421 PROCEDURE GUIDE

Detox Protocol — Step-by-Step Clinical Application Guide for Practitioners

Black Peel · Combo Peel Self-Neutralizing · 3–5 Hr Contact Fitzpatrick I–V

Product Overview

prodermic® 421

Detox Protocol · Black Resurfacing Peel

Type	4-Agent Combo Peel
Total Active	Multi-agent concentration
Size	30ml jar
Yield	~24 sessions per jar
Fitzpatrick	I–V
Peel Depth	Superficial

Active Composition

Black Acetic

Salicylic

Mandelic

Lactic

Mechanism of Action

Agent	Mechanism
Black Acetic Acid	Deep detoxification — draws out impurities, environmental pollutants, and oxidized sebum like activated carbon. Antimicrobial action.
Salicylic Acid	Lipophilic penetration into oil-rich pores, dissolves acne plugs, comedolytic and anti-inflammatory.
Mandelic Acid	Broad-spectrum antibacterial coverage with even, gradual penetration due to larger molecular size. Gentle on sensitive skin.
Lactic Acid	High-dose hydrating exfoliation, drives ceramide synthesis and skin barrier repair while promoting controlled desquamation.

Clinical Indications

Detoxification

Congested Skin

Anti-Aging

Dull Complexion

Patient Selection & Pre-Procedure

Ideal Patient Profile

Urban patients with pollution-related congestion and dull, lifeless skin
Oily, acne-prone skin with clogged pores and blackheads
Smokers or patients exposed to environmental pollutants
Patients seeking a “detox” reset for congested, sluggish skin
Fitzpatrick skin types I–V (broad candidacy)
Patients who want visible peeling with minimal downtime

Contraindications

DO NOT TREAT IF

Active skin infections in the treatment area
Compromised skin barrier (eczema, dermatitis flare)
Pregnancy or breastfeeding (consult physician)
Oral isotretinoin use within the last 6 months
Topical tretinoin/retinoid use within 72 hours of session
Open wounds, cuts, or abrasions in the treatment area
History of keloid or hypertrophic scarring
Known allergy/sensitivity to salicylic acid, lactic acid, or any of the active ingredients
Recent laser/IPL treatment within 2 weeks

Pre-Procedure Patient Preparation

Skin Assessment: Evaluate skin type, congestion level, active acne presence, and prior peel history to determine suitability.
Sun Exposure: Advise patient to avoid direct sun exposure for at least 1 week prior.
Discontinue: Stop topical retinoids 72 hours before. Stop AHAs/BHAs 48 hours before.
Informed Consent: Discuss expected outcomes, downtime (3–7 days of peeling/flaking), self-neutralizing nature (patient washes off at home), and possible side effects.
Photography: Take standardized baseline photographs under consistent lighting.

Step-by-Step Procedure

KEY: SELF-NEUTRALIZING FORMULA

prodermic 421 is a self-neutralizing peel. It is applied in-clinic and the patient leaves with the peel on. The peel self-neutralizes over 3–5 hours. The patient washes it off at home after the contact period. No in-clinic neutralization is required.

Cleanse & Degrease

Cleanse the treatment area with a gentle, non-residue cleanser. Remove all makeup, sunscreen, and surface impurities. Then degrease the skin using a pre-peel degreasing solution (e.g., glycolic prep, acetone, or alcohol prep) applied with gauze or cotton pads. Wipe across the entire treatment area to ensure uniform acid penetration.

Degreasing contact: 1–2 minutes. Wipe clean. Allow skin to dry for 30 seconds before proceeding.

Patch Test (First Session Only)

For the patient's first session, perform a mandatory patch test. Apply a small amount of prodermic 421 to the post-auricular area (behind the ear). Wait 10 minutes and observe for signs of excessive irritation, burning, or allergic reaction.

If the patient shows no adverse reaction after 10 minutes, proceed with full application. If irritation occurs, do NOT proceed — remove product immediately and consider a milder protocol.

Apply prodermic 421

Using a fan brush, apply a thin, even layer of prodermic 421 across the entire treatment area. The product has a distinctive black colour which helps visualize coverage. Work systematically:

Forehead: Apply in horizontal strokes from center outward
Cheeks: Apply from the nose outward toward the ears
Nose: Focus on the T-zone — bridge, sides, and tip where congestion concentrates
Chin: Apply in upward strokes, extra attention to congested areas
Upper lip: Light, thin application (sensitive area)

Use approximately 1–1.5ml of product per full-face application. Avoid the periorbital area (around eyes), lips, and nostrils. The black colour ensures uniform visible coverage — no missed patches.

Observe Initial Response (5–10 Minutes)

After application, observe the patient in-clinic for 5–10 minutes to ensure no adverse immediate reactions. Mild warmth, slight tingling, and a gentle tightening sensation are normal and expected.

Mild warmth + tingling: Normal — this is the expected initial response
Moderate stinging: Monitor for 2–3 more minutes; usually subsides as the peel begins self-neutralizing
Severe burning or swelling: Remove product immediately with cold water

Once you confirm tolerance, the patient is ready for discharge with at-home instructions.

