Product to Use: Environ Skin EssentiA Mild Cleansing Lotion or Medik8 Gentle Cleanse.
Why & When: Start using these gentle cleansers daily, in the morning and evening, 4-6 weeks before treatment. They maintain skin balance without stripping the skin, which is essential for prepping the skin before more intensive procedures.
When to Stop: Continue using right up until the treatment day.
2. Vitamin A (Retinol/Tretinoin):
Product to Use: Environ AVST Gel, Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3, or Tretinoin cream.
Why & When: Start using retinol or tretinoin about 4-6 weeks before treatment to build skin tolerance and promote cell turnover. Begin with a low dose and gradually increase strength to avoid irritation.
When to Stop: Discontinue retinol or tretinoin 7 days before treatment to avoid excessive skin sensitivity during the procedure.
3. Antioxidants:
Product to Use: Environ Skin EssentiA Antioxidant Defence Crème, Medik8 C-Tetra, or Medik8 C-Tetra+.
Why & When: Start using daily, in the morning, about 4-6 weeks before treatment. Antioxidants protect the skin from free radical damage and support healing.
When to Stop: Continue using these until the day of treatment. There's no need to stop unless advised by your practitioner.
4. Sun Protection:
Product to Use: La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50 or Medik8 Physical Sunscreen.
Why & When: Use SPF daily in the morning, starting at least 4 weeks before treatment. Protection is crucial to prevent UV damage and worsen pigmentation issues.
When to Stop: Continue using daily until your skin has fully healed after the procedure (typically 1-2 weeks).
5. Avoid Active Ingredients:
What to Avoid: AHAs, BHAs, exfoliants, and other retinol products.
Why & When: Discontinue these products 7 days before treatment to reduce the risk of irritation and increase skin tolerance.
When to Stop: Cease use 7 days before the procedure, and resume use after the healing period, as advised by your practitioner.
Treating Specific Skin Conditions:
1. Acne-Prone Skin:
Product to Use: Environ Sebu-ACE Oil, Medik8 Beta Moisturize, or Salicylic Acid products.
Why & When: Use these products to reduce inflammation and regulate oil production for 4-6 weeks before treatment. These products target acne-related issues and prepare the skin for microneedling or peels.
When to Stop: Discontinue salicylic acid products 7 days before treatment. Keep using other products unless directed otherwise.
2. Hyperpigmentation (Dark Spots):
Product to Use: Environ Intense C-Boost Mela-Even Cream, Medik8 Glow Oil.
Why & When: Apply brightening agents starting 4-6 weeks before treatment to help reduce pigmentation. These agents will help inhibit melanin production and brighten the skin.
When to Stop: Continue using until the day before treatment. Avoid using directly after the treatment if irritation occurs, unless advised by your practitioner.
3. Hypopigmentation (Light Spots):
Product to Use: Environ Focus Care Radiance+ or Medik8 Advanced Night Restore.
Why & When: Use these products to stimulate melanocytes and even skin tone 4-6 weeks before the treatment.
When to Stop: Continue use until the day of treatment. Resume after treatment if no irritation occurs.
4. Scarring, Pitting, and Craters:
Product to Use: Environ Retinol Serum, Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6, and Calecim Professional Serum.
Why & When: Use these products for their collagen-boosting effects 4-6 weeks prior to treatment to help repair and regenerate skin. The growth factor serum (Calecim) is essential post-treatment.
When to Stop: Stop using retinol products 7 days before treatment, but continue using growth factor products until the procedure. Post-treatment, use Calecim for enhanced healing.
Skin Type Considerations:
1. Black Skin:
Product to Use: Hyaluronic acid-based serums like Medik8 Hydr8 B5 or Environ Focus Care Radiance+.
Why & When: These products help hydrate and maintain skin barrier function to prevent pigmentation or scarring. Start using them 4-6 weeks before treatment.
When to Stop: Continue using until the day of treatment, but avoid using any strong actives (e.g., retinols or strong acids) 7 days before treatment.
2. Caucasian Skin:
Product to Use: Calming products like Environ Antioxidant Gel or Medik8 Calmwise Serum.
Why & When: These are ideal for sensitive skin to reduce redness and irritation. Use for 4-6 weeks leading up to treatment.
When to Stop: Continue using up until the procedure, and use post-treatment if needed.
3. Mixed Race Skin:
Product to Use: Brightening agents (Medik8 6-Acid Daily Cleanse, Environ Intense C-Boost) and barrier-strengthening serums (Medik8 Advanced Night Restore).
Why & When: Apply these to address pigmentation and strengthen the skin barrier, starting 4-6 weeks prior to treatment.
When to Stop: Continue using until the day before treatment.
4. Asian Skin:
Product to Use: Medik8 C-Tetra, Medik8 Advanced Night Restore.
Why & When: These products help calm inflammation and reduce the risk of pigmentation. Begin using 4-6 weeks before treatment.
When to Stop: Stop 7 days before treatment for the best outcome, especially with stronger active products.
5. European Skin:
Product to Use: Medik8 Retinol or Environ AVST Gel, Environ Antioxidant Gel, Medik8 Hydr8 B5.
Why & When: Start using these products 4-6 weeks prior to treatment to strengthen and hydrate the skin.
When to Stop: Discontinue retinol 7 days before treatment, but keep using hydration and antioxidant products.
Following these guidelines for skin preparation will help ensure the best results from your chemical peel or microneedling treatment. Always consult with your practitioner before starting any new skincare regimen or discontinuing products to ensure it's tailored to your specific needs.
