PCA Skin Peels

THE TRUTH ABOUT CHEMICAL PEELS

Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Treatment

Chemical peels are an important part of skin health. As an effective treatment option for most skin types and concerns, they improve tone, texture, fine lines and wrinkles, breakouts and dark spots, but many people are intimidated to go in for their first peel treatment. The fear of leaving with a bright red face that hurts prevents some from experiencing the many benefits of a peel. The post-peel reality is a glowing, healthy complexion. Here’s everything you need to know before your first PCA SKIN®️ chemical peel:

Peeling is exfoliation. When your skin peels or flakes after a treatment your skin is shedding dead or damaged surface cells and revealing new, healthy skin cells on the surface. This action is called cell turnover. Supporting the cell turnover process with chemical peels is what allows the skin to shed dead cells and bring new, fresh skin to the surface, free of signs of aging, sun damage, dirt, and debris. The result is glowing skin.

You won’t necessarily experience visible peeling. That doesn’t mean your treatment was ineffective. Everyone experiences different levels of peeling, dependent upon skin type, resilience, type of peel and the number of layers applied. Some people experience ‘sheeting,’ when large portions of the skin peel off at once. Some experience ‘flaking,’ when small pieces of skin peel off, similar to dry, winter skin or mild peeling after a sunburn. Others experience exfoliation that is not visible. If you don’t peel, your skin is still exfoliating. In this case, the exfoliation is happening on a cellular level that can’t be seen by the naked eye. Typically, the deeper the peel you receive, the more extensive peeling you will experience. Talk to your PCA Certified Professional to find out what type of peel is best for your skin.

Peels are easy to work into a busy lifestyle. There is no downtime with PCA SKIN®️ chemical peels — you’ll leave your appointment with a healthy glow and able to carry on with your regular activities. There are steps to ensure that your results are maximized. Following a post-procedure regimen recommended by your PCA Certified Professional following your treatment will enhance your results and keep peeling and redness to a minimum. You should also avoid anything that causes sweating for 48 hours after treatment. Your clinician will give you more detailed instructions after your procedure, catered to your skin’s needs.

Preparation for a Peel Treatment 

You will be having a light peel treatment on the day of your appointment. Please follow the outline below to prepare.

  • Use of professional skincare daily care products prior to your peel will prepare the skin. This will allow for better treatment results and reduce the risk of complications. It is recommended but not mandatory. Please consult Amethyst for the appropriate recommendations for your skin type and condition. 

It is recommended that you take the following into consideration:

  • For best results and to reduce the risk of complications, it is recommended that you use professional skincare products 10 to 14 days prior to treatment.
  • If you are lactating, pregnant or may be pregnant, only an Oxygenating Trio® or Detox Gel Deep Pore Treatment is appropriate. Consult your OB/GYN before receiving any treatment.
  • Do not go to a tanning bed two weeks prior to treatment. This practice should be discontinued due to the increased risk of skin cancer and signs of aging.
  • It is recommended that extended sun exposure be avoided, especially in the 10 days prior to treatment.
  • It is recommended to delay use of tretinoin, Retin-A, ® Renova, ® Differin, ® Tazorac, ® Avage, ® EpiDuo, ™ Ziana® and high-percentage AHA and BHA products for approximately five days prior to treatment. Consult your physician before temporarily discontinuing use of any prescription medications. 

PCA SKIN®️ superficial peels result in little to no downtime but create dramatic and visible results. Treatments may cause slight redness, tightness, peeling, flaking or temporary dryness. 

Post-procedure Skin Treatment 

Tips for 7 days post-procedure:

  • Stay cool! Heating internally can cause hyperpigmentation.
  • Do not put the treated area directly into a hot shower spray.
  • Do not use hot tubs, steam rooms or saunas.
  • Do not go swimming.
  • Do not participate in activities that would cause excessive perspiration.
  • Do not use loofahs or other means of mechanical exfoliation.
  • Do not direct a hair dryer onto the treated area.
  • Do not apply ice or ice water to the treated area. 

General Guidelines:

  • After receiving a PCA SKIN® professional treatment, you should not necessarily expect to ‘peel’. However, light flaking in a few localized areas for several days is typical. Most patients who undergo these treatments have residual redness for approximately one to 12 hours post-procedure.
  • As with all peels and treatments, it is recommended that makeup not be applied the day of treatment, as it is ideal to allow the skin to stabilize and rest overnight
  • To minimize side effects and maximize results use the Post-Procedure Solution for three to five days or until flaking has resolved.
  • If the skin feels tight, apply ReBalance for normal to oily skin types or Silkcoat® Balm for drier skin types to moisturize as needed. For maximum hydration, you can apply Hydrating Serum under ReBalance or Silkcoat® Balm.
  • Moisturizer should be applied at least twice a day but can be applied more frequently for hydration and to decrease the appearance of flaking.
  • It is recommended that other topical, over-the-counter medications or alpha hydroxy acid products not be applied to the skin seven days post procedure, as they may cause irritation.
  • It is recommended to delay use of tretinoin, Retin-A,® Differin,® Renova,® Tazorac,® Avage,® EpiDuo™ or Ziana® five days post-procedure. Consult your physician before temporarily discontinuing use of any prescription medications.
  • Avoid direct sun exposure and excessive heat. Use an SPF with a minimum of 30, and apply as directed on the bottle.
  • Do not go to a tanning bed for at least two weeks post-procedure. This practice should be discontinued due to the increased risk of skin cancer and signs of aging.
  • Do not pick or pull on any loosening or peeling skin. This could potentially cause hyperpigmentation.
  • Do not have electrolysis, facial waxing or use depilatories for approximately 14 days. Do not have another treatment until your clinician advises you to do so.

The Post-Procedure Solution Kit

The Post-Procedure Solution” kit by PCA Skin, though not required, is highly recommended for the best skin recovery. Available for purchase at your appointment for $40, this kit is designed to last up to 7 days

This strategically selected collection of products ensures skin stays calm, soothed and hydrated in the days following a professional treatment. Using these products after a treatment reduces chances of any negative reactions and increases visible results.

  • A complete regimen for use post-treatment
  • Products that properly hydrate and care for skin following professional procedures

Our solutions are carefully selected combinations of scientifically developed products designed to improve the health and appearance of your unique skin. We understand the importance of formulating with the best combinations of innovative ingredients to provide you with safe, highly effective products that deliver on their promises. All of our products are free of potential irritants like synthetic dyes and fragrances. PCA SKIN® does not perform or condone animal testing.

Facial Wash – a gentle cleanser that removes makeup, oil, dirt and environmental impurities.

CliniCalm™ 1% – a soothing treatment with maximum strength 1% hydrocortisone to soothe and provide temporary relief of itching and irritation.

ReBalance – a nourishing, light moisturizer that hydrates, calms and soothes normal to sensitive skin.

Hydrator Plus Broad Spectrum SPF 30 – Protect aging skin against UVA and UVB rays with our most hydrating sunscreen

Silkcoat® Balm – this moisturizer is the ultimate treatment for skin post-treatment, and skin in harsh or cold climates.