What to Expect After a Chemical Peel

Considering a chemical peel? They are a great option to rejuvenate the skin, minimize imperfections, and improve skin texture and tone. However, you might be concerned about what happens in the days following your peel. By knowing what to expect, you can confidently take care of your skin and maximize the benefits of your treatment.

The Basics of Chemical Peels

A chemical peel is designed to address a variety of skin concerns, including uneven skin tone, fine lines, acne, hyperpigmentation, and minor scars. These peels work by applying a specialized solution to the surface of your skin to exfoliate and encourage new cell growth. You may have different types of peels depending on your individual goals. An experienced provider can help you choose the right peel for your skin.

What Happens After Your Chemical Peel?

The goal of a chemical peel is to deeply exfoliate the skin using a chemical solution. This means the outer layers of the skin will be removed to unveil fresher, healthier skin beneath. Here is what you can expect from this process.

Healing and Peeling Skin

In the days following your peel, your skin is likely to peel or flake away. While this can look concerning, it’s completely normal and expected. This phase often begins one to three days after the procedure and may continue for several days.

While peeling is normal, you do not want to pick at the peeling skin. Doing so could lead to irritation or even scarring. Instead, allow the exfoliation process to happen naturally and follow all post-peel care instructions that you receive.

Avoid Harsh Products and Makeup

Your skin will be sensitive post-peel, so you will need to avoid harsh skincare products for a couple of days. You should be especially careful to avoid harsh products like retinoids, exfoliants, and highly acidic serums until your provider tells you they’re safe to reintroduce. These products can disrupt the healing process or irritate your skin.

Stay Out of the Sun

UV exposure is one of the biggest concerns after a peel. Freshly exfoliated skin is more vulnerable to sun damage, even from minimal exposure. Make a point to stay out of direct sunlight for at least one to two weeks after your treatment. If you need to go outside, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and wear protective clothing like wide-brimmed hats.

Returning to Daily Activities

For most chemical peels, the recovery process won’t significantly interrupt your daily routine. You can typically return to work and other non-strenuous activities within a day or two. However, it’s still a good idea to hold off on heavy exercise or activities that involve excessive sweating, as perspiration may irritate your skin or prolong the healing process.

When Will You See Results?

Patience is key after a chemical peel. While it can be tempting to expect instant results, the true improvements typically emerge over time as your skin fully heals and regenerates. Many patients notice an improvement in texture, tone, and brightness within a week, but the most significant effects—such as reduced fine lines or a more even complexion—often take several weeks to fully appear.

The exact timeline can vary based on factors like your skin type, the type of peel used, and how well you follow post-treatment care instructions.

Maintenance

Chemical peels can deliver exceptional results, but maintaining those results requires some upkeep. Some types of peels require multiple sessions scheduled a few weeks apart for best results. And while your outcome can last for many months, maintenance peels can be done for continued results.

Healthier Skin Starts Here

Like with any cosmetic procedure, be sure to follow all of your post-treatment instructions carefully.

Do you have more questions or are you curious about whether a chemical peel is right for you? Schedule a consultation with our team today!