Chemical peels are a popular skin rejuvenation treatment offered at Renaissance Plastic Surgery, helping men and women achieve smoother, brighter, and more even-toned skin. While the treatment itself plays a key role in your results, post-peel skincare is just as critical.
Proper chemical peel aftercare can maximize your results, minimize irritation, and prevent complications such as infection or hyperpigmentation. Whether you've had a light peel or a deeper treatment, understanding how to care for your skin after a chemical peel is essential.
Below, our experts share the top do’s and don’ts after a chemical peel to help you protect your skin and promote optimal healing.
❌ Do Not: Pick, Pull, or Scratch at Your Skin
As your skin begins to peel, it’s tempting to touch or remove the flaking skin—but resist the urge!
Picking, pulling, or scratching disrupts the skin’s natural exfoliation process and can:
- Lead to irritation or scarring
- Increase your risk of infection
- Cause unwanted hyperpigmentation or discoloration
Let your skin shed naturally. Trust the process—your glowing, refreshed skin is underneath!
✅ Do: Be Gentle with Your Skin
After a chemical peel, your skin will be in a vulnerable and sensitive state. Handle it with extra care:
- Avoid scrubs, exfoliating cleansers, and cleansing brushes
- Refrain from using products with retinol, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), or benzoyl peroxide
- Gently cleanse and pat your skin dry—no rubbing!
Even after the visible peeling stops, your newly revealed skin remains delicate. Continue to use gentle, hydrating skincare products recommended by your provider.
💧 Do: Hydrate—But Don’t Overdo It
Tight, itchy, or dry skin is common after a chemical peel. While it’s important to stay moisturized, don’t over-moisturize or smother your skin. Too much hydration can interfere with the peeling process and slow down cell turnover.
Instead:
- Use a light, non-comedogenic moisturizer as recommended by your provider
- Apply as needed to relieve dryness - don’t slather on too much too often
- Avoid occlusive ingredients (like heavy oils) unless instructed otherwise
The goal is to support your skin’s natural renewal process without interfering.
🌞 Do: Wear SPF and Avoid Sun Exposure
One of the most important parts of post-chemical peel care is sun protection. Your skin is much more sensitive to UV rays following a peel, and unprotected exposure can lead to:
- Blotchy pigmentation
- Redness or inflammation
- Long-term sun damage
Tips to protect your skin:
- Stay indoors or in the shade as much as possible for the first 1–2 weeks
- Wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day, rain or shine
- Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, especially if you're outdoors
Hats, sunglasses, and UPF-protective clothing can also help shield your healing skin.
🧴 Bonus Tip: Follow Your Provider’s Instructions
Your provider at Renaissance Plastic Surgery will give you personalized instructions based on your peel type and skin type. Always follow their aftercare plan for best results.
Questions About Your Chemical Peel Aftercare?
If you’ve recently had a chemical peel at Renaissance Plastic Surgery or are considering one, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is here to guide you through the process and help you achieve your best skin yet.
📞 Call us or 📩 contact us online to speak with one of our skincare specialists.
