Chemical Peel Informatoin

Before Your Chemical Peel

To help ensure the best results and reduce the risk of irritation or complications, please follow these guidelines before your appointment.

7-14 days before treatment

  • Avoid excessive sun exposure, tanning beds, and sunburn.
  • Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily.
  • Do not wax, thread, use depilatory creams, or bleach hair in the treatment area.
  • Avoid exfoliating treatments that may sensitize the skin, unless specifically approved by your provider.

5-7 days before treatment

  • Stop using products that may increase irritation or sensitivity on the treatment area, unless otherwise directed:
  • retinoids or retinol products
  • alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)
  • beta hydroxy acids (BHAs/salicylic acid)
  • benzoyl peroxide
  • exfoliating scrubs
  • strong active serums
  • Avoid facials, microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, or other exfoliating procedures in the area being treated.

48-72 hours before treatment

  • Avoid shaving the treatment area if it causes irritation.
  • Avoid heavy exercise, sauna, steam rooms, or anything that may leave the skin irritated or inflamed.
  • Do not pick, scrub, or exfoliate the skin.

Notify your provider before treatment if you:

  • are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • have active cold sores, open wounds, rashes, eczema flare, dermatitis, or skin infection in the treatment area
  • have a history of herpes simplex outbreaks
  • are using prescription skincare or acne medications
  • have recently used isotretinoin or other physician-directed acne treatment
  • have allergies, recent cosmetic procedures, or a history of abnormal scarring or hyperpigmentation
  • have had significant recent sun exposure or sunburn

Day of treatment

  • Arrive with clean skin, free of makeup, lotion, oil, perfume, or self-tanner on the treatment area.
  • If possible, avoid starting any new skincare products right before your appointment.
  • Tell your provider about any changes in your skin or health since booking.

After Your Chemical Peel

After a light or medium peel, it is normal to experience temporary redness, tightness, dryness, flaking, or mild peeling. The intensity and duration will vary depending on the peel performed.

What to expect

  • Skin may feel tight, warm, dry, or slightly sensitive.
  • Redness and visible flaking or peeling may begin within a few days.
  • Mild swelling or breakout purging may occur in some clients.
  • Do not pull, pick, rub, or peel shedding skin.

For the first 24 hours

  • Keep the skin calm and protected.
  • Do not wash the treated area unless your provider instructs otherwise.
  • Avoid makeup unless specifically approved by your provider.
  • Avoid sweating, strenuous exercise, hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, swimming pools, and hot tubs.
  • Do not use exfoliants, acids, retinoids, or other active products.

For the first 3-7 days, or as directed

  • Cleanse gently with a mild, non-exfoliating cleanser.
  • Use a bland, gentle moisturizer as recommended by your provider.
  • Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day and reapply as needed.
  • Avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible.
  • Avoid scrubs, brushes, loofahs, exfoliating pads, and active ingredients until your skin has fully healed or your provider tells you to resume them.
  • Avoid waxing, threading, laser treatments, and other potentially irritating procedures on the treated area until cleared by your provider.
  • Let peeling skin shed naturally.

General aftercare tips

  • Keep the skin hydrated and avoid unnecessary heat or friction.
  • Use lukewarm water, not hot water, on the treated area.
  • Avoid picking at blemishes or peeling skin to reduce the risk of scarring or discoloration.
  • Resume your regular skincare routine only when your provider tells you it is appropriate.

When to Contact Our Office

Contact us promptly if you experience:

  • severe or worsening pain
  • significant swelling
  • blistering
  • signs of infection
  • pus or unusual drainage
  • fever
  • extensive crusting
  • unexpected discoloration
  • delayed healing
  • any reaction that seems more intense than expected

If you have an urgent medical concern, seek appropriate medical care immediately.


Peel Preparation and Aftercare Acknowledgment

By scheduling and receiving a professional chemical peel, clients acknowledge that:

  • results vary from person to person
  • multiple treatments may be recommended
  • following before and aftercare instructions is important for both safety and results
  • failure to follow instructions may increase the risk of irritation, prolonged healing, pigmentation changes, or other complications