Chemical Peel & Microneedling Post-Care

SKIN RESURFACING & REBUILDING POST-CARE INSTRUCTIONS Chemical Peels & Microneedling

• Possible side effects include but are not limited to: mild to extreme redness, temporary tightness, itching, swelling, breakouts, and dryness of the skin similar to a sunburn or windburn. This will usually subside in 2-3 days. A topical steroid prescription may be recommended if the skin is inflamed or irritated.
• Your skin will take about 4 to 14 days to completely peel depending on the strength and depth of the peel or treatment you received. Please do not pick or pull your skin at any time after your treatment, as it can cause scarring.
  • Superficial Peels: You will typically peel for 1 to 7 days
  • Medium to Deep Peels: You will typically peel for 7 to 14 days
• The appearance of your skin will be red and darken during active peeling, depending on the strength of your peel. After peeling has completed, the new skin underneath may appear pink to red in color for several days to weeks as the skin remodels.
• If you had a combination treatment with injectables (fillers, PRP) then your face may feel sore.
• You may have a stamp pattern on your skin from the treatment. This fades as your skin renews and peels.
• Please do not exfoliate using a cleansing brush, any facial scrub or acid based products for 2 weeks (avoid products that contain AHA, BHA, Glycolic, Retin-A, or any acne medication until your skin has finished peeling).
• Avoid working out and sweating for at least 72 hours. If your skin becomes itchy at any time, you may take oral Benadryl.
• It is highly recommended to hydrate well by drinking water.
• Avoid sun exposure as much as possible for 72 hours after treatment. Reapply SPF every 2 hours when exposed to the sun. We highly recommend purchasing a sun shield which provides optimal protection of your vulnerable, healing skin.
• You may GENTLY apply a cold compress to the treated area(s) as needed for any burning or irritation associated with your treatment.
• Days 1-10 post treatment, use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer. Moisturize as many times as needed for your skin to have a sheen at all times, at least 3x per day. Make sure to apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher, on top of your moisturizer. Your skin should never be so dry that it is cracking or sore. A facial balm or ointment can be applied on top of moisturizer for additional hydration.
• Do not apply makeup the same day after your treatment and try to avoid makeup for at least 48 hours post treatment. Deep peels should avoid makeup until peeling is completed. Please wash all makeup brushes/sponges prior to any makeup application.
• It may take several treatment sessions to see the desired outcomes, especially if a superficial treatment was done or if your skin is severely photodamaged. Most people notice some improvement after their first treatment, but with multiple treatments over the span of several months, you will receive the best results.
• While most people have very mild reactions following these treatments, it’s important to pay close attention throughout your recovery period and let us know right away if you notice signs of infection or have other concerns. Because of the potential for rare but serious health risks, we like to schedule follow up visits with our patients after skin resurfacing treatments. This also gives us a chance to check progress and adjust ongoing treatment plans.
• For superficial peels you will want to schedule your next treatment in 4-6 weeks. We usually recommend 3-4 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart if you are doing a series. For deeper peels and laser treatments please refer to your aesthetician or provider for your customized series timeline.
• Make sure to schedule your follow-up or next appointment at (303)590-3589 or at www.kylecoxmd.com. Please call immediately with any questions or concerns.