How to Prepare Skin for a Chemical Peel

Chemical peel procedures use strong chemicals to remove the outer layers of the skin, helping to reduce wrinkles and many signs of aging, such as wrinkles, scars and skin growths. While chemicals peels are rather noninvasive procedures, with relatively short recovery times, it is important that you prepare your skin well before the peel.

Instructions

1. Cut back or quit smoking at least 1 month before your scheduled chemical peel. Nicotine in the blood stream slows down the skin's healing process and greatly increases the chances of infection and other adverse reactions. Make sure you tell your doctor that you smoke so that he might offer any advice he sees fit.

2. Tell your doctor about all of the medications and vitamin supplements that you are taking, as many prescription and non-prescription drugs can cause skin sensitivity and may need to be stopped before the procedure.

3. Use the creams and moisturizers prescribed by your doctor for about a month before the procedure. These products will vary depending on the type of chemical peel you will receive as well as your skin type, but may include skin bleaches, acne medications, and acid creams to helps thin the tissue and prepare the skin for the peel.

4. Stay out of the sun and wear a minimum 15 SPF sunscreen in the month preceding the chemical peel. Exposure to the sun not only increases sensitivity and increase your risk of adverse effects, it can cause skin discoloration after healing.