Treatments & the salon
Post-treatment care: what to do after a chemical peel
Reviewed by Cassidy, aesthetic therapist · Updated · 3 min read
The short answer
After a superficial chemical peel, keep your skin hydrated, stay out of the sun and wear broad-spectrum sunscreen every day. Use only a gentle cleanser and moisturiser for the first few days, pause retinol and exfoliants for at least three days, and never pick or peel flaking skin. Most people see light flaking for one to three days at most.
Key points
- Hydrate, protect from the sun and keep your routine gentle.
- Let flaking skin shed on its own. Picking can leave marks.
- Pause retinol, acids and scrubs for at least three days.
- Sun protection matters most, because freshly peeled skin burns and pigments more easily.
A superficial peel is gentle, but your skin still needs a little care while it renews. Follow these steps and your skin will reward you with a smoother, brighter result.
What is normal after a chemical peel?
Everyone's skin responds a little differently, and a stronger reaction does not mean a better result. After a superficial peel you may notice:
- Pinkness and warmth straight after treatment, which usually settles within hours.
- Tightness or dryness for a day or two.
- Light flaking, often around the mouth, nose and chin, for one to three days.
- Nothing visible at all. This is common and does not mean the peel has not worked.
Contact us if you notice blistering, crusting, strong swelling, severe pain or signs of infection.
Day one: calm and protect
- Keep your skin bare for the rest of the day if you can.
- Avoid heat: no saunas, steam, hot baths or very hot showers on your face.
- Skip exercise that makes you sweat heavily.
- Stay out of direct sun, and wear sunscreen and a hat if you go outside.
- Do not touch or rub your face more than you need to.
Days two to four: hydrate and let it shed
Your routine should be short and gentle:
- Cleanse with a mild, non-foaming cleanser and lukewarm water. Pat dry, do not rub.
- Apply a soothing, barrier-supporting moisturiser, more than once a day if your skin feels tight.
- Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning and reapply every two hours outdoors.
If your skin flakes, leave it alone. Picking or pulling flakes off can remove skin before it is ready and increases the risk of dark marks, especially in darker skin tones. A little extra moisturiser helps flakes settle.
When can you use your usual products again?
Pause these for at least three days after your peel, or until your skin has stopped flaking and feels completely comfortable:
- Retinol and vitamin A products
- Exfoliating acids such as glycolic, lactic or salicylic acid
- Scrubs, brushes and exfoliating tools
- Anything that stings on application
Bring them back gradually, one product at a time. If something stings, stop and give your skin a few more days.
Why does sun protection matter so much after a peel?
A peel removes the dullest top layer of cells, which is exactly why skin looks brighter afterwards. It also means your skin is more vulnerable to the sun for a while. Unprotected sun exposure after a peel can undo your results and, in some people, trigger pigmentation.
Wear a broad-spectrum SPF daily, reapply when you are outdoors, and seek shade in the middle of the day. In South Africa's summer, SPF 50 is a sensible choice. Our sunscreen guide will help you find one you like.
How do you get the most from a course of peels?
Superficial peels work best as a series. Between appointments:
- Keep up your daily sunscreen without exception.
- Use the home products your therapist recommends, which are chosen to support your peel results.
- Tell us before your next peel about anything that happened with your skin since the last one, such as a reaction, sunburn or a new medication.
Read chemical peels explained for more on how a course works.
Questions we’re often asked
Can I wear makeup after a chemical peel?
It is best to wait until your skin is no longer flaking or sensitive, usually a day or two. When you do, use clean brushes and remove makeup gently.
My skin didn't peel. Did the peel work?
Yes. Superficial peels often cause little or no visible peeling. The exfoliation is still happening at a level you cannot see.
Can I exercise after a peel?
Wait at least a day. Heat and sweat can irritate freshly peeled skin.
What if I get sunburnt after my peel?
Keep the skin cool and moisturised, stay out of the sun and let us know. We may adjust the timing of your next peel.
When can I have my next peel?
Your therapist will advise you, based on how your skin responded and the plan for your course.
This article is general information to help you understand your skin and your options. It isn’t a diagnosis or medical advice. If you are pregnant, on medication or have a skin condition, speak to your doctor, and always tell your therapist about your health history before a treatment.
