Peels Facts & FAQ’s

Here Are Some Of The Facts And Most Frequently Asked Questions About Peels:

  • Achieving success with PCA SKIN® peels

    We have dedicated decades to perfecting the art of achieving healthy skin with PCA SKIN® peels. As a healthcare company, PCA SKIN® values products and procedures that are not only highly effective, but also safe and easy to use. We strive to share the deep understandings we have gained about chemical peels; which to choose, how they function, and what to expect. Armed with this education, success as a PCA SKIN® Certified Professional comes easily.

  • Layer and leave-on

    When performing PCA SKIN® liquid peels, clinicians use varying blends of exfoliating acids in a layering technique to determine the depth of penetration to either the stratum corneum or to the deeper, underlying tissue. (Only physicians should perform liquid peels that are considered medium-depth.) This technique is possible due to the fact that PCA SKIN® liquid peel formulations are self-neutralizing. This primarily refers to our TCA blends. Alpha hydroxy acid peels can potentially collect in the upper portions of the skin and cause surface irritation or burns due to their chemical and physical properties and percentage. PCA SKIN® TCA peel solutions are naturally neutralized by constituents of the skin. The strength and depth of the treatment is controlled by the trained professional based on the number of layers applied during treatment. After peel application, nutritive topicals, calming agents, and broad spectrum SPF products are applied, and the patient leaves with a glowing, healthy complexion. This technique can be less stressful for both the clinician and the patient compared to peels that require timing, neutralizing, and removal. This unique PCA SKIN® technique makes the treatment process more relaxing and easier to perform.

    Retinoid peels function differently from liquid peels. These are applied in cream form and create no tingling or discomfort during application. Their effect occurs over the following few days as the skin begins to exfoliate, sometimes quite dramatically. Although the visible exfoliation can be dramatic, it is safe for many skin types and Fitzpatricks due to the fact that they are not low pH acids that have risks upon application.

    Progressive approach

    Consumers are often mistaken that if a little of something is good, more is better. This is especially untrue when it comes to treating the skin. Inflammation is one underlying cause of many skin conditions we work to treat, and triggering irritation and inflammation in the skin with overly aggressive treatments and products will only worsen, not correct, the situation. By treating the skin gently and infusing it with beneficial nourishing and strengthening ingredients during professional treatments, you will consistently see faster, more dramatic treatment outcomes. This supports the PCA SKIN® progressive, not aggressive, treatment philosophy. Clinicians often think they need high percentages and aggressive solutions to get visible results. This strategy might lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), acne breakouts, and other complications. If the goal is healthy, beautiful skin, then a progressive approach is usually the best choice.

    Healthy skin is beautiful skin

    To achieve this goal, one needs to supplement professional treatments with a customized skin maintenance program. PCA SKIN® daily care products containing antioxidants, peptides, MMPi, and other advanced actives are targeted for particular skin conditions. Natural skin cell turnover usually follows our four-week biological calendar like many other body cycles; however, the speed of the cell-turnover cycle slows as we age. PCA SKIN® professional treatments increase the natural skin cell turnover. Collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans (GAG), which comprise a large part of our skin’s extracellular matrix (ECM) or support structure, also decrease with time. PCA SKIN®’s treatments can be used to combat the visible changes that come with aging skin and can also maintain the results. For treating specific conditions, such as hyperpigmentation, acne, sensitive, and aging skin, and to maximize effectiveness, it is best to follow the schedule, which your esthetician will set you up with.

Peel Preparation & Aftercare

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

    • Use of PCA SKIN® daily care products prior to your peel will prepare the skin, allow for better treatment results, and reduce the risk of complications. This is recommended but not mandatory. Please consult your physician or skincare clinician for 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 PCA SKIN® daily care products 10 to 14 days prior to treatment.

    • If you are lactating, pregnant, or may be pregnant, 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 MD Peel (CCl3) 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. Most patients nd it unnecessary to apply makeup, as the skin will be smooth, dewy, and radiant following your treatment. If you would like to apply makeup, allow approximately 15 minutes for the pH of the skin to stabilize before applying foundation.

    • When receiving MD Peel (CCl3) it is expected to experience moderate redness and heavier exfoliation for up to seven days post-treatment. During this time makeup application is not recommended. For subtle coverage the Sheer Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 45 is an excellent option.

    • For two days post-procedure or seven days when receiving MD Peel (CCI3):

    • Stay as cool as possible. Overheating 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 areas.

    • General Guidelines After Receiving a PCA SKIN® Superficial Treatment:

    • 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; however, makeup may be applied 15 minutes after the treatment if desired.

    • 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 Hydration 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 prior post-procedure or seven days when receiving MD Peel (CCI3). Consult your physician before temporarily discontinuing use of an prescription medications.

    • Avoid direct sun exposure and excessive heat. Use Active Protection Body Broad Spectrum SPF 30, Weightless Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 45, Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50+, Hydrator Plus Broad Spectrum SPF 30, Active Broad Spectrum SPF 45, or Sheer Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 45 for broad spectrum UV protection.

    • 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 any loosening or peeling skin. This could potentially cause hyperpigmentation.

    • Do not have another treatment until your clinician advises you to do so.