Chemical peels are often used to treat a variety of skin conditions and imperfections. The good news is that they can be used safely and effectively, but there’s one thing you should avoid before getting a chemical peel: tanning.
Tanning can make your skin more sensitive to the effects of the peel, which means it could take longer for your skin to heal or that you might have more severe reactions. It’s best to avoid tanning at all costs (both before and after) if you’re planning on getting a chemical peel.
Chemical peels are different from superficial masks in that they perform a deeper clean that gives rapid relief for skin problems such as pigmentation, aging, acne, and sun damage. Chemical peels effectively exfoliate your skin on a deep level, and unlike their superficial counterparts, chemical peels are more effective.
Because they can be a highly intense treatment for the skin, it is essential to make sure that your skin is adequately prepped before you have the process. The following are some suggestions that will help you prepare both your mind and your skin for this therapy.
What to Avoid Before Chemical Peel
How to Care for Your Skin BEFORE AND AFTER A Chemical Peel
So you’ve decided to get a chemical peel. Before considering a chemical peel, it’s best to have a consultation to ensure that you are a good candidate for this treatment. If you are lactating, pregnant or think you may be pregnant, chemical peels are contraindicated. . For those of you who are on autoimmune therapies or products, we caution against the use of these medications for 2 days prior to treatment. It is important that you speak to your specialist regarding pausing the use of autoimmune therapies or products for 2 days. It is also extremely important to inform the doctor or the skincare professional of any medication or ingredient allergies you have.

Pre Chemical Peel
- Discontinue use of tanning beds at least two weeks prior to a chemical peel. In fact, we advise that you stop using tanning beds altogether because they increase your risk of skin cancer and accelerate visible signs of aging.
- Avoid extensive sun exposure, especially in the 10 days prior to your scheduled chemical peel.
- No facial waxing for 7 days prior to treatment.
- For those of you who are on an acne treatment regimen, you need to stop the use of stop the use of Renova, Differin, Tazorac, Avage, EpiDuo or Ziana five days prior to treatment.
- If you are using Retinol products, stop the use of Retin-A (retinol) products or applications for 7-10 days prior to a chemical peel. High percentage alpha hydroxy (AHA) and beta hydroxy (BHA) products should be stopped five days before treatment.
- Always apply a broad spectrum sunscreen daily (at least SPF 30 or higher) and avoid the gym 24 hours prior to a chemical peel.
- Do not use aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (ex. Advil) for at least 7-10 days prior to a chemical peel.
Post Chemical Peel
Once you have undergone your chemical peel, expect to see some changes with your skin prior to getting your final results. Just as there are some instructions you should follow before your chemical peel there are instructions you should follow after your chemical peel to ensure the best possible results
- On post peel day 3, you may experience mild to moderate shedding depending on the depth of chemical peel, the number of layers applied and depth of the chemical peel. There can be dryness and tightness of the skin. Flaking and peeling three days post peel is not uncommon, unless you had a superficial peel. Superficial peels have little to no downtime, so you may not experience shedding.
- You may develop small whiteheads, but please note that this IS NOT A BREAKOUT.
- If you have a lighter skin complexion, you may notice mild redness after a chemical peel.
- Do not peel or pick at the peeling skin. You must allow the skin to flake off naturally. Picking at the peeling skin can cause hyperpigmentation.
- To minimize the side effects of the peel, please use the post procedure kit provided by the doctor or skincare professional for 3-5 days or until flaking has stopped.
- Do not apply ice or water to the areas that have been treated. Also, avoid applying makeup on the day of your treatment because the skin needs time to stabilize and rest.
- For the first 48 hours after your chemical peel, do not participate in activities that increase body heat and sweat, such as drinking alcohol, exercise/working out, hot tubs, steam rooms, saunas, hot shower spray, swimming or directing a hair dryer to the treatment area. Internal heating can cause hyperpigmentation.
- Golden Rule: Make sure that you are also avoiding direct sun exposure and excessive heat. Continue to use a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher just as you were prior to your peel.
- Make sure to keep your skin well hydrated with a protective moisturizer. Apply it twice daily or more often if needed to reduce the appearance of flaking.
- For five days after your chemical peel, do not have electrolysis, facial waxing or use depilatories.
- Avoid using retinols and glycolic acids for 10 days post peel.
- Do not use scrubs, loofahs, exfoliating sponges or other means of mechanical exfoliation on your face for 7-10 days.
- Do not go to a tanning bed for at least two weeks post procedure.
- If you are on an acne regimen, delay the use of tretinoin, Retin-A, Differin, Renova, Tazorac, Avage, EpiDuo, or Ziana 5 days post procedure. However, it is fine to resume using a vitamin C serum five days after your treatment.
- It is extremely important that you DO NOT have another chemical peel until your clinician advises you to.
- If you notice increased redness, increased hyperpigmentation or crusting of the skin, contact your doctor or skincare professional.
