Hydrafacial Elite MD & Skin Care

The ZO TCA Power Peel (also known by the ZO moniker “3 Step Peel”) is a chemical treatment designed to remove the outer layer of the skin in order to reveal a brighter, smoother complexion. The Peel solution is 17% salicylic acid, 10 % TCA(trichloroacetic), and 5% lactic acid. Also included in this peel treatment are 2 packets of 6% retinol creme (one to be applied at end of treatment, the other to be applied at home the following day), and a take home tube of ZO Hydrating Creme. This is a deep peel that is truly transformative and which delivers very noticeable results.

The ZO TCA Power Peel helps lighten dull skin, and  diminishes fine lines and deep wrinkles. This peel is also effective at clearing away years of sun damage and discoloration from hyper-pigmentation. This is a perfect solution to melasma as well, if the skin has been prepared properly.

The ZO TCA Power Peel consists of several steps that are crucial to the efficacy of the treatment:

• Cleanse and degrease the skin
• Application of the peel solution in 5 passes
• Application of the 1st packet of 6% retinol creme
• At home application of the 2nd packet of 6% retinol creme the following morning.
• Minimal use of the take home ZO Hydrating Creme if there is discomfort

• First, the skin is cleansed and degreased to prepare the skin.
• The ZO TCA Power Peel solution is applied to the skin of the face in a series of 5 passes. Each pass covers the face entirely, avoiding the eye area. When the last pass is being made, the solution will be lightly applied around the eyes and on the neck. These areas are more sensitive and will only receive one pass. The peel solution is self neutralizing and will begin to calm down after only a few minutes.
• Once the entire contents of the ZO TCA Power Peel bottle have been applied, a packet of 6% retinol is then applied and gently massaged into the skin. As the retinol creme is applied, the skin may begin to feel an increase in heat for a few minutes, then this too will begin to subside. This retinol creme is to be left on the skin and should not be washed off that evening either. (It is important to cover one’s pillow case at night as the retinol creme is yellow and will stain fabric.
• Once home, the client is advised not to wash their face that evening.
• The following morning the face may be washed very gently with cool water, mild cleanser and then be patted dry with no rubbing.

The client also receives a second packet of 6% retinol to take home and use the following morning.

It is not required that all clients prep their skin prior to receiving the ZO TCA Power Peel, however it is highly recommended for best results. For those suffering from melasma or who have a history of hyper-pigmenting, we do require a minimum of 3 weeks of preparation prior to receiving this peel treatment.

• The best way to achieve optimal results is to prep the skin from 3-6 weeks prior to having the peel. This can be achieved by using either the non-hydroquinone brightening/exfoliating system(Retinol Brightening Creme (AM) and Wrinkle + Texture Repair(PM)), or the RX Hydroquinone brightening/exfoliating system(Pigment Control Creme, Blending Creme, Tretinoin). For those with fairly severe melasma or similar conditions, the obvious choice is 6 weeks of the full hydroquinone system.
• Use of the preparatory products must be stopped one week prior to receiving the peel.
• Clients may resume using these products approximately one week after the peeling has subsided post treatment. However, do not resume use of  Tretinoin until all redness has been clear for a full week.

• As each of the five passes of the peel solution are applied, the sensation will be one of heat that continuously increases. As the final pass is made, the treated areas will feel as if they are on fire. This is a strong, deep, peel and the burning sensation is to be expected.
• As the peel is self neutralizing, the strong burning sensation will subside after about 15 minutes.
• The client is provided with a hand held fan to calm and cool the face while the treatment is being performed.
• Once the treatment has concluded, the face will calm down, but will still feel as though there is a mild to moderate sunburn.