Discharge with At-Home Instructions

Once the initial observation is complete and the patient shows no adverse reaction:

Leave the peel on: The patient leaves with the black peel visible on their face
Contact time: Instruct the patient to leave it on for 3–5 hours
Wash off at home: After 3–5 hours, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water until all black residue is removed
Apply a soothing recovery moisturizer immediately after washing
No other actives or makeup for the rest of the day

Provide the patient with written or WhatsApp post-care instructions before they leave. Schedule next session in 14 days.

Post-Peel Soothing (At Home)

After washing off the peel at home:

Pat skin dry gently — do not rub
Apply a thick, bland recovery moisturizer or balm generously
Do not apply any actives, serums, or makeup until the next morning
Sleep on a clean pillowcase

Mild redness post-wash is normal and will subside within a few hours. The skin may feel tight — this is expected as the detoxification process continues.

Early Removal & Adverse Reactions

INSTRUCT PATIENT TO WASH OFF IMMEDIATELY IF

Severe burning or pain that does not subside or is escalating
Excessive redness or swelling beyond mild warmth
Hives, welts, or allergic reaction signs
Blistering or skin breakdown
Inability to tolerate the sensation

Emergency Removal Steps (At Home)

Rinse the treatment area thoroughly with cold water until all product is removed
Continue rinsing until all tingling/burning completely stops
Apply a thick, bland moisturizer (no actives)
Apply a cold compress for comfort if needed
Contact the clinic immediately to report the reaction
Document the reaction — reduce contact time or consider a milder protocol for the next session

PATIENT COMMUNICATION

Ensure the patient has the clinic's WhatsApp/phone number before leaving
Advise them to send a photo if they notice anything unusual
Mild warmth and tightness are normal — reassure the patient
If in doubt, instruct them to wash it off early — better safe than sorry

Post-Procedure Care Instructions

Provide these instructions to the patient (verbal + printed/WhatsApp):

Day 0 (Day of Procedure)

Leave the peel on for 3–5 hours as instructed
Wash off thoroughly with lukewarm water
Apply recovery moisturizer immediately after
No other actives, no makeup for the rest of the day
Sleep on a clean pillowcase

Days 1–2 (Tightness Phase)

Skin will feel tight, dry, and may appear slightly darkened — this is expected
Cleanse with a gentle, soap-free cleanser twice daily
Apply a thick, bland moisturizer or recovery balm 3–4 times daily
Apply SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen every 2–3 hours if going outdoors
Avoid direct sun exposure, saunas, steam rooms, strenuous exercise
Do NOT pick, pull, or scrub — even if skin feels rough

Days 3–5 (Peeling Phase)

Visible flaking and peeling typically begins around Day 3
Do NOT pick, pull, or force peeling skin off — let it shed naturally
Continue moisturizer 3–4 times daily + SPF 50+
Peeling may be more intense around the nose, chin, and T-zone — this is normal for a detox peel

Days 5–7 (Recovery Phase)

Peeling should be mostly complete by Day 5–7
Continue moisturizer + SPF 50+
May resume light makeup once peeling is complete
Continue avoiding harsh actives (retinoids, AHAs, BHAs) until Day 7

Days 7–14 (Between Sessions)

Maintain strict sun protection (SPF 50+, physical avoidance)
Can resume normal skincare routine
Consider prescribing maintenance serums between sessions for continued pore clearing and skin clarity

Expected Peeling Timeline

Day 0

Application

Applied in-clinic, wash off at home after 3–5 hrs

Day 1–2

Tightness

Skin feels tight, dry, may darken slightly

Day 3–5

Peeling Phase

Visible flaking & shedding

Day 5–7

Peeling Ends

Fresh, clearer skin visible

Day 14

Next Session

Repeat protocol

Treatment Program

Parameter	Recommendation
Total Sessions	4–6 sessions (assess at session 3)
Session Interval	14 days between sessions
Contact Time	3–5 hours (self-neutralizing, washed off at home)
Downtime	3–7 days peeling/flaking per session
Full Program Duration	2–3 months (4–6 sessions at 14-day intervals)
Product per Session	Approximately 1–1.5ml (full face)
Yield per Jar	~24 full-face sessions from one 30ml jar
Maintenance	1 session every 4–6 weeks after initial program, or as needed

Progressive Protocol Guide

Adjust contact time progressively across sessions based on patient tolerance:

Session	Contact Time	Notes
Session 1	3 hours	Conservative first exposure. Assess skin response and tolerance the next day.
Session 2	3–4 hours	Increase if Session 1 was well tolerated with no adverse effects.
Session 3	4–5 hours	Continue increasing if good tolerance. Assess clinical results so far.
Session 4+	5 hours	Maximum contact time. Do not exceed 5 hours.

Expected Outcomes

After Session 1: Visibly decongested pores, reduced oiliness, and a brighter, fresher complexion.
After Session 2–3: Significant pore clearing, reduced blackheads, and smoother skin texture. Acne breakouts begin to diminish.
After Session 4–6: Deep detoxification complete. Clearer, less congested skin with improved overall tone and reduced dullness.

Set realistic expectations: Congested, acne-prone skin may initially “purge” (breakout slightly) during the first 1–2 sessions as impurities are drawn to the surface. This is a normal part of the detox process and resolves quickly.

Full Ingredient List

Black Acetic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Lactic Acid, Liquorice Extract, Tea Tree Extract