Chemical Peel Before and After
After receiving an intensive treatment, it is important to take good care of your skin. This is why it is essential to have a good after care plan following your chemical peel.
Your treatment provider will discuss how to take good care of your skin post-peel. This will help your skin to peel more evenly and to heal quickly. Our highly qualified and experienced doctors at Evolution MedSpa Boston can provide a wealth of information about chemical peels. Here they share some of their knowledge with you.
How do you take care of your skin after a chemical peel?
How exactly should you treat your healing skin after your treatment?
A chemical peel will remove the top layers of your skin, including the dead and unhealthy skin cells. This can help to improve the appearance of acne, discolouration and aging skin. Peels provide the opportunity for your healthy, glowing skin underneath to shine through. Allowing your skin to recover after a chemical peel is essential.
After a peel, your skin is much more sensitive so specialist care is needed. This is why it is important to follow your doctors guidelines carefully. Here are some expert tips for post-peel skin care:
- Use cool water to cleanse your face. This will help to soothe any redness or swelling of the skin after your treatment.
- Apply a good moisturizer
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
- Use an SPF30 + sunscreen to protect your more delicate skin from the aging effects of the sun
- Don’t perform strenuous workouts or visit saunas and steam rooms. These things can irritate your sensitive post-peel skin.
- Avoid exfoliating for a few days after your peel. Exfoliating could increase the redness and sensitivity you experience after your treatment
Which moisturizer should you choose?
Keeping your skin well moisturized can speed up healing and help to prevent scarring. But, with so many moisturizers available on the market, how do you choose the best one?
As a chemical peel disrupts your skin’s natural protective barrier, it is beneficial to reinforce this barrier using a medium or thick moisturizer. This moisturizer should also be neutral and gentle, containing no harsh chemicals or fragrances to avoid irritation. Zinc oxide creams, in particular, can provide gentle moisturization to the skin post peel.
Can I use makeup after a chemical peel?
This will really depend upon the strength of your peel. With some superficial peels you may be able to wear makeup the next day. However, deeper peels may require 7-10 makeup free days after treatment.
Again, it is important to follow your doctor’s advice as applying makeup too soon can lead to increased irritation.
How long will it take to recover from a chemical peel?
This will also depend upon the strength and depth of your peel.
Skin will typically take 1-7 days to heal after a light peel, 7-14 days after a medium peel and 2-3 weeks after a deep peel.
Following a good post-treatment skincare routine will help to speed up the healing process.
Effectiveness of chemical peels for acne scars: amazing results clear in before and after pics

Chemical peels are a popular cosmetic treatment choice for acne scarring and the reason for this is simple – they provide great results! The dramatic difference is clear to see when browsing through before and after pictures.
When choosing your treatment provider, ask to see before and after pictures of patients that they have previously treated. This will help to reassure you about their standard of work.
Will a dermatologist perform my chemical peel?
While there are weaker, superficial DIY chemical peels that you can perform in the comfort of your own home, stronger peels should always be performed by a qualified dermatologist. This will ensure that you get the most effective results and the safest possible care, limiting the risk of any adverse effects, such as discoloration and scarring. Your chosen dermatologist should assess your skin type and condition prior to deciding on your treatment, their expert analysis is essential for deciding on the best course of action for you.
Can I get a DIY chemical peel for my acne scars?
There are low strength, at-home peels available which can improve the condition of oily and breakout-prone skin. These provide a mild exfoliation all over the face which can help with some acne scarring. However, if you have deep acne scarring or lots of scars then it is probably worthwhile booking an appointment with your dermatologist for a deeper peel.
How much does a chemical peel treatment cost?
It is difficult to answer this question as the cost of a chemical peel varies greatly depending upon the chemical strength that you require. Within the Boston area, the price tag for a light peel can be as low as $150, while a deep peel may set you back up to $3000. The current average cost of a chemical peel, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, is around $669.
Once you have chosen your physician, you can discuss how much they will charge you for you individual treatment at your initial consultation appointment.
How much is a chemical peel for acne scars?
The cost of a peel for the treatment of your acne scars depends upon the severity and extent of your scarring. If you have deeper scarring and require a stronger peel, then you will have to pay more for this.
You can often combine your peel with other treatments, for example dermaplaning. Most MedSpas offer a bundle deal for multiple treatments that are booked at the same time.
Hyaluronic acid after chemical peel

We’ll try just about anything to turn back the time on the too many days spent in the sunshine or rid our faces of acne scars. Although the fountain of youth may be fictitious, the chemical peel is the real deal. The words “chemical” and “peel” may sound scary at first, but this FDA-approved treatment literally gives you a fresh face of skin—and it’s been growing in popularity, with approximately 1.36 million treatments received in 2016.
The chemical peel is the process of applying a chemical solution to the skin to smooth out its texture. It can be used to treat many skin issues like acne, fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. A form of chemical exfoliation, a peel allows your skin to shed off a layer, making room for new, healthier skin. “Peels are great for everyone to do,” says board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Ashley Magovern. “They slough off tired, dull skin cells and stimulate fresh healthy skin, allowing for accelerated cell turnover and the stimulation of collagen-making cells.”
