The POWER of Prep...

Everyone is looking for a quick fix. I get it. Unfortunately it doesn't exist when it comes to correcting fine lines, tone, texture and pigmentation (brown discoloration) it's more of a marathon than a sprint. I know, I know...not what you wanted to hear. Think of me as your tough love, tell it like it is skin coach!:) In the long run you'll save alot of money and decrease your risk of any adverse side effects that cannot be corrected.

Anyone that's on the fence on having a chemical peel needs to do their due diligence and find a well established medical facility "spa" that is directly connected to a Dr.'s office. You want to see the physicians at the office, not just their certificates on the wall. Consultations are a must...you want to be well informed and have all your questions answered. If the facility was referred to you by a friend that's a good sign. Below are a few questions to ask!

• How much social downtime will I have?

• What post care products do I need?

• What results can I expect?

• What kind of peel (acid) are they recommending?

Now for my favorite part. Pre-treating (prepping) the skin is a MUST for any skin care business that has their clients best interest at heart. It's just my opinion but if you educate your clients that prepping the skin will lessen the down time AND give them the best results who wouldn't spend the extra money. Plus, you''ll be needing these products to help maintain your results. It's a WIN-WIN for all involved. Prep time is a minimum of 4 weeks.

The use of a retinol or glycolic product prior to a peel accomplishes two things. By thinning the epidermis (the upper layer of the skin) it allows the peel to penetrate deeper and more evenly. When your paying an upwards of 300 dollars for a mid-depth peel, deeper means more correction. It also has been known to help suppress the melanocyte pigment production that can potentially cause those ugly brown spots that you were looking to get rid of! If you have a heritage that is diverse or you tend to pigment after you have an injury you should also be on a hydroquinone product. These can only be prescribed by a medical facility so it's just another reason to spend the time and seek out true professionals. Check out my future blog on hydroquinone...I gotta keep you coming back for more!!:)