• There is generally about 5-7 days of downtime after receiving a ZO TCA Power peel.
• The first 2-3 days post treatment, the skin will most likely look pink or red. The skin will tighten and look shiny.
• At the end of the 2nd day or possibly at some point during the 3rd day, the skin will begin to get very tight and to “crack”. This will most likely begin at the smile lines around the mouth when speaking .
• As the days progress, the skin will begin to peel more and more. This process is called sheet peeling. It is a major peeling process and does not generally leave one looking ready to attend a major event while it is happening.
• It is important to use the take home ZO Hydrating Creme in very small amounts wherever the skin is cracking and uncomfortable. Be sure to only use a tiny amount, as applying large amounts of the Hydrating Creme will actually prevent the skin from flaking off.
• After about 7 days, there may still be some residual “cobweb” type flaking, but most likely, a “whole new you” will have been revealed by this point.
• It is very important NOT to scrub any of the flaking skin off, not even in the shower when it is easy to do. You must let it ALL come off on its own.
• Scrubbing and exfoliation may resume after a full 3 weeks. Let your skin heal and do not irritate it.

• It is of utmost importance that clients do NOT pick at or pull the peeling skin off of the treated areas. This WILL lead to scarring and hyperpigmentation.
• It is recommended that the client use a pair or rounded tip cuticle scissors to gently cut the flaking skin off as it peels.
• DO NOT PULL THE SKIN OR SCRUB THE SKIN. This WILL lead to hyperpigmentation, scarring and dark spots.

• This a powerful peel that is best suited to treat the face only, using its full strength and full 5 passes with feathering under the chin.
• The neck may be treated with one light pass
• One light pass may be made under the eye area.

Post treatment, clients must stay out of the sun as much as possible for at least for 3 weeks.  It is important to always wear sunscreen and to even wear a hat or use an umbrella to fight the sun.  Post treatment, skin is going to be very susceptible to sun damage, and severe sunburn is very possible if precautions are not taken.

The ZO TCA Power Peel is good for ANY skin type or tone. So, that is really perfect for those who really want strong and immediate results, but have type 4 or 5 skin. The only thing to look out for are those who are actively acneic with open pustules. This peel can be used on acneic skin, and is great for scar reduction, but would not be okay if used over open wounds of any kind.

Yes, the guidelines are as follows:

• Those with sunburned skin need to wait until the burn subsides
• Avoid excess sun in the week prior
• Accutane: stop 1 FULL YEAR prior
• Retinol, topical antibiotics, exfoliants, hydroquinone: stop 7 days prior
• benzoyl Peroxide: stop 7 days prior
• IPL, Pixel/Fraxel or other light based laser: no less than 30 days prior
• Waxing, depilatory creams or electrolysis: stop 7 days prior
• AHA, BHA products: stop 7 days prior
• Do not shave the area to be treated on the day of treatment
• No other chemical peels within 30 days prior
• No active herpes simplex breakouts
• No open sores in the area to be treated

• Those with sensitive skin
• Those with rosacea
• Those with active acne with pustules

It is not recommended to wear makeup directly after the treatment, and makeup should be avoided for 7-10 days post treatment. The skin will be flaking and peeling to the point that wearing makeup would be futile anyway. Sunscreen is recommended. However, even sunscreen is quite a challenge to apply. A large hat or umbrella is recommended until flaking has subsided.

This obviously depends on the client’s individual needs. But, it is common to perform a series of three, one month apart.  We will be offering a discounted package of three.

Many clients find that they are happiest starting off with a series of 3 treatments, scheduled one month apart. Then, for follow up, they either repeat this regimen yearly or schedule one “Pick Me Up” treatment a year  for maintenance. This is determined on a case by case basis.

• Generally, there are no side effects from having the ZO TCA Power Peel. However, those who pick, peel or pull at their skin during the sloughing process will most likely find that they will end up with new dark, hyperpigmented spots wherever they removed the skin too soon.
• Also, those who do not follow the pretreatment guidelines may also end up with hyperpigmentation or possible scarring as a result.
• Those with a tendency to break out may experience some purging in the week following treatment.

We recommend that you plan to receive the ZO TCA Power Peel a minimum of 3 weeks prior to any important event or travel. It is best to have all of the flaking skin off of the face and to be back on a normal skincare regime before attending important events.