To learn how to prepare yourself for a chemical peel properly and what to expect during and after the procedure, we sought advice from both Dr. Magovern and esteemed clinical aesthetician Jennifer Gerace.
How to Prepare for A Chemical Peel
1. Choose the Right Type of Peel for Your Skin
Before making the decision to get a chemical peel, Gerace recommends getting the opinions from at least three providers first, noting that “providers should take into consideration your age, the color of your skin and overall skin condition.” Don’t fall for the one-size-fits-all peel, she warns, as “the peel’s intention should be very specific to the patient’s needs.”
2. Stop Using At-Home Exfoliants
To prepare the skin for the treatment, be sure to stop the use of all at-home exfoliants in the days leading up to your appointment. Exfoliants like retinol and salicylic acid hide in many of our beauty products. If you continue to use them before your appointment, it can cause trauma to the skin, which may result in more damage. If you have sensitive skin, it is recommended to stop using physical exfoliators like face scrubs and devices such as the Clarisonic.
3. Keep Your Skin Hydrated
Dr. Magovern stresses the importance of keeping your skin hydrated and moisturized before your appointment. “Try to keep your skin as hydrated as possible,” she says, also noting that “you may want to stop any creams or serums that may be causing dryness for two to three days.”
4. Evaluate Your Prescriptions
Also, take into consideration any anti-acne or anti-aging prescriptions you are using, as these might affect the way your skin reacts to a chemical peel. If you need help determining if your products are okay to use prior to your chemical peel, talk to your dermatologist or esthetician, who will be able to assist you.
5. Don’t Plan a Peel Close to a Big Event
The last step in preparation is to be sure to plan accordingly! If you are getting a chemical peel before a special event, make sure you’ve budgeted plenty of time for your skin to heal so you look picture perfect on your big day.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
“During a chemical peel, the skin will begin its intense peeling process,” says Gerace. You will have the option to choose which peel you want, though it’s wise to choose an intensity based on your professional’s opinion. “Chemical peels vary from very light to medium depth.” To begin, your skin care professional will ask you to lie face up to establish a smooth surface for application. The entire process usually takes under an hour to complete, and your skin care professional will typically stay in the room to ensure there are no adverse reactions as it dries.
Once the peel is applied and begins drying, you may feel a burning or tingling sensation due to its high acidic chemical composition. The amount of burning or tingling will vary based on the type of chemical peel you are receiving and will differ case to case (e.g. you might be more sensitive than another person getting the same peel). However, Dr. Magovern notes that even those with sensitive skin can find a suitable chemical peel. “Contrary to popular opinion,” she says, “peels don’t have to sting or burn or cause a lot of redness and inflammation to work.”
What to Expect After a Chemical Peel
Your Skin Will Peel for 3–10 Days
According to Gerace, the type and depth of the solution will dictate how long the skin will peel. “The traditional medium-depth chemical peels take three to five days for the skin to peel off before the new pink skin underneath arises,” she explains, while “deeper peels that contain phenol can take seven to ten days to recuperate from.” Dr. Magovern notes that the peeling should start on or around the third day after a peel, not immediately after.
Treat Your Skin With Care
Dr. Magovern recommends the “use of a gentle cleanser and a hydrating serum or gel, like one that contains hyaluronic acid or ceramides” to help soothe the skin in the days following a chemical peel. You may also want to treat the new skin right away with a combination of stem cell and light therapy, Gerace explains. “This addresses the health of the new skin cells at a cellular level and is your opportunity to reset your skin and start fresh,” she says. Integrating potent aftercare solutions such as colloidal silver, Botaniceutical and marine algae extracts will help hydrate, stabilize and protect the new skin. “These ingredients will boost the skin’s ability to fight free-radical damage at this early stage, which is so important and often overlooked.”
Don’t Neglect SPF
The chemical peel is used to accelerate the exfoliation of dead skin cells to reveal fresh, new skin. The biggest risk during this process is sun exposure, and Gerace highly recommends using a high, broad-spectrum SPF to keep the skin safe during the delicate time following the procedure. “The skin is thinner after a peel and very susceptible to UV damage,” she says. “It is essential to use a physical block like makeup foundation along with your SPF for at least two months after receiving a chemical peel.”
Avoid Overheating the Skin
Gerace also explains the importance of keeping the skin cool, “You shouldn’t let hot water touch your face as any inflammation can spike post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).” She urges you not to take hot showers and keep your water at room temperature or colder.
How To Treat Hyperpigmentation After Chemical Peel
It is difficult to predict how your skin should have responded to a chemical peel without knowing what kind of peel you had. Your skin may occasionally look darker after deeper peels, but this usually goes away after a week or so. As long as you are careful about wearing sunscreen during the day, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation will gradually improve. After your skin has fully recovered from the chemical peel, you can employ skin lighteners to treat the hyperpigmentation.
