Questions or problems? Call us at (808) 263-3233.

Our chemical peels are done to enhance, magnify and accelerate the effects of topical care. They help restore brightness, an even skin tone and luster to sun-damaged skin. Peels can also help lighten brown, blotchy spots and help improve chronic acne.

 

What to expect while you heal

• Initial pinkness. First the skin takes on a light frost and then a pinkness. There may be some lasting warmth or mild stinging.

• Tightening and darkening. Over the first 2 to 4 days, the skin becomes tighter and darker. This may happen evenly over the whole treated area.

• Swelling. Swelling may occur and for some may last 2 to 4 days. It may be worse around the eyes and cheeks.

• Scabs. Some patients may have slightly dry scabs in a few spots for several days.

• Peeling. Peeling or flaking, much like a sunburn, usually happens between day 3 and day 6. Some peeling may last up to 2 weeks. Everyone peels differently, and uneven peeling is normal.

• Uneven skin tone. After peeling, there may be a few spots of extra pinkness, slight irritation or dryness. This passes quickly for most people.

• More than one peel. Not every goal, such as improving acne or fading brown spots, may be reached with one peel. Most patients see some improvement, but a light peel may need to be repeated. Our staff has discussed the cost of repeat peels with you.

 

Your aftercare routine

• If your face feels hot, splash it with cool water. Keep your face moist at all times until peeling is complete. Use bland moisturizers. Resume vitamin A and C products and a rich moisturizer. Your provider may prescribe SSD 1% cream and hydrocortisone 2.5% cream to help with healing and itching.

• Stay out of the sun. Use a high SPF sunscreen for at least 2 weeks. (We sell high-quality sunscreen; ask the front desk.)

• No exercise, sports, or saunas for 48 hours.

• You can wear makeup, but avoid alpha hydroxy (AHA) toners for 48 hours.

• Take Benadryl tablets at night to help stop scratching the treated area while you sleep. Scratching the skin after a peel can cause dark spots (hyperpigmentation).

• DO NOT PEEL OFF OR SCRAPE YOUR SKIN. Let it peel on its own. You may use scissors to trim away loose dead skin.

This page supplements, but does not replace, the instructions from your provider.