Pre-Treatment Instructions

7 Days Before Your Peel:

  • Stop using retinoids or retinol (including tretinoin and OTC versions).
  • Avoid exfoliating products containing AHAs, BHAs, or enzymes (like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid).
  • No waxing, threading, or depilatory creams on the treatment area.
  • Hydrate your skin with a gentle, nourishing moisturizer and increase water intake.
  • Limit sun exposure and tanning (natural or artificial), skin should not be sunburned or irritated.

3 Days Before:

  • Avoid facial treatments like microdermabrasion, laser, microneedling, or dermaplaning.
  • gentle skincare routine: Cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF only.
  • Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements (like aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, or vitamin E), if medically appropriate.

Day of Treatment:

  • Come with clean skin: no makeup, lotions, perfume, or self-tanner on the treatment area.
  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol the day of to reduce sensitivity.
  • Let us know if you’ve had recent sun exposure, cold sores, or any breakouts.

Post-Treatment Expectations

  • Your skin may feel warm, tight, or slightly sensitive, similar to a mild sunburn.
  • Skin may appear dewy, shiny or a green/yellow hue immediately after, depending on the peel strength.
  • We'll apply a post-peel serum or balm to support healing.

Post-Treatment Aftercare

Days Zero to One: Initially, your skin may appear yellow/green due to the pH of the peel ingredients. Your skin may appear red and mildly swollen. This is normal and will resolve over the first 24 hours. Be sure to leave your peel on for at least 5 hours (preferably overnight). Use a fresh pillowcase tonight!

Day After: Wash face/treated area with a gentle cleanser. Rinse and pat dry. Apply sunscreen. Apply a thin layer of Aquaphor.

Avoid washing the face/treated area for at least 5 hours after the peel. Preferably, wait to wash until the morning after the peel. If you feel itchy the first evening, take 400mg-800mg of ibuprofen and/or 25mg-50mg of Benadryl to help.

Days Two to Eight: 2-3 days after the treatment, your skin may begin to peel. Peeling typically starts in the middle of the face and works out toward the hairline over the next few days. You may just flake or you may peel a lot depending on your skin and home care routine. The great news is the peel works just as well, regardless of how much you peel. Dark spots typically get darker as they come to the surface. They will flake off. Be sure not to pick at your skin and absolutely wear SPF and reapply it throughout the day! Typically, it's best to stick with eye makeup and lipstick while peeling and lay off the foundation and
powder.

Day Fourteen: Once the skin is fully healed, you will notice a brighter, healthier complexion. Repeat the peel every few months for best results!

More Tips: Aquaphor can be applied as often as needed. AVOID rubbing, scratching, peeling or picking the skin with your fingers while healing. AVOID direct sun exposure for at least 7-10 days following the peel. AVOID active ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide, and retinoids until the skin is healed. AVOID running water directly on your face while showering. AVOID strenuous exercise and sweating until skin is completely healed. AVOID procedures in the treated area until skin is fully healed. After peeling is complete, return to your daily ZO® Skin Health Program.

  • Treatment Frequency Recommendations

    Follow your provider’s customized plan based on your goals:

    • Every 4 Weeks