Q. Can a person who is in the sun a lot receive a peel?
A. Yes, only if they are compliant with using sunscreen protection. If you are getting peels to lighten the skin, pHaze 13 Light N’Block® Pigment Cream (SPF 25+) is ideal to reduce any chance of further hyperpigmentation.
Q. What peels can be used on someone who frequently works out?
A. Someone who frequently works out can have any peel but must wait 48 hours after the treatment to exercise. If you don’t want to wait, the Non-Burning Facial Peel is a great choice. This treatment uses our Ultra Peel™ II which is an acid-free, time-released retinol cream. It has a delayed flaking action that creates no irritation or downtime and leaves the skin glowing and hydrated.
Q. My skin is very thin. Why would I want to peel? Wouldn’t that make my skin thinner?
A. If your skin is dry and thin, often there is a buildup of dead cells that actually keeps your home care products from penetrating. Having an Ultra Peel™ treatment will remove the surface buildup, hydrate the skin and give it a more plump, "thicker" appearance. The use of Vitamin C products in the treatment, as well as in your home care program, will help to build the collagen in your skin, thus making it stronger and more durable.
Q. Can pregnant or lactating women receive a peel?
A. No. We recommend only the Oxygenating Facial Trio for pregnant or lactating women.
Q. Are there any treatments that are good for rosacea?
A. We have a treatment designed specifically for rosacea that incorporates products from from our Pumpkin Peel, Oxgenating Trio and Supra Peel™. It helps to unclog the pores, smooth the surface of the skin and promote healing. This treatment could be done as often as every two weeks.
Q. Can someone using Retin-A® or Accutane® have any Physician’s Choice™ treatments?
A. We generally recommend that Retin-A® use be stopped five days prior to a peel and five days post treatment because of potential irritation and uneven peel penetration. Accutane® users tend to have very dry and sensitive skin and need to be treated only with peels that are appropriate for their skin type. We have found that the Physician’s Choice™ peel solutions are Accutane® friendly. However, your skin care specialist should always be made aware of any Retin-A® or Accutane® use.
Q. I thought TCA was very aggressive and required a week at home for recovery. Why is this not true of your Ultra Peel™ that is 10% TCA?
A. Ultra Peel™ is effective because of its formulation, but works in a way that does not traumatize the skin like traditional, straight TCA peels. As with all other Physician’s Choice™ peels, there is no downtime. Following an Ultra Peel™, the skin is glowing and hydrated; exfoliation occurs more as flaking.
Q. What is the difference between PCA and glycolic peels?
A. Glycolic acid will dehydrate skin and make pores larger after extended use. PCA uses lactic and citric acids which are skin-friendly because they are natural constituents of your skin. Physician’s Choice™ peels are unique because they are moisturizing and hydrating and leave your skin fresh, soft and supple, the way it wants to be!
Post-Treament Tips
After receiving your chemical peel, you may experience some light flaking in a few localized areas for up to five days and slight redness for one to twelve hours. Although you may or may not actually "peel" during the first one or two treatments, you will probably experience slight exfoliation and your skin will feel tight and pulled.
Patients should always follow the Home Care Regimen sheet provided by their technician, but the following post-treatment tips are also recommended to maximize the benefits to your skin:
Do not apply any medications following treatment not recommended by your technician, including AHA products.
It is ideal to let the skin stabilize and rest overnight, but makeup can be applied following the treatment if absolutely necessary.
Avoid direct sun exposure and excessive heat. Use your pHaze 6+ Hydrator Plus (SPF 15) or pHaze 7 Protecting Hydrator (SPF 15), pHaze 13 Light N’ Block® Pigment Cream (SPF 25+) or pHaze 8 Face and Body Hydrator (SPF 15) for daily sunscreen protection.
Do no pick at or pull on any loosening or exfoliating skin. This could potentially cause hyperpigmentation.
- Home use of Pigment Gel® is recommended twice a day to continue lightening hyperpigmented areas.
Do not have electrolysis, collagen injections, facial waxing or use depilatories for approximately five days after the treatment.- Do not schedule another treatment until your technician advises you to do so.
For Two Days Following:
- Do not apply ice or water to the treated areas
- Do not put the face directly into a hot shower spray.
- Do not use Jacuzzis, steam rooms or saunas.
- Do not go swimming or participate in activities that would cause excessive perspiration
- Do not use Buff-Puff’s or other means of mechanical exfoliation.
- Do not direct a hair dryer onto the treated area. Stay cool!
- Getting heated internally can cause hyperpigmentation.
PHYSICAN’S CHOICE™ Personalized advanced skin care systemsPCA Peel, Pigment Gel, LaserPak, Light N’Block, Apres Peel and Silkcoat are registered Trademarks of Physician’s Choice of Arizona, Inc. Physician’s Choice, C-Quench, Ultra Peel and Supra Peel are Trademarks of Physician’s Choice of Arizona, Inc. All rights reserved. No portion of this text may be reproduced without prior written permission of Physician’s Choice of Arizona, Inc.