Preparing Skin for a Peel...
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free skin care · Wed Oct 19, 2005 11:50 am

Ok, I'm fairly new to this and I'm hoping someone will help me with this one.
I'm planning on doing a glycolic peel (that i ordered from Platinumskincare) it's not very strong--30%. I also ordered a 12.5% TCA from them. Although I'm starting with the Glycolic to see how I like it.
So anyway, I read in the past that before doing a peel you should prepare your skin with glycolic products to get better results. So, I've been using for the past 2 months 10% glycolic pads/2% salicylic acid at night.
I've read that I should stop using certain products for a couple of days before a peel. But I am not sure what exactly I should be stoping and for how many days before the peel? I am looking to fade freckling that I got from the years when I used to tan.
Any help would be very appreciated!
Thanks!!!
PS. By the way I ordered the HA Pills and I cannot wait to see what happens to my lips!!!!! Wink

free skin care · Wed Oct 19, 2005 7:09 pm

Hi!! This is just my two cents for what its worth.
If you have never had a peel done to you before, then I suggest you get at least one done professionally at a dermatologist office. The feel of the peels can be more intense than you expect. Now, for the record, I haven't done the at home ones (on my list, but my pennies are going to Ian), but I have had peels done. Let me tell you, my doctor started me at the lowest he had (20%) for a few minutes. I thought my face would was going to burn off....it didn't,but it wasn't a day at disneyland.
FYI: I had these done monthly going up 10% each time. I had four done before I went in for a TCA peel. I can't remember the strength, but I know he did a special strength of 50% for my nose (talk about OUCH!!). The funny thing is even though the strenth kept going up, nothing ever (don't count the 50% in this statement)hurt as much as the first application at 20%. I think it is because I had a reference and knew it would end. Laughing

Just be very careful if you are going to try this at home and I'd steer clear of the TCA for a bit. The recovery time is longer and you can run the risk of the acid pooling on your skin.
Try to attempt it with a buddy who may have done one before so you are a)not alone and b)can get a more even application.
I was reading about the peels you are buying when I first joined the forum and they seem very reputable (I was going to try it myself, but this ladies just talk to much about J&B and it all sounds so good!) Very Happy

Good luck with your peel. A couple of pointers for safety:

1) put dabs of vaseline on the corners of your nose (the outer semi-circle near the nostril), the outer corners of your mouth, and the outer corners of your eyes. This will protect these sensitive places and block the acid from entering and irritating them.

2) Try using small groups of q-tips dipped in the acid solutions. Most products use pads or guazes to wipe it on which can give uneven distribution and too much can run on your face. The q-tips can give you more control and eliminate that issue. The best are the wooden q-tips used at doctors offices. I haven't looked for them, but I doubt your doctor would notice if you took a few on your next visit. Embarassed

3) A small fan blowing on your face during application can help take the sting away.

4) Water with ice cubes and a clean wash cloth can feel like heaven when you are finished (esp TCA).

5) Use vaseline after the tca for about two weeks.
Good luck and I hope you have success. I'm not trying to scare you, just give you some tips. Best of luck!!

free skin care · Wed Oct 19, 2005 9:19 pm

HI!
Thank you very much Deanne123, what you said was very helpful. I guess I should've mentioned that I did have a peel done at my dermatologists about 6 months ago. She did a Biomedic Beta 20% peel. It did sting like hell Shock

But afterwards my skin was great. She did say that I needed to do a few more to get the results that I wanted. But being that I'm an Actress and part time student, I can't really afford that kind of upkeep. I also wasn't using the 10% glycolic pads at the time so I'm not sure how many days prior to the peel I should stop.
Oh yes, and Deanne123 thanks for the Q-Tip advice, i think I'll definitely use that instead! Smile

free skin care · Thu Oct 20, 2005 1:47 am

10% pads can be used right up until the day you do it. I would stop retinoid products though. As well, don't use these things after, until your skin has stopped peeling.

I personally am not about putting vaseline on my face. I would recommend Emu Oil amd or an Emu Oil/CP mixture. Just my opinion...

free skin care · Thu Oct 20, 2005 9:40 am

Hi Faith,
Thanks for the advice, I would have to agree with you on the emu oil. I did order some when I ordered my peels.
Thanks! Smile

free skin care · Fri Oct 21, 2005 12:01 am

Deanne123: What is acid pooling?

I just received the TCA peel 12.5%. I am going to do it next week - just one layer. The people at Platinum Skincare said that the 12.5% is a fairly light peel if you only do one layer. Now I am scared of acid pooling. Anxious

I have had glycolic peels done before - at a salon. This will be the first time I am doing a peel myself - so I am a little bit scared...

Lola: Good luck with the peels! I will let you know how the 12.5% TCA peel goes. Did you talk to the people at Platinum Skincare ? They recommended the TCA over glycolic to me because it is more effective in dealing with hyperpigmentation.

And Faith: Thanks once again for all of the pro advice on peeling...You have been wonderfully helpful!!!!!!!

free skin care · Fri Oct 21, 2005 10:21 am

HI Lela- Please do let me know how it goes with the 12.5% TCA peel. I ordered that one along with a 30% glycolic and a 15% salicylic acid peel. They did recommend the TCA for lightening of my freckles (from sun exposure), but I am a bit scared of it as well. I've never done a peel myself either. Good luck! and keep me posted.

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