Chemical Peel Care Guide

To avoid over-sensitizing your skin, please stop using any aggressive active ingredients 5 to 7 days prior to your appointment. This includes Retin-A, retinol, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) like glycolic or lactic acid, beta-hydroxy acids (BHA) like salicylic acid, and strong benzoyl peroxide treatments.

No, please avoid waxing, sugaring, threading, or using depilatory creams on the treatment area for at least 7 days before your peel. Shaving should be avoided on the actual day of your treatment to prevent microscopic micro-tears from reacting to the acids.

Yes, avoid direct sun exposure or tanning beds for at least 2 weeks prior. We cannot apply a chemical peel over sunburned skin. Additionally, ensure it has been at least 2 weeks since your last Botox or dermal filler appointment.

Depending on the strength of your treatment, flaking or peeling typically begins around day 3 to 5 and can last anywhere from 3 to 7 days. Note: Progressive resurfacers may cause microscopic peeling where you won't visually see sheets of skin coming off, but the cellular exfoliation is still actively working!

Never pick, pull, or scratch flaking skin. Forcing dead skin off prematurely can cause permanent hyperpigmentation or scarring. Let the skin shed completely naturally. Keep it deeply hydrated with your recommended post-care balm to ease discomfort.

Keep it simple, gentle, and protective for the first 5 to 7 days:

• Wash: Use a cool water splash or a very gentle, non-foaming, non-active cleanser.
• Hydrate: Apply a thick, barrier-repairing balm or recovery oil frequently throughout the day.
• Protect: Wear a physical (mineral) SPF 30+ daily. This means Zinc or Titanium only! Sun protection is absolutely non-negotiable during this window.

Avoid saunas, steam rooms, and hot showers for the first 24 to 48 hours. Avoid strenuous workouts and heavy sweating until your flaking/peeling is just about finished (it will be flaky only around the edges of your face). Internal body heat can trap sweat under the freshly treated layers, causing blistering or irritation. It is best to avoid makeup entirely until your skin stops actively peeling.