Chemical Peel Aftercare: The First Week
A chemical peel is only part of the story. How you care for your skin in the days that follow matters, too. Here's the general aftercare guidance estheticians widely share for the first week after a peel. Your skin and your peel may call for something a little different, so always follow the instructions you're given at your visit first.
Start with your visit instructions
Any aftercare instructions you're given for your peel, whether that's the Bright New You Peel, Acne Peel, Ageless Peel or O2 Oxygen Peel, are your main guide. Everything below is general advice that sits alongside them.
Have a question once you're home? Call us at (571) 501-6522. We're always happy to help.
Days 1 and 2: keep it simple
Right after a peel, skin may feel warm, tight or a little sensitive, and it may look slightly pink. This is a good time to keep your routine short and gentle:
- Wash with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser and lukewarm water.
- Pat your skin dry with a clean, soft towel instead of rubbing.
- Apply a simple, fragrance-free moisturizer whenever your skin feels tight.
- Ask your esthetician when it's okay to wear makeup again.
For the first couple of days, many estheticians suggest skipping saunas, steam rooms, very hot showers on your face and hard workouts that leave you very sweaty, unless your esthetician tells you otherwise.
Days 3 to 5: hands off
Depending on the peel, some clients notice light flaking or peeling around this time, while others see very little. Both are common.
The most important rule of the week: don't pick, peel or scrub away flakes, even when it's tempting. Pulling at skin before it's ready can leave the area irritated or uneven-looking. Let flakes come away on their own and keep moisturizing.
Hold off on scrubs, exfoliating acids, retinoids and other strong products until your esthetician says it's okay to bring them back.
Sunscreen, every single day
Freshly peeled skin can be more sensitive to the sun. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning, even on cloudy days and even if you'll mostly be indoors near windows, and reapply when you're outside. A wide-brimmed hat and a little shade go a long way, too. If you're unsure which sunscreen to use, ask at your visit.
Days 6 and 7: easing back in
By the end of the first week, many clients find their skin feels more settled. Keep the gentle routine going until your skin feels comfortable, then bring your usual products back slowly, one at a time, as your esthetician advises. Keep sunscreen as a daily habit long after the first week.
Planning other treatments? Let your esthetician know before you book waxing, another peel or a facial on the same area, so they can help you space things out.
Planning a series of peels
If you're working toward ongoing skin goals, the Chemical Peel Package - 6 Sessions ($750) lets you plan your peels over time. Ask at your visit how far apart to schedule them.
And if something ever doesn't feel right, such as discomfort that worries you or a reaction you didn't expect, please contact us, and reach out to your doctor for anything that concerns you medically.
Treatments mentioned
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wash my face after a chemical peel?
Yes, gently. Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser with lukewarm water and pat your skin dry. Follow the timing and products in the instructions you're given at your visit.
Is it okay to peel off flaking skin?
Please don't. Let flakes come away on their own and keep your skin moisturized. Picking or pulling at skin can leave the area irritated.
Do I really need sunscreen after a peel?
Yes. Freshly peeled skin can be more sensitive to the sun, so apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning and reapply when you're outdoors.