Anti-Pigmentation Peel (Melanostop)

• Discontinue retinoids and exfoliating acids 5 to 7 days prior to your peel.
• Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanner for 2 weeks prior. Tanned skin significantly increases the risk of pigmentation complications.
• Avoid waxing, laser, electrolysis, or depilatories on the treatment area for 1 week prior.
• If you have a history of cold sores (herpes simplex), let us know when booking. An outbreak can be triggered by treatment, and a preventive antiviral prescription can be arranged through our nurse practitioner.
• Please disclose isotretinoin (Accutane) use now or within the past 6 months; peels are deferred during this window.
• Do not shave the treatment area on the day of your peel.

Arrive with clean skin and no makeup. During application you will feel warmth, tingling, or stinging that builds and then settles; your provider monitors your skin continuously and neutralizes or removes the peel at the right moment. Your skin may look flushed or slightly frosted when you leave, and a tight feeling that evening is normal.

• Expect tightness on day 1 and 2, followed by flaking or visible peeling from roughly day 2 to day 5. This varies by peel depth and by person; some people flake very little and still get the full result.
• Do not pick, peel, rub, or exfoliate flaking skin. Pulling skin off early is the single most common cause of post-peel marks.
• Cleanse gently, moisturize as directed, and apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 to 50 every morning without exception.
• Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, hot tubs, and pools for 48 to 72 hours.
• No retinoids or exfoliating acids until peeling has fully completed (about 7 days), and no other facial treatments or waxing for 2 weeks.
• Avoid direct sun for at least 2 weeks. Sun exposure on freshly revealed skin can cause the exact pigmentation you are treating.

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Chemical peels are deferred; ask us about pregnancy-safe facial alternatives.
• Isotretinoin (Accutane) within the past 6 months: Healing may be impaired; treatment is deferred.
• Active cold sores, infection, or open wounds in the area: Treatment is postponed until fully resolved.
• Sunburned or recently tanned skin: High risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation; treatment will be rescheduled.
• History of keloid or hypertrophic scarring: Requires assessment before treatment.
• Uncontrolled eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea in the treatment area: Active flares must settle before a peel.
• Recent radiation therapy to the area: Impaired healing; requires assessment.