There’s nothing like the glow that follows a chemical peel — your skin feels smoother, looks brighter, and gives off that radiant vibe. But here’s the secret: the real magic happens after the peel. Caring for your skin post-peel is key to protecting your investment and feeling confident in your results.
Without the right aftercare, you might end up with irritation, dryness, or less-than-wow results. But with a few simple aftercare tips, your skin can heal beautifully and feel just as amazing as it looks. Ready to glow? Let’s get started!
Why Aftercare Matters More Than You Think
A chemical peel exfoliates the top layers of your skin to remove dead skin and reveal the fresh, glowing skin underneath. It promotes skin resurfacing by encouraging cell turnover, boosting collagen production, and can help fade dark spots, acne scars, and uneven tone. It’s a powerful treatment that helps your skin look smoother, brighter, and more youthful.
But because it removes the outer layer of skin, your skin is temporarily more delicate, sensitive, and prone to dryness or irritation. This is when your skin needs the most love and care.
Proper post-treatment aftercare helps soothe and protect your skin during this healing phase to help speed up recovery, minimize discomfort, and make sure you end up with the most beautiful results possible. Think of it as the final (and most important) step in your glow-up journey.
What to Expect After Your Chemical Peel
Knowing what’s normal after a chemical peel can ease any worries and help you feel more confident through the healing process. Your skin is working hard behind the scenes to renew itself, and every phase brings you closer to a fresh, radiant glow.
Days 1–2: The Immediate Aftermath
Right after your chemical peel treatment, your skin may look red, feel tight, and possibly a bit swollen. Some people describe it as feeling similar to a sunburn. This is completely normal and a sign that the exfoliation process has begun.
Remember to keep things gentle. Hydration and protection are your top priorities during this time.
Days 3–5: Peeling Begins
This is when the magic starts to show. You’ll likely notice your skin beginning to flake or shed in dry patches, especially around the nose, mouth, and chin. It might not be the prettiest stage, but it’s a natural part of the post-treatment process.
Avoid picking or scrubbing, and let your skin do its thing.
Days 6–10: New Skin Emerging
Your fresh, glowing skin will start to shine through! You’ll start to notice a more even tone and smoother texture, but your skin may still be a little sensitive to the sun and certain products.
Keep using gentle, nourishing skin care products, and don’t forget the sunscreen. Your skin is still settling into its new, radiant self.
The Golden Rules of Post-Chemical Peel Care
Your chemical peel may be done, but the journey to radiant skin is just beginning. How you care for your skin in the days that follow plays a huge role in how well you heal and how glowing your final results turn out. These chemical peel aftercare rules are here to guide you through the post-peel process with comfort and confidence.
Keep It Simple
This isn’t the time for a 10-step skincare routine. Stick to a gentle cleanser, a fragrance-free moisturizer, and avoid anything that could irritate sensitive skin.