Croton oil peels: Get dramatic, lasting results after one treatment – What to expect
Croton oil’s powerful skin resurfacing properties are well documented. Derived from the Croton tiglium plant, croton oil originated in ancient China and remains fundamental to traditional Chinese medicine. In the skilled hands of board-certified dermatologist Dr. Gerald Bock and the California Skin & Laser Center team, croton oil presents a potent yet safe alternative to mild and medium skin peels. Our patients in Stockton, Lodi, and Elk Grove have experienced dramatic improvements in the tone, texture, and overall appearance of their skin.
An introduction to croton oil peels
As a deep peel, croton oil improves the overall skin quality that cannot be achieved with more superficial peels. However, not unlike other procedures that treat severe signs of aging and UV damage, downtime is required as your skin heals.
We may determine that croton oil is appropriate if you have:
- Deep wrinkling, lines, and folds
- Brown spots and other forms of hyperpigmentation
- Pre-cancerous actinic keratoses (AKs)
- Scars caused by previous acne outbreaks
- Dry, leathery skin
- Facial laxity (loose skin), especially around the mouth and lips
Appropriate candidates for croton oil peels should generally be in good health. Patients must be committed to following our instructions for care before and after treatment.
Pre-peel prep
We recommend the consistent, daily application of certain skincare products to prevent pigment changes, prolonged swelling, and other potential complications. Avoid exposure to the sun in the weeks preceding treatment. Since some medications also make your skin more sensitive to ultraviolet light from the sun, we may discuss adjustments to reduce the risk of inflammation.
The procedure
For your comfort, we administer a relaxing sedative. An injectable anesthetic is also applied to numb the treatment area. The croton oil solution is then applied to the clean, numbed skin. A special dressing and ointment help protect the skin is applied immediately following treatment. We provide thorough instructions on how to continue to protect your face and neck as your skin heals.
Post-peel care
It is not unusual for treated skin to look like you have a terrible sunburn. Not unlike severe sunburns, be prepared for some swelling, oozing, scabbing, and, of course, peeling. Damaged skin makes way for fresh, new skin. Discomfort can be managed with pain medications and as directed by doctor Bock.
It is critical to wash your skin frequently. Avoid and protect it from the sun as you did before treatment. Lock in moisture with ointment. Depending on how your skin heals, you can wear makeup to cover lingering redness around a week after your peel. Patients generally get back to their usual activities after two weeks.
With good skincare, results can last for many years. For patients who appreciate the downtime, preparation, and after-care, the croton oil peel makes a remarkable difference in the appearance and quality of the skin – after just one treatment session.
Schedule a consultation at one of California Skin & Laser Center’s three locations: Stockton 209-751-4292, Lodi 209-330-0764, or Elk Grove 209-900-1343. We look forward to acquainting you with our extensive range of aesthetic services to restore your skin’s healthy vibrancy.
