How to Prepare for a Light Peel

Incorporating light chemical peels into a skin care regimen has become increasingly popular. Light peels, also known as "lunch hour" peels, are minimally invasive and require very little down time. They exfoliate the uppermost layers of the skin to gradually treat acne, wrinkles, sun damage and other skin conditions. Light peels can also be used as a regular part of a skin care routine to keep skin looking young and healthy.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Skin bleaching cream
• Light moisturizer or gel

1. Find a skin specialist to perform your light chemical peel. Doctors, aestheticians and skin technicians can perform these peels, because they do not require a surgical setting or prescription. Most spas offer a version of a light peel.

2. Have a consultation either on the phone or in person before the peel. Depending on your skin type and what condition you are looking to treat, one type of chemical peel may be better suited for you. For example, salicylic acid peels work better on acne than glycolic acid peels.

3. Cleanse skin to prepare for the peel. Your skin specialist will likely sterilize your skin prior to the peel, but if you remove any makeup and oils ahead of time, you can save time.

4. Sit with the peel solution for the required amount of time. Usually the peel only stays on your skin for 5 to 10 minutes.

5. Have a light moisturizer or gel applied to cool the skin. Different skin specialists will use different products for the purpose.

6. Avoid applying a full face of makeup after the peel. You can put makeup on your eyes and lips, because these areas are not typically treated with the peel solution. You should be able to apply foundation makeup the following day.

7. Return to your normal activities immediately following the procedure. Your skin will likely be red, dry and/or flaky, like having a sunburn. However, you should not be in any pain.

8. Set up a series of peels for the best possible results. Light peels work gradually, and you may not see much of a difference after only one peel. Four to six peels over a 3- to 6-month period are generally recommended to achieve optimal skin texture and pigmentation.

Tips & Warnings

• Look into buying light peels as a package. Often you can get a series of light peels for less than buying them individually.
• Using a skin bleaching cream for a couple weeks before you begin getting peels can help prepare the skin. People with darker skin sometimes experience hypopigmentation from peels, and the skin bleaching cream can help prevent that.