure to protect treated skin from the sun may result in pigmentation changes.

What to Expect

• Redness may persist for several weeks after peeling
• Skin texture and tone improve gradually over time
• Multiple treatments may be recommended depending on goals

Individual results vary based on skin type, peel depth, and adherence to post-care instructions.

Please contact the office promptly if you experience:

• Severe pain, swelling, or redness
• Yellow discharge, crusting, or fever
• Persistent oozing or bleeding
• Blistering or signs of infection
• Any symptoms that feel unusual or concerning

Follow-Up & Maintenance

• Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor healing
• Maintenance treatments will be discussed once the skin has fully recovered

Medical & Regulatory Disclosure

Chemical peels are medical procedures performed by licensed medical professionals in compliance with state Board of Registration in Medicine and Board of Registration in Nursing standards, and under the supervision of a Medical Director. This post-care sheet is not a substitute for medical advice. Always follow the individualized instructions provided by your treating clinician.

Questions or Concerns

If you have questions or concerns at any time, please call or text the office. Your safety, healing, and results are our priority.