Aftercare guide
Chemical Peel Aftercare
Caring for your skin while it peels, what to avoid in the first week, and the signs that mean you should call the clinic.
Straight after treatment
- Wash with a mild, gentle cleanser, and avoid harsh or abrasive products for at least 48 hours.
- Keep your skin moisturised with an unscented cream made for sensitive skin.
- Don’t wear make-up for 24 to 48 hours.
- Wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, as your skin is particularly sensitive to sun at this stage.
- Don’t pick or pull at flaking skin. Let it come away on its own so it doesn’t scar.
The first week
- Don’t use retinoids, AHAs or BHAs for at least a week.
- Light activity is fine, but avoid exercise, saunas and swimming until the peeling has stopped.
- Drink plenty of water to help healing.
- Don’t smoke, and keep alcohol low, as both can slow healing.
What’s normal
- Redness for one to two days, then pinkness while the new skin settles.
- Tightness, stinging and some darkening of the skin before it starts to peel.
- Peeling for about a week.
- Slight swelling for the first one to two days.
Longer term
- Wear SPF 30 or higher every day and keep sun exposure low for several weeks.
- Use gentle skincare that suits your skin type. John can suggest products.
- Come to any follow-up appointments so John can see how your skin has healed.
Contact the clinic if…
- Redness, pain or swelling that won’t go away or is getting worse.
- Blisters, weeping or crusting.
- Any signs of infection.
- A cold sore flaring up.
- Areas of skin that look darker or lighter once they’ve healed.