Post Care Guide

Chemical Peel Aftercare

Aftercare for chemical peels. Peeling timeline, sun protection, product restrictions, and follow-up.

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RECOVERY TIME

PROCEDURE TYPE

Cosmetic

BODY AREA

Face

INDICATION

Pigmentation, fine lines, texture, sun damage, acne scarring

What to expect

You've just had a medical-strength chemical peel. The next 7 days will look different than most aftercare routines — your skin will go through visible stages as the old layers shed and the new ones surface. This guide walks you through what to expect each day and what to do (and avoid) at every step.

Why this matters

Your peel works by accelerating the skin's natural exfoliation cycle — weeks of cell turnover compressed into days. The visible peeling is the old, sun-damaged or pigment-affected layer leaving. Picking interrupts that process before the new layer is ready and creates the highest risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Sun exposure during the peeling phase does the same. Patience and shade are non-negotiable.

Post care

Day of treatment: apply ZO Retinol 1% packet before going to bed.
Morning: gentle cleanser, gentle moisturizer, then SPF.
Evening: gentle cleanser, gentle moisturizer.
Let flaking skin shed naturally — do not pick or peel.
Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your face.
Sleep on a clean pillowcase the night after treatment to minimize bacteria contact.
Apply SkinBetter Science SPF 68 compact daily.

Downtime

Day 1: skin will be tight, tender, dry, red and frosty.
Day 2: skin will be tight and dry, pink and brown.
Day 3: skin will be dry and wrinkly, possibly itchy; peeling may begin.
Day 4–7: skin will peel dramatically and feel itchy. Do not pick, peel, or exfoliate.
Day 8+: skin will be smooth and glowy, with possible peeling residual around the perimeter of the treated area.

Restrictions

Avoid sweating, strenuous exercise, saunas, and swimming for 3–4 days.
Avoid pools, hot tubs, and open water until fully healed.
Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 2 weeks; apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ consistently.
Avoid all active skincare ingredients including AHAs, BHAs, and retinols until skin is fully healed.
Do not pick or peel off dry skin.
Avoid makeup until peeling is complete, typically 5–7 days.

When to call the spa

Contact The Spa if you notice signs of infection, severe swelling, blistering, or worsening pain.

Follow up

A follow-up facial is recommended 2 weeks after your peel.

A chemical peel uses controlled acid exposure to remove damaged outer layers of skin and trigger renewal underneath. Peels range from light (glycolic, lactic—surface refresh) to medical-grade (TCA, ZO 3-step, herbal green—visible peeling and deeper resurfacing). The right peel depends on what you're treating and your downtime tolerance.

What is a chemical peel?

Light peels: glycolic, lactic, salicylic, AHA blends—monthly maintenance, minimal downtime. Medium peels: ZO 3-Step Stimulation Peel—visible flaking for 3–5 days, dramatic results for tone and texture. Deep peels: TCA at various strengths, Herbal Green Peel—visible peeling for 5–7 days, strong results for sun damage, melasma, scarring.

What types of chemical peels do you offer?

There's a tingling or burning sensation during application that fades within minutes. Light peels feel like mild warmth. Medical-grade peels feel like a strong sunburn for hours, then resolve. We use cool air and ice as needed. Most patients tolerate it well; we'll never push a peel stronger than you can handle.

Do chemical peels hurt?

Light peels: minimal visible peeling, just slight flaking for 2–3 days. Medium peels (ZO): visible peeling for 3–5 days. Deep peels (TCA, herbal green): visible peeling/flaking for 5–7 days, possibly up to 10. Plan around your social calendar—don't get a deep peel the week before a major event.

How long do I need to peel for after a chemical peel?

It depends on the peel. Light peels (AHA): every 4 weeks. Medium peels (TCA, ZO 3-Step): every 4–6 weeks. Herbal Green Peel: 4 weeks apart for a series. Always allow full healing between treatments.

How often can I get chemical peels?

Sun damage, hyperpigmentation, melasma (with the right peel and technique), uneven tone, fine lines, acne, post-acne marks, mild scarring, dull complexion, and overall maintenance. Different peels target different concerns—we'll choose the right one at consultation.

What conditions do chemical peels treat?

Chemical peels range from $90 to $375 depending on which peel you choose. AHA Peel: $90. TCA Peel: $215. Herbal Green Peel: $275. ZO 3-Step Peel: $375. Series pricing and membership discounts available.

How much do chemical peels cost in Lubbock?

Yes—we'd choose a gentler peel (lactic acid, mild AHA) and patch test first. Patients with rosacea, eczema, or known sensitivities can benefit from peels but require careful product selection. We avoid peels on actively inflamed skin and during flares.

Can I get a chemical peel if I have sensitive skin?

We avoid most chemical peels during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Lactic acid is generally considered safe in small amounts; salicylic acid, glycolic at higher strengths, and TCA are not recommended. We can do mechanical exfoliation (dermaplaning, microdermabrasion) and gentle facials throughout pregnancy.

Can I get a peel during pregnancy?

Strict sun avoidance for 7–14 days (sun on healing skin causes pigmentation issues). SPF 30+ daily, reapplied. Heavy moisturizer. Don't pick or peel manually—let skin shed naturally. Skip retinoids, scrubs, and active acids for 7–10 days. We give you a written aftercare plan.

What's the aftercare for a chemical peel?

Yes—but with the right peel and approach. Aggressive peels can worsen melasma. We use specific peels (often the Herbal Green Peel) at gentler intensity, layered with a topical home regimen and strict sun protection. Melasma is ongoing management, not a one-time fix.

Will a chemical peel help with melasma?

Book a skin consultation first—we need to see your skin to recommend the right peel. We'll examine your skin, discuss your goals, recommend the appropriate peel strength, and design a treatment series if needed. Call (806) 701-5840 or book online.