Chemical peels are one of the most effective skincare treatments available, offering benefits like reduced fine lines, clearer skin, and a brighter complexion. But whether it’s your first peel or you’re looking to refresh your knowledge, knowing what to expect and how to prepare can make all the difference. Here’s everything you need to know before your next—or first—chemical peel.
What Is a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is a skincare treatment that uses a blend of acids to exfoliate the top layers of skin. This controlled removal of skin layers stimulates cell turnover, revealing fresher, smoother skin underneath. Chemical peels vary in intensity, from mild “lunchtime” peels to deeper treatments that require a bit of downtime. Esthetic Haus offers several types of peels customized to your skin’s needs and your desired results.
Types of Chemical Peels: Which One Is Right for You?
Superficial Peels
These light peels target the outermost layer of skin, providing a quick refresh with minimal downtime. They’re great for improving skin texture, addressing mild discoloration, and giving a radiant glow. Common ingredients include glycolic acid and lactic acid.
Medium Peels
These peels penetrate deeper and are often used to treat fine lines, sun damage, and uneven skin tone. With ingredients like trichloroacetic acid (TCA), they generally require a few days of downtime for recovery.
Deep Peels
Designed to address more significant skin concerns, deep peels reach the lower layers of the skin to treat deeper wrinkles, severe sun damage, and even precancerous growths. Phenol is a common ingredient in these peels, which require a longer recovery period but offer dramatic, long-lasting results.
Each peel serves a specific purpose, so consulting with a licensed esthetician at Esthetic Haus will help you determine which one is best for your skin type and goals.
Things to Know Before Your Chemical Peel
1. Avoid Exfoliants Beforehand
About a week before your chemical peel, stop using any exfoliating products, such as scrubs, retinoids, or alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). These can make your skin more sensitive and prone to irritation during the peel. Giving your skin a break from strong products helps it better tolerate the chemical peel.
2. Protect Your Skin from the Sun
Sun exposure before a peel can increase your risk of post-treatment pigmentation. Make sure to use sunscreen daily and try to avoid prolonged sun exposure for at least a week leading up to your appointment. Wearing a hat and using sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher will keep your skin in prime condition for the treatment.
3. Prepare for a Few Days of Recovery
The recovery time for a chemical peel depends on its strength. Mild peels typically have little to no downtime, while medium and deep peels require several days of rest. During recovery, your skin may peel, flake, and feel sensitive, so plan accordingly. Avoid social events or other engagements that could disrupt your skin’s natural healing process.
4. Hydration is Key
Keeping your skin hydrated before and after your peel is essential for optimal results. In the days leading up to your appointment, use a gentle, hydrating moisturizer to prepare your skin. After the peel, a nourishing moisturizer will aid in healing and keep your skin comfortable.
5. Be Prepared for the Sensation
During the peel, it’s normal to feel a tingling or mild burning sensation. This is the acid working on the skin, and it usually subsides shortly after the treatment. For more intense peels, the esthetician may use a fan or cooling gel to keep you comfortable.
6. Avoid Makeup After Your Peel
For the first 24 hours after your peel, avoid applying makeup to allow your skin to breathe and begin healing without obstruction. Since your skin will be more sensitive, makeup products could cause irritation or disrupt the peeling process. Let your skin rest, and embrace the natural glow that comes from a chemical peel.
Post-Care Tips for a Successful Chemical Peel Recovery
Use a Gentle Cleanser
After your peel, switch to a mild, sulfate-free cleanser that won’t strip your skin. Avoid scrubs or anything abrasive—let your skin exfoliate on its own as it heals.
Keep Your Skin Moisturized
Since chemical peels remove layers of skin, it’s essential to keep the new skin moisturized to aid in the healing process. Opt for a gentle, hydrating moisturizer free of active ingredients that could irritate the skin.
Sunscreen is Non-Negotiable
Your skin will be extra sensitive to UV rays following a peel, so applying sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is crucial. This will protect your new skin from sunburn and pigmentation while it’s in its healing phase.
Benefits of a Chemical Peel
Chemical peels can have transformative results when done correctly. Here are some of the benefits you can expect:
Reduced Fine Lines and Wrinkles:
Peels stimulate collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Even Skin Tone:
Peels help fade pigmentation, sun spots, and acne scars, leading to a more uniform complexion.
Clearer Skin:
By unclogging pores and removing dead skin cells, peels can help reduce breakouts and smooth skin texture.
Radiant Glow:
Removing the dull, outer layers of skin leaves you with a brighter, healthier-looking glow.
Why Choose Esthetic Haus for Your Chemical Peel?
At Esthetic Haus, our licensed estheticians are trained to assess your skin’s needs and guide you through the entire chemical peel process, ensuring you’re comfortable and informed every step of the way. Our treatments are customized to each client, whether you’re looking for a mild refresh or a deeper peel. With high-quality products and a relaxing environment, we help you achieve radiant, rejuvenated skin safely.
Ready to Book Your Chemical Peel?
Achieve the glowing, youthful skin you’ve been dreaming of with a chemical peel from Esthetic Haus. Whether it’s your first peel or a routine treatment, our experienced team is here to guide you through the process and ensure you leave with radiant results. Book a facial appointment today and add the chemical peel to your treatment to discover the difference a professional peel can make!