Slideshow
Pre-Care Instructions
7 days prior:
Avoid
- Retinol / retinoids
- Strong AHAs/BHAs (glycolic, lactic, salicylic)
- At-home peeling solutions.
- Avoid waxing, threading, or laser on the treatment area.
- Avoid extended sun exposure and tanning beds.
3–5 days prior:
Use only gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF, unless your provider gave you a prep routine.
- Stop using benzoyl peroxide and other strong acne treatments on the treatment area (unless directed otherwise by your provider/doctor).
Day of peel:
- Come with clean, makeup-free skin if possible.
- Do not apply any active products the morning of your peel.
Let your provider know if:
- You have a cold sore or feel one starting.
- You’ve had any unexpected sun exposure or burning.
Post-Care Instructions
(Your peel type will determine how intense peeling is – little to no visible peeling can still mean the peel is working.)
Immediately – 24 hours:
Do
- Use only what your provider recommends – usually:
- Gentle cleanser
- Soothing/hydrating serum or cream
- Bland, hydrating moisturizer
- SPF 30+ (if daytime)
- Keep the skin cool and calm.
Avoid
- Washing with hot water.
- Sweating heavily (gym, hot yoga, saunas, hot tubs).
- Makeup, if you can. If you must, keep it light and clean.
24–72 hours:
- Expect your skin to feel tight, dry, or a bit sensitive.
- If flaking/peeling starts:
- Let it peel naturally – NO picking, peeling, or scratching.
- You can trim lifting edges gently with clean scissors if needed, but don’t pull.
- Continue a simple routine
- Gentle cleanser
- Hydrating serum
- Rich but non-irritating moisturizer
- SPF daily
Avoid
- Retinol/retinoids
- AHAs/BHAs (glycolic, lactic, salicylic, etc.)
- Vitamin C if it stings
- Scrubs, cleansing brushes, dermaplaning
- Hair removal on the area.
3–7 days (or until fully healed):
- Continue protecting your skin from sun exposure.
- Once there is no more visible peeling and your skin feels calm, you can gradually reintroduce actives (one at a time, every few days).