After Treatment
After a Chemical Peel
Peeling and redness are expected - this is how the treatment works.
Skin Care
- Use only gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer for the first 1-2 weeks
- Your skin will feel tight, dry, and sensitive - this is normal
- The first moisturizer application may sting - this is expected
- Do not use retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, or active ingredients until fully healed
Do Not Pick or Peel
Do not pick, pull, or peel flaking skin. Let it shed naturally. Premature removal can cause scarring and pigmentation changes.
Recovery Timeline
- Superficial peel: redness and flaking for 2-5 days
- Medium peel (TCA): peeling and redness for 7-14 days
- Some patients may not visibly peel after a superficial peel - this does not mean it did not work
Sun Protection
Strict sun avoidance is critical after a chemical peel. Use SPF 50+ daily. Sun exposure is the number one cause of complications including rebound hyperpigmentation.
When to Contact Us
- Redness worsening after day 3
- Signs of infection: pus, fever, swelling
- Blisters or severe pain
- Herpes outbreak in the treated area
