The Pontius Peel

The Pontius Peel

The “Pontius Peel” is a superficial peel designed to improve the texture and appearance of hyper-pigmented skin which involves a medicated masque and an at-home regimen. There is no pain and little to no irritation during the application of the masque and typically the irritation level on the following days is more like a sun-burn. The masque is applied during an office visit where it is compounded freshly to ensure its potency and liability. The masque is removed by the patient after a required length of time depending on their skin type. The patient leaves the office with the masque on their face. Patients are responsible for adhering to an easy to follow but strict at-home regimen involving the application of several products following masque removal. The results that can be expected will vary but generally patients will see a significant improvement in the appearance of pigmented areas, dark spots will lighten, and skin texture and tone will improve. Although most patients experience peeling of their skin, not every patient will notice this. If you do not notice actual peeling, please note that you are still receiving all the benefits of the Pontius Peel such as stimulation of collagen production, improvement of skin tone and texture and diminishment of fine lines and pigmentation. Proper skin evaluation prior to a peel is important and will help predict the outcome of your peel.

The Pontius Peel should not be used on patients with active cold sores or warts, open wounds, sun burn, excessively sensitive skin, dermatitis, or inflammatory rosacea in the area to be treated. Inform your medical professional if you have any history of herpes simplex. You should also not have a peel if you have a history of allergies, rashes or other skin reactions or may be sensitive to any of the components of this treatment. The peel is not recommended to be taken if you have taken Accutane within the past year or received chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The Pontius Peel System should not be administered to pregnant or breast-feeding women.

One week prior to the peel you should avoid these products and/or procedures: electrolysis, waxing, depilatory creams, and laser hair removal. Patients who have had medical cosmetic facial treatments or procedures, for example, laser therapy, surgical procedures, cosmetic fillers, microdermabrasion, etc., should wait until skin sensitivity has completely resolved. Patients who have had Botox injections should wait until all bruising subsides. Retin-A, Renova, Differin, and Avage treatments should be stopped one week prior to the peel as well as any products containing Retinol, AHA or BHA or Benzoil Peroxide, or any exfoliating products that may be drying or irritating. Note: The use of these products and treatments prior to your peel may increase skin sensitivity and cause stronger reactions.

After the Pontius Peel it is crucial to the health of the skin and success of the peel that the following guidelines be followed:

1. 1. Your skin may have a slight yellow tinge immediately after the removal of the masque solution. This is temporary and will fade in a few hours.
2. 2. It is imperative that you use sunscreen with at least SPF-30 and avoid direct sunlight for at least one week. Best results would be obtained with a regular daily use of sunscreen.
3. 3. Patients with hyper-sensitivity to the sun should take extra precautions to guard against exposure immediately following the procedure as the skin may become more sensitive.
4. 4. Your skin may be more red than usual after removal of the masque solution. Please avoid strenuous exercise during this time.
5. 5. Approximately 48 hours after the treatment, your skin will start to peel. This peeling will generally last two-five days. DO NOT PICK OR PULL THE SKIN.
6. 6. When washing your face, do not scrub, do not use a washcloth. Use the anti-redness foaming cleanser provided.
7. 7. Apply the anti-redness soothing balm as directed and as needed to relieve dryness, itching and tightness.
8. 8. Wait until the peel is complete before having any other facial procedures including facials, microdermabrasion, laser treatments, laser hair removal, Botox injections, or injectable fillers.

Adverse experiences that may occur after the peel: It is common and expected that your skin will be red and possibly itchy and/or irritated. It is also possible that other adverse experiences and side effects may occur. Although rare, the following adverse experiences have been reported by patients after having Pontius Peel treatment: skin breakout or rash, acne, dark spots (hyper pigmentation), light spots (hypo pigmentation), swelling and burning. Call the office immediately if you have any unexpected problems after the procedure.

Lack of Effect: Although most people experience peeling of the facial skin, not every patient notices that the skin peels after the Pontius Peel treatment. Lack of peeling is not an indication that the peel was unsuccessful. If you do not notice actual peeling, please know that you are still receiving the benefits of the Pontius Peel such as improvement of skin tone, texture and appearance of fine lines and hyper-pigmentation. There are a number of reasons why a patient may not have peeling or may experience minimum peeling. The reasons include: Having peels regularly with a short interval between peels, frequent use of Retin-A, AHA or other peeling agents prior to the peel, and severe sun damage.