What is ZO 3-Step Peel?

The ZO 3-Step Peel is a comprehensive, medical-grade peel designed by Dr. Zein Obagi, a renowned dermatologist. This advanced treatment combines exfoliation, stimulation, and nourishment to rejuvenate the skin with minimal downtime. The 3-Step Peel offers a powerful combination of active ingredients, promoting skin regeneration, smoothing rough texture, and enhancing radiance. Patients experience smoother, brighter, and more youthful skin, with mild peeling (lasting 3-5 days) following the procedure.

What Does the ZO 3-Step Peel Do?

This peel by ZO Skin Health addresses multiple skin concerns, targeting the deeper layers to repair and renew. It’s particularly effective for treating conditions like melasma, irregular pigmentation, photoaging, fine lines, and minor scars. The 3-Step Peel also helps improve skin firmness and elasticity, giving the skin a more youthful appearance.

How Does the ZO 3-Step Peel Work?

The ZO 3-Step Peel is unique because it works on multiple levels of the skin, both stimulating the epidermis and promoting deeper cell turnover in the dermis. The peel is formulated with a mix of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and lactic acid, providing an optimal balance of exfoliation and hydration. Your skincare professional will evaluate your skin’s needs before applying the peel to ensure the best results.

The treatment includes the following three essential steps:

• Step 1: Prep Solution – This first step removes the skin’s lipid layer, ensuring that the active ingredients can penetrate deeper into the skin for optimal effectiveness. It also helps to improve pigmentation, resulting in brighter, more even-toned skin.
• Step 2: Stimulator Peel – The second step involves the application of a blend of exfoliating acids, which help improve skin texture, tone, and overall appearance. This stage promotes skin renewal and refreshes the complexion.
• Step 3: Neutralizer and Extraction Prep – The final step neutralizes the peel and prepares the skin for any additional treatments, like extractions, if necessary.

What Results Can I Expect?

Patients typically notice an immediate improvement in their skin’s appearance, with tighter, brighter, and smoother skin. Though one session can deliver noticeable results, a series of treatments (typically 3-6 sessions) are recommended for optimal outcomes. These sessions can be spaced 7-10 days apart.

Visible results include:

• Reduction of melasma and hyperpigmentation
• Improved skin tone and texture
• Diminished fine lines and wrinkles
• Tightening of loose or sagging skin
• Enhanced luminosity and moisture levels
• An instant glowing complexion

How Do I Prepare My Skin Before the Peel?

• To enhance results, start on the ZO® program based on your skin type 4-6 weeks prior to having your first peel. PIGMENT CONTROL + BLENDING CRÈME 4% HQ – RX plus REFISSA (tretinoin) may be used in patients with a high risk for pigmentation problems.
• Discontinue the use of topical retinoids and tretinoin (such as Retin-A, Renova, Differin, Tazorac, and Refissa) 3-4 Days prior to peel.
• Discontinue the use of alpha-hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide, retinol, and other potentially irritating products 3-4 days prior to peel.
• Avoid laser hair removal, electrolysis, waxing and the use of depilatory creams for 5-7 days prior to peel.
• Avoid having the peel until skin has completely healed from any procedure, such as IPL, laser or microdermabrasion.
• If you have a history of herpes infection, you will need to start an anti-viral medication one day prior to this peel and continue for 7 days.

Suggested Aftercare

• Avoid washing your face or treated area for at least 5 hours after the peel.
• The day after the peel:
  • 1. Wash the face or treated area with the cleanser from your daily ZO daily skin care program. Wash face gently for 30-40 seconds. Rinse and pat dry.
  • 2. Apply the 2nd packet of the ZO® Retinol Stimulating CRÈME.
  • 3. Apply a thin layer of ZO® Hydrating CRÈME.
• ZO® Hydrating CRÈME may be applied 3 times daily or more often or as needed.
• Redness, stinging, itching, mild swelling, flaking and peeling are ALL normal signs after the peel and vary based on patient responses.
• Exfoliation generally will start 2-3 days after treatment and ends by approximately day 5.
• Avoid rubbing, scratching, or peeling/ picking the skin with your fingers while healing. YOU WILL CREATE SCARRING & HYPERPIGMENTATION!
• Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 7-10 days following the peel. Sunscreen may be used after the skin has completely healed. VERY IMPORTANT!
• Besides the ZO® Retinol CRÈME, do not use alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide, and retinoids and other potentially irritating products until the skin is healed.
• Avoid running water directly on your face while showering.
• Avoid strenuous exercise and sweating until skin is completely healed.
• Avoid procedures, such as facials, hair removal, microdermabrasion and laser until skin completely and fully healed.
• After skin is healed, return to your daily ZO® daily skin health program.

How Does the ZO 3-Step Peel Compare to Other Peels?

Compared to other chemical peels, the ZO 3-Step Peel stands out for its ability to offer moderate exfoliation with minimal downtime. It’s a more intense treatment than the ZO Stimulator Peel+, providing deeper skin rejuvenation. For first-time peel patients or those looking for a less intense option, the ZO Red Carpet Peel might be a good starting point, as it has no downtime. However, for those looking for more comprehensive results, the ZO 3-Step Peel delivers significant improvements in skin texture, tone, and overall vitality.