Chemical Peel
Treatment Guide

Book a consultation with your skin therapist at least one week prior to your peel. Disclose all current skincare products, medications, supplements, and any recent skin treatments. Your therapist will determine the appropriate peel depth and formulation for your skin type and concern.

Stop using the following 5–7 days before your appointment:

Do not sunbathe, use tanning beds, or allow prolonged sun exposure for at least 1–2 weeks before your peel. Treating tanned or sunburned skin significantly increases the risk of complications, uneven results, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

If you have a history of cold sores (oral herpes), inform your therapist. A prophylactic antiviral medication prescribed by your physician may be recommended, beginning 2 days before and continuing for several days after deeper peels.

On the day of your appointment: arrive with a clean, product-free face — no makeup, SPF, or moisturiser. Avoid shaving the area to be treated on the same day. Stay well hydrated and eat a light meal beforehand.

Your therapist will begin by thoroughly cleansing and degreasing the skin to remove any remaining oils, ensuring even penetration of the peel solution.

The chemical solution is applied in controlled layers. You may feel a tingling, warming, or mild stinging sensation — this is normal. Communicate openly with your therapist throughout the process. Do not touch your face.

The solution is left on for a precise amount of time, determined by your therapist based on your skin’s response. For self-neutralising peels, the solution will cease activity on its own. For others, a neutralising agent will be applied and then thoroughly rinsed away.

A calming serum, barrier repair cream, and broad-spectrum SPF will be applied to the skin before you leave. Your therapist will review your personalised aftercare instructions in full at this time.

Treat your skin with the gentlest possible care in the first 24 hours. Use only lukewarm water and the gentle cleanser recommended by your therapist. Apply the provided recovery moisturiser as often as needed to keep skin comfortable and hydrated. Avoid all heat — no hot showers, saunas, exercise, or steam rooms.

Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every single morning for a minimum of 2–4 weeks post-peel — ideally longer. Freshly peeled skin is acutely vulnerable to UV damage, which can cause permanent pigmentation. Reapply every 2 hours when outdoors and wear a wide-brim hat wherever possible.

Shedding is a natural and expected part of the renewal process. It typically begins days 2–5 and may last up to 7–10 days depending on peel depth. Keep skin moisturised to support comfort. Do not pick, peel, scratch, or pull at shedding skin under any circumstances. Premature removal of skin can cause scarring and pigmentation.

Until your skin has fully healed and your therapist advises otherwise, avoid the following:

Keep your routine minimal and gentle throughout the healing period. A simple 3-step approach is recommended: gentle cleanser → fragrance-free barrier moisturiser → SPF (morning). Your therapist may recommend a hydrating serum or recovery mask if needed.

Contact your skin therapist promptly if you experience: excessive redness or swelling beyond 48 hours, signs of infection (crusting, oozing, warmth), cold sore outbreak, severe and unrelenting burning, or any other unexpected reaction. Do not attempt to self-treat these concerns.

A follow-up review is recommended 2–4 weeks after your peel, or as directed by your therapist. A series of peels spaced 4–6 weeks apart often yields the most significant and lasting results. Your therapist will recommend a treatment plan tailored to your individual skin goals.