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Facial & Chemical Peel Pre-Care Guide

Essential preparation for optimal treatment results

Preparing for Your Treatment

Proper preparation before your facial or chemical peel treatment is essential for achieving the best possible results and minimizing potential side effects. This guide will help you understand how to prepare your skin in the days and weeks leading up to your appointment.

Different treatments require different preparation protocols. Whether you're scheduled for a gentle hydrating facial or a more intensive chemical peel, following these pre-care instructions will help ensure your skin is in optimal condition for treatment.

Please read through this entire guide carefully and contact us with any questions. Your commitment to proper pre-care significantly impacts your treatment outcomes and overall experience.

Essential Pre-Care Instructions

Important Warnings

Avoid Sun Exposure

Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning beds for at least 7-10 days before your treatment. Sun-damaged skin is more susceptible to irritation and complications during chemical peels and certain facial treatments.

Discontinue Certain Products

Stop using retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C serums, and other active ingredients 3-7 days before your treatment (timing depends on treatment intensity). These products can increase skin sensitivity and may lead to excessive irritation during treatment.

General Pre-Care Instructions

Schedule Strategically

Plan your treatment at least 1-2 weeks before any major events or vacations. This allows time for any potential redness or peeling to resolve, especially for chemical peels and more intensive treatments.

Hydration Is Essential

Increase your water intake in the days leading up to your treatment. Well-hydrated skin responds better to treatments and may experience less irritation. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water daily for several days before your appointment.

Use Gentle Products

Switch to gentle, non-irritating skincare products 3-5 days before treatment. Use mild cleansers, avoid fragranced products, and focus on hydration rather than exfoliation or treatment products.

Pro Tip: Arrive Fresh-Faced

Come to your appointment with clean skin, free of makeup, sunscreen, or heavy products. This allows your specialist to properly assess your skin and ensures optimal treatment results!

Treatment-Specific Preparation

Different treatments require specific preparation. Follow these guidelines based on your scheduled service:

Chemical Peel

  • Discontinue retinoids 7 days before treatment
  • Stop using AHAs/BHAs 5 days before treatment
  • Avoid waxing, depilatories, or laser treatments for 14 days prior
  • If you have a history of cold sores, consult with your provider about preventative medication
  • Avoid facial hair removal 5-7 days before treatment

Hydrating Facial

  • Gently exfoliate 2-3 days before (not the day before)
  • Avoid heavy makeup on the day of treatment
  • Stay well-hydrated for 48 hours before treatment
  • Avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine 24 hours prior
  • Continue your regular skincare routine until the day before

Microdermabrasion

  • Avoid sun exposure for 7 days before treatment
  • Discontinue retinoids and exfoliating products 3-5 days prior
  • Do not wax or use depilatories for 7 days before
  • Avoid self-tanners for 7-10 days before treatment
  • If you have active acne breakouts, consult with your provider first

Deep Cleansing Facial

  • Do not exfoliate for 3 days before treatment
  • Avoid using heavy oils or occlusive products for 2 days prior
  • Steam your face gently the night before to help soften impactions
  • Do not pick or squeeze blemishes before your appointment
  • Avoid makeup on the day of treatment if possible

Anti-Aging Facial

  • Stop using retinoids 3-5 days before treatment
  • Discontinue other active ingredients (vitamin C, peptides) 2 days prior
  • Focus on hydration for 3-5 days before treatment
  • Avoid excessive sun exposure for 7 days before
  • Consider taking arnica supplements 2-3 days before (consult provider)

When in doubt, always contact us for specific guidance based on your skin condition and treatment plan!

