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That time I sprayed glycolic on a client who said she was 'used to strong peels'
Last Wednesday at the studio in Austin, this lady insisted she did 30% TCA at home. I put a mild 10% glycolic on her and she turned red within 2 minutes. Had to neutralize early and sit with her for 20 minutes with a cool towel. Has anyone else had clients dramatically overstate their tolerance like that?
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kellyallen22d ago
LMAO some people really out here thinking their face is invincible after one too many DIY peels. "I can handle 30% TCA at home" is the skincare equivalent of saying you can hold your liquor after a couple of shots. Bet her skin barrier was screaming for help before you even touched her with that 10% glycolic. Two minutes is honestly impressive though, sounds like her face was just waiting for an excuse to throw a tantrum. At least you got a good story out of it and she learned the hard way that home peels don't make you a pro.
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Did you check if she had any active dermatitis or was using retinol beforehand? lol cause I've had clients tell me they can handle strong stuff and then their skin freaks out from something basic. Usually it's not just about the percentage but what else they got going on with their routine or skin barrier. A lot of people don't realize that being on retinol or tretinoin makes even mild peels burn like crazy. That reaction in 2 minutes sounds like her barrier was already wrecked from her home TCA. I always quiz clients hard on their current products now before even mixing anything.
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the_daniel23d ago
Guess nobody's mentioned that some people just have naturally thin or sensitive skin and can't ever handle strong peels even with a perfect routine. Could be she's just built that way and no amount of prep would've saved her.
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mason.drew23d ago
Started quizzing everyone after a client didn't tell me she was using prescription retinol and her face turned bright red from a mild lactic acid peel. Now I ask about everything, even stuff like vitamin C serums or benzoyl peroxide, because people just forget or don't think it matters.
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