If you must be in the sun for any duration of time in the two to three weeks before a treatment, you should wear sunscreen and try to limit your time outdoors as much as possible. [5] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source To lessen your exposure to the sun, it can be helpful to schedule your chemical peel for the fall or winter, when the sun’s rays aren’t as strong. [6] X Expert Source Aanand Geria, MDBoard Certified Dermatologist Expert Interview. 8 July 2020.

Acyclovir (Zovirax) is a common antiviral medication used to prevent cold sore/herpes outbreaks prior to a chemical peel. Acyclovir is typically taken for between two days and one week before the treatment and up to two weeks after the treatment. [8] X Research source This medication is commonly dosed at 200 mg five times each day. [9] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Valacyclovir is another common antiviral medication. It is typically dosed at one gram three times daily. Valacyclovir should be taken for at least two days before the treatment and for 10 to 14 days after the treatment. [10] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source

Glycolic acid lotion is typically recommended for light chemical peels. This lotion is used for two weeks before the treatment to help ensure that your skin peels uniformly and heals more easily. [11] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source A retinoid cream like tretinoin or Retin-A is used for light or medium chemical peels to help shorten the duration of your treatment and speed up the healing process. [12] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Retinoid use is typically discontinued three days before the treatment. [13] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source

Hydroquinone (skin bleaching) is most commonly recommended for people with darker skin complexions to prepare for a chemical peel. [15] X Research source You will most likely be instructed to discontinue the use of bleaching products for at least one week before the treatment. [16] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source

antihistamines[19] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U. S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source coal tar and coal tar derivatives[20] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U. S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source certain contraceptives (birth control pills and female sex hormones)[21] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U. S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs[22] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U. S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source phenothiazines (tranquilizers)[23] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U. S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source psoralens[24] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U. S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source sulfonamides (antimicrobials)[25] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U. S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source sulfonylureas (oral diabetes medications)[26] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U. S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source thiazide diuretics (water pills)[27] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U. S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source tetracyclines (antibiotics)[28] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U. S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source tricyclic antidepressants[29] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U. S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source