Pre-Care Timeline

2 Weeks Before

  • Avoid any facial waxing, threading, or dermaplaning
  • Begin diligent daily sunscreen application
  • Discontinue use of any prescription-strength retinoids
  • If you have a history of cold sores, consult about preventative medication

1 Week Before

  • Stop using all retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, and vitamin C products
  • Avoid facial scrubs and physical exfoliants
  • Increase water intake to optimize skin hydration
  • Avoid excessive sun exposure and always wear SPF 30+
  • Discontinue use of self-tanners on the face

3 Days Before

  • Switch to gentle, non-fragranced cleansers and moisturizers
  • Avoid alcohol and smoking which can dehydrate skin
  • Reduce caffeine intake and increase water consumption
  • Avoid spicy foods which can increase skin sensitivity
  • Do not use any new skincare products

Day of Treatment

  • Arrive with clean skin, free of makeup and skincare products
  • Avoid caffeine before your appointment if possible
  • Bring a hat or sun protection for after your treatment
  • Inform your provider of any changes in your skin or health
  • Arrive 10-15 minutes early to complete any necessary forms

Frequently Asked Questions

It's best to arrive with a clean face free of makeup. This allows your esthetician to properly assess your skin and ensures the treatment products can penetrate effectively. If you must wear makeup to your appointment, we will provide makeup remover, but please allow extra time for thorough cleansing before your treatment begins.

For men receiving facials, it's generally recommended to shave at least 2 hours before your appointment, but not immediately before. This gives your skin time to calm down but ensures a smooth surface for treatment. For women, avoid shaving the face (including dermaplaning) for at least 5 days before chemical peels and 2-3 days before other facial treatments.

If you're using prescription products like tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene, or other prescription-strength treatments, please inform us when booking your appointment. Generally, these should be discontinued 5-7 days before chemical peels and 3-5 days before other facial treatments. Always consult with both your dermatologist and our esthetician before temporarily stopping any prescribed skincare.

Yes, many facial treatments can be beneficial for acne. However, certain chemical peels may not be appropriate for inflamed or severely active acne. During your consultation, we'll assess your skin condition and recommend the most suitable treatment. Please don't pick or squeeze blemishes before your appointment, as this can increase inflammation and risk of infection.

For 24-48 hours before your treatment, especially for chemical peels, it's advisable to avoid spicy foods, excessive alcohol, and large amounts of caffeine. These can increase skin sensitivity and reactivity. Focus on anti-inflammatory foods, stay well-hydrated, and consider foods rich in antioxidants to support skin health before and after your treatment.

Many gentle facials are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but certain chemical peels and treatments with specific active ingredients should be avoided. Please inform us of your pregnancy or breastfeeding status when booking so we can recommend pregnancy-safe options. We offer specialized prenatal facials designed specifically for the unique skin concerns that arise during pregnancy.

It's generally recommended to wait at least 2 weeks after receiving Botox or dermal fillers before having a facial or chemical peel. This allows the injectables to fully settle and reduces the risk of migration or displacement. If you've recently had injectables, please inform your esthetician so they can adjust the treatment protocol accordingly, particularly avoiding aggressive massage in treated areas.

If you have a history of cold sores (herpes simplex virus), your provider may recommend prophylactic antiviral medication starting 2-3 days before your chemical peel to prevent an outbreak. For deeper peels, your provider might also recommend taking an anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen about an hour before treatment to minimize discomfort and inflammation. Always consult with your healthcare provider before taking any medication.

It's best to avoid strenuous exercise for at least 4 hours before your facial or chemical peel. Exercise increases blood flow to the skin, which can make it more sensitive during treatment and potentially increase the risk of irritation or excessive redness. If you do exercise before your appointment, be sure to thoroughly cleanse your skin and allow it to cool down completely before your treatment begins.

For sensitive skin, preparation is especially important. Stop using all active ingredients (retinoids, acids, vitamin C) at least 7 days before treatment. Focus on gentle, fragrance-free products that strengthen your skin barrier with ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. Consider taking an antihistamine 24 hours before treatment if you have a history of reactive skin (consult your doctor first). Be sure to inform your esthetician about your skin sensitivity so they can customize your treatment accordingly.
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