Preparing for a ZO 3 Step Peel.

There are some preparation steps that must be taken prior to your ZO 3 Step Peel in Jacksonville at First Coast Plastic Surgery. They are as follows:

1. Avoid any level of sunburn by wearing sunblock of SPF 30 or greater.
2. Stop using retinol or acid serums 2 to 3 days before your peel.
3. Men, do not shave the day of your peel as shaving will likely cause the normal tingling to become uncomfortable.

If you are particularly susceptible to cold sores or fever blisters, let us know when scheduling your peel. Dr. Csikai can prescribe medications that will prevent them so there is no chance of a cold sore interfering with your appointment.

Receiving a ZO 3 Step Peel.

As we mentioned above, the ZO 3 Step Peel is considered a medium depth peel. What we didn’t mention is that unlike some of the other peels, this peel is suitable for all skin types. It is designed to exfoliate the upper layers of your skin while stimulating your skin’s deeper layers to produce collagen, cause a firming effect and reduce wrinkles.

The 3 steps that make up the ZO 3 Step Peel are as follows:

After thoroughly cleaning your skin, the peel solution is applied and left on for a time based on your particular treatment goals. The ingredients of the peel solution include salicylic acid, trichloroacetic acid and lactic acid. After the appropriate time has passed, the peel solution is gently washed from your skin and a strong 6% retinol cream is applied. The retinol works to stimulate collagen to firm and reduce wrinkles. The final step involves the application of a calming cream that acts as a moisturizer and minimizes irritation and inflammation.

What to Expect After Your ZO 3 Step Peel.

After a ZO 3 Step Peel, most clients return to normal daily activities. It is common to experience some redness, minor stinging and or itching. These are all normal. The peeling process varies but usually begins 2 to 3 days after your treatment and may last for up to 5 days. The treated top layers of skin will go through a dying process that will include tightening, wrinkling and cracking before it starts to flake away.

As your skin begins to peel,  you must allow the peeling process to happen at its own pace. Do not pick, or attempt to brush off any of the skin that is in the peeling process. Your new skin beneath is only ready when the old layer falls away on its own. And hurrying this natural process can damage new skin that is not ready to be exposed to the elements.

After the peeling has ended and your new skin has emerged, use gentle cleansers and moisturizers. And always remember that your skin is new skin that emerged all at once. It will burn easily so after the peeling process, use SPF 30 to 50 sunblock products for at least the first few weeks after the treatment.

The rejuvenation process of a ZO 3 Step Peel usually takes about 7 days. Once the peeling process is complete, your skin will be smoother, wrinkles and fine lines will be reduced and your new skin will appear more radiant and youthful.

What Our Patients Are Saying.