Glycolic Acid Peel Procedure

Pre-GAP PATIENT EVALUATION

The medical history of a patient should be reviewed and a physical examination should be carried out before performing a glycolic acid peel (GAP).

The following people should not have a chemical peel:

1.  Used Accutane (oral isotretinoin) within the past 6 months
2. Used topical tretinoin or retinoic acid (e.g. Retin-A) within the past 7 days
3. Used any scrub or skin irritant within 24 hours
4. Have active herpes simplex (cold sores)
5. Have facial warts and/or fungal infection
6. Form keloid or hypertrophic scars easily
7. Have a history of sun allergies
8. Had prior bad reaction to a peel
9. Had recent radiation treatment for cancer
10. Had sunburn or significant sun exposure in the last 2 days
11. Had surgery or cryosurgery within the last month
12. Have any other chemical peel within the past 21 days
13. Have eczema or rosacea
14. Have any signs of broken skin
15. Shaved on the day of peel
16. Pregnant

Pre-Peel Preparation

If you are planning to have a glycolic acid peel treatment, pre-treatment preparation with alpha-hydroxy acid containing products 2 to 4 weeks before the glycolic acid peel will ensure a better result.

Below are some pre-peel product recommendation(s) for different skin types:

Oily & Acne-prone: TDF AHA Oily & Acne Solution 8 or TDF Revitalizing Gel 15

Combination: TDF Revitalizing Lotion 10 or TDF Revitalizing Gel 15

Dry & Dehydrated: TDF Revitalizing Cream 8 or TDF Revitalizing Lotion MP 15

For more information about these AHA products are available on this website, click here.

Before a chemical peel session, the following items should be prepared:

Pre-peel Preparation Checklist:

• TDF Non-Drying Cleansing Lotion (for VCi Peel) / TDF Wash-Off Cleansing Lotion (for GAP 20%-50%)
• TDF Mild Astringent
• TDF Glycolic Acid Peel
• TDF Post Peel Neutralizer
• TDF C-Scape Serum
• TDF B5 Hydrating Essence
• TDF Quick Recovery Cream
• TDF Age Defense PA+++ UVA/UVB SPF 50+ Sunscreen
• Timer
• Handheld fan
• Cotton wool / pad
• Cotton bud
• Facial tissue
• Cold towel
• Mirror

GAP / VCi® Peel Procedure:

1. Cleanse skin thoroughly with TDF Non-Drying Cleansing Lotion or TDF Wash-Off Cleansing Lotion to remove all traces of makeup and impurities.
2. Double cleanse/degrease with cotton wool dabbed in TDF Mild Astringent.
3. Preempt the patient that he/she will experience a stinging or burning sensation upon application of the VCi® solution.
4. Apply the VCi® solution to contact skin for desired time (3 to 5 minutes).
5. Set the timer to keep track of time.
6. Ask the patient for feedback. Ensure that the patient tolerates the glycolic acid reasonably well as sensitivity varies between individuals.
7. Apply the VCi® solution starting at the forehead, down the side of face to chin, nose and lastly the cheeks. Criss-cross the application to ensure no area is overlooked and solution is spread evenly over all skin area to be treated. The application should be done within 20 seconds.
8. A hand held fan or paper fan may be used to ease the tingling sensation.
9. Observe the skin carefully for redness or erythema.
10. Spot neutralise areas that show signs of erythema using a cotton bud dabbed in TDF Post Peel Neutralizer. When neutralised, the stinging or burning sensation should lessen.
11. After desired time set or when redness spreads indicating the end point, neutralise all skin area with generous amount of TDF Post Peel Neutralizer. Apply the neutraliser with a facial cotton in circular motion and with slight pressure.
12. Wipe away excess neutraliser.
13. Next, apply a cold compress to patient’s entire face using ice-cold towel for 30 seconds.
14. If itchiness persists, pat dry the skin with facial tissue and repeat the neutralization process.
15. Apply TDF C Scape Serum followed by B5 Hydrating Essence (an intensive hydrating essence to provide the skin with optimal growth environment) immediately after chemical peels. Allow the serums to be absorbed.
16. Apply TDF Quick Recovery Cream (a super-moisturizing formulation prepared for speedy recovery of damaged skin) 3 times a day for the next 3 days.
17. Apply sunscreen if the procedure is conducted in the day time.
18. Continue using C Scape Serum and B5 Hydrating Essence at least twice a day to hydrate and nourish the skin.
19. To achieve best results, prescribe a suitable homecare products based on the patient’s skin condition:

• Oily & Acne-Prone
• Dry & Dehydrated
• Hyper-pigmentation
• Age Defense System

Post-Peel Care

Chemical peels and other facial procedures may cause mild irritation. They can also increase skin sensitivity to UV light. Exfoliation causes the skin to be more susceptible to environmental stressors and skin must be protected. Post-procedure treatment is thus necessary to speed up recovery of damaged skin.

Post-Procedure Homecare Essentials

Immediately after performing a glycolic acid peel, skin micro-channels are opened:

Apply TDF “C” Scape Serum, followed by B5 Hydrating Serum.

• Apply TDF PA+++ UVA/UVB SPF50 Sunscreen if necessary.
• Apply TDF Translucent Powder to set the sunscreen and mattify skin before leaving the clinic.

For the next 4 days, follow-on with these homecare products:

 

 

 

Apply TDF “C” Scape Serum, B5 Hydrating Serum and Quick Recovery Cream 3 times a day.

• Avoid direct exposure to the sun at all times and apply PA+++ UVA/UVB SPF50 Sunscreen before any exposure to the sun.
• In case of crusting, moisturize crust with Quick Recovery Cream and DO NOT pick on the crust. Allow the crust to fall off by itself.

TDF Quick Recovery Cream

This formulation is specially formulated with hydrating emollients and anti-inflammatory ingredients for post-procedure use.

Each active ingredient it contains functions to aid the quick recovery of the skin after a chemical peel or other facial procedure.

Willowherb Extract – Reduces redness and calms the skin

Squalene – Prevents cell damage and moisture loss from the skin

Sodium Hyaluronate – Retains skin moisture and plumps up the skin

Shea Butter – Reduces rough patches and dry flakes on the skin

Vitamin E – Protects the skin against free radicals and UV light damage

Vitamin A – Nourishes the skin and promotes healing of damaged tissue

Vitamin C – Promotes cell renewal by boosting collagen synthesis

Aloe Vera – Soothes the skin and promotes wound healing

TDF Age Defense PA+++ UVA/UVB SPF 50+ Sunscreen

This is an important post-peel essential for prevention of burn.  It provides maximum blockage and protects skin from sunburns, skin darkening and further photo damage.  A sunscreen should be evenly applied to exposed areas of the skin before sun exposure.

Co-Q10 – Protects against free radical damage

Vitamin C – Promotes cell renewal by boosting collagen synthesis

Squalene – Prevents cell damage and moisture loss from the skin

Sunscreen Agent – Provides maximum blockage against UVA and UVB rays

Emollient – Retains water for moisture on the skin