PCA Peels FAQ

Q. How much downtime is expected with a peel?
A. There is little to no downtime whatsoever with PCA chemical peels. You can actually receive a peel on your lunch hour and return to work. You will be shinny and possibly show signs of redness but it will not stop you from doing what you need to do. During the time of peeling you may not want people to see you but you can physical do anything you need. 

Q.When will I start "peeling", for how long and how much?
A. Everyone’s experience will be different. However, on an average, you will see flaking by day two or three following the treatment. It is possible to see flaking for up to five or six days. With all PCA peels, only light to medium exfoliation will be experienced.

Q. How irritating is a peel?
A. PCA peels are only slightly irritating. You may experience mild burning or stinging, which is transient.


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 and avoiding the sun 48 hours after a peel. If you are getting peels to lighten the skin, Profecting Protection (SPF 30+) is ideal to reduce any chance of further hyperpigmentation due to its enhanced lightening ingredients of Bearberry, Licorice Root Extract, Kojic Acid, Mulberry Root and Lactic Acid.

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, any non-chemical or retinol peel is a great choice. The Esthetique or our Ultra Peel™ II which is an acid-free, time-released retinol cream are great choices. They have 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 a retinol 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. 


Q. Can someone using Retin-A® or Accutane® have any PCA Peel 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 PCA non-peel solutions are Accutane® friendly. However, your skin care specialist should always be made aware of any Retin-A® or Accutane® use and my recommend you postpone treatment if skin is too reactive.


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. PCA peels are unique because they are moisturizing and hydrating and leave your skin fresh, soft and supple, the way it wants to be!

Post-Treatment 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 mineral makeup can be applied following the treatment if absolutely necessary.

  • Avoid direct sun exposure and excessive heat. Use your PCA Hydrator Plus (SPF 30) or Protecting Hydrator (SPF 30), Weightless Protection (SPF 45) or Perfecting Protection (SPF 30) 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 go to a tanning booth for a least three weeks before or after a treatment.

  • Discontinue the use of Retin-A®/Renova® or Differin® for seven days after treatment.

  • Do not have electrolysis, collagen injections, Botox, threading,facial waxing or use depilatories for approximately seven days after 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.