How do you prepare for a chemical peel?

First you and the doctor will decide on the type of chemical people you want depending on the desired effects, your skin type and length of recovery. There may be a small “test spot” of chemical peel placed to see how you respond to the chemical. In some cases, pre-treatment with tretinoin (Retin A) is suggested. This is an acne treatment medication which will allow the chemical peel to penetrate faster and may speed healing. All patients should use sunscreen before and after chemical peel treatment. Additionally, patients with a history of cold sores, herpes simplex infection, may be started on an anti-viral medication such as acyclovir to prevent viral infection.