Adequate priming of the skin for at least 2-4 weeks prior to peel and discontinuing 3-5 days before the procedure is of vital importance.[5] Priming is done by application of depigmenting agents such as hydroquinone or retinoic acid and use of sunscreens.

Patient should be instructed not to bleach, wax, scrub, massage or use depilatories or scrubs, or schedule any important event 1 week before the peel and to stop retinoid 3 days before the peel.[6]

In patients with active lesion or H/o herpes simplex, a prophylactic antiviral such as acyclovir 200 mg, 5 times a day, or valaciclovir 1 g, 3 times a day, should be given, beginning 2 days prior to the peel and continued for 10-14 days after peeling, till re-epithelialisation occurs

 

ANTI VIRALS:

Patients who have a history cold sores should be instructed to take a course of anti-viral medications few days before a chemical peel.
BENEFITS: To reduce the risks of flaring up of lesions.

 

PRIMING THE SKIN:

Skin priming is done to prepare your skin before a chemical peel. Usually it is to apply a brightening agent and an exfoliant a few days before starting the protocol. Adequate skin priming for 2 to 3 weeks is necessary.
BENEFITS: Makes even penetration peel, reduces healing time. Also enforces patient’s compliance and reduces complications.

 

NO TO WAXING AND BLEACHING:

Patients should have been instructed not to wax, tweeze or bleach a week before getting their chemical peel. And also should have discontinued retinols and other exfoliants a week before a chemical peel.
BENEFITS: Bleaching or waxing makes your skin more sensitive and may increase the risks of complications.

 

ISOTRETINOIN:

Sometimes for resistant and recurrent acne we prescribe oral medication like isotretinoin.
BENEFITS: To avoid scarring, we recommend very mild, superficial peel when under isotretinoin.

 

AVOID SUN EXPOSURE:

Sun exposure will tan your skin inturn making it more dehydrated and sensitive. Limited sun exposure 5 -7 days before a peel is ideal.
BENEFITS: Irrespective of undergoing a chemical peel, avoiding sun will limit the risks of aging.