Post Peel instructions for Light Fruit Acid Peels, TCA & Jessners Peels

A chemical peel is a technique used to improve and smooth the texture of the skin, improve pore size, manage pigmentation issues and refine skin texture. Facial skin is mostly treated, but body areas can be treated too. Chemical peels are intended to remove the outermost layers of the skin to varying depths, depending on the type of peel used.

A chemical peel is a technique used to improve and smooth the texture of the skin, improve pore size, manage pigmentation issues and refine skin texture. Facial skin is mostly treated, but body areas can be treated too. Chemical peels are intended to remove the outermost layers of the skin to varying depths, depending on the type of peel used.

Light peels are a short 30-minute procedure that leaves the skin feeling polished, clean and fresh. There is generally no downtime or peeling after these light peels, and they are done every 4 weeks.

TCA is a non-toxic chemical (trichloracetic acid), which has been used to perform skin peels for over 25 years. It is a relative of vinegar (acetic acid). When TCA is applied to the skin, it causes the top layers of cells to dry up and peel off over a period of 5-10 days – downtime.

Jessner peel combines lactic acid (aids in skin exfoliation and hydration), salicylic acid (aids in peel penetration and helps treat oily skin and acne) and resorcinol (assists in treatment of acne). A Jessner peel is for both men and woman to remove superficial layers of skin, dry out active acne, dislodge blackheads, reduce shallow wrinkling and scarring, help lighten hyper pigmentation and improve the overall appearance and health of sun-damaged, acne prone, aging skin. Peeling of varying intensity will occur for 5-10 days after the peel – downtime.

Immediately after the peel:

The peel performed on your skin may cause increased skin sensitivity.  You may feel a bit hot and tingly.

Side effects may include, but are not limited to (varies between patients):

  • Light peels – Stinging, Itching-irritation, redness (common with all peel types)
  • Deeper peels – Swelling, tightness, sensation of very dry skin, Peeling, scabbing (rare), temporary worsening of acne, or a few acne spots may break out.
What Should I Avoid During the Healing Process?
  • For 3 days following the peel, avoid excessive sweating, heavy exercise, hot baths/showers and having your hair colored.
  • Avoid all sun exposure without adequate SPF being applied. It is recommended that you wear a hat and apply sunblock at least 3-4 times a day after having peels, especially the deeper peels.
  • With deeper peels, until the skin is completely healed (approximately 7 days post treatment), avoid scrubbing, picking or rubbing, which could lead to scarring.
  • Do not use a home roller or needling device for 3 days after a light peel, and 7 days after all peeling has stopped after a deeper peel.
  • Avoid all harsh chemicals or strong anti-aging creams for a few days after the peel. Please discuss your product use with the therapist or Doctor.
  • DO NOT wax or thread after a peel for 2 weeks.
When Will I Start Peeling and for how long?

Peeling usually only occurs with deeper peels like TCA and Jessner Peels (Not light peels that are done monthly).

  • The skin may appear red and flushed immediately after the treatment.
  • Over the next, approximately 7 days, the skin may feel tight and appear tan in color.
  • Rarely, the skin may appear splotchy.
  • Peeling may begin anywhere from 1-3 days post peel.
  • The peeling usually starts around the mouth, chin, cheeks and the eyes.
  • The neck and forehead are often the last areas to peel.
  • Peeling can last up to seven days.
  • It is important to understand the peeling process and not to pull on loose skin, hyperpigmentation and infection can occur when loose skin is pulled.
Do I Need to Stay Out of the Sun?

Protect the skin from direct sun exposure with a broad spectrum sunscreen SPF 50 for a minimum of 3 days post-treatment to prevent hyperpigmentation.

When Can I Start Using My Normal Skincare Products Again?

You may re-introduce your normal skincare products, including alpha hydroxy acids and retinoids, once your skin is completely healed approximately 1 week post peel procedure,. However if you are doing a course of peels, do NOT resume your normal skincare products until all the peeling has stopped from the last peel performed.

Please call our rooms immediately if you are concerned on (011) 783-8289.

After hours, please call Dr. Melanie Lambrechts directly on 082 331 3939