For women and men dealing with fine lines, wrinkles, acne and hyperpigmentation, a chemical peel may be what the doctor ordered. Yes, many skin treatments eliminate old, tired skin cells to accelerate cell turnover and promote a healthier complexion, but few are as flexible.

However, getting an excellent result from any cosmetic procedure includes some prior preparation to ensure your skin responds well. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a skin-resurfacing treatment that applies chemicals of various strengths to the skin surface to exfoliate its top layers. That may sound intimidating, but the procedure has been around for decades and is a go-to treatment for many hoping to have younger-looking skin.

The treatment is less invasive than surgical interventions, and provides excellent results such as minimized pores and a more even skin tone and texture. 

After meeting with you and learning more about your concerns, Dr. Kabiri will determine which level of chemical peel is best suited for your current condition.

What to Do Before Getting a Chemical Peel

Here is a list of do’s and don’ts before your chemical peel:

No Exfoliating

Chemical peels are a type of exfoliation that stimulates your skin to flake and shed dead skin cells that promote a dull complexion. Chemical exfoliators abound in skin care products like serums, cleansers, and anti-aging treatments. Over-exfoliating your skin before your chemical peel can lead to irritation and hypersensitivity. If you regularly rely on exfoliant products or tools, we recommend stopping use at least 7 days before your treatment. 

Review Prescriptions

If you use specific prescription medications, you should stop using them before your chemical peel. For example, medical-grade anti-aging products, acne medications, and any product assisting in skin cell turnover could leave your skin too vulnerable for a chemical peel. During your consultation, tell or inform Dr. Kabiri about any current medications you use. She’ll tell you if you need to discontinue your use temporarily.

Timing Is Everything

Chemical peels are popular around holidays and special occasions such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, anniversaries, weddings, and birthdays. If you’re getting a treatment in preparation for an upcoming event, make sure you schedule enough time to heal fully. You don’t want to show up at a long-anticipated gathering with your skin red and peeling.

Stay Sun-Conscious

After your chemical peel, an increase in skin sensitivity is typical for a few weeks Therefore, protecting your skin from the sun’s UV rays during recovery is crucial.

Chemical peels are optimal treatments to eliminate sun-damaged skin and treat acne. But applying chemicals to acutely sunburned skin or tanned skin can cause other problems.

Chemical Peels in Vancouver, BC

If you would like more information about chemical peels from Dr. Shadan Kabiri, don’t hesitate to reach out via our online form or call us at (604) 925-1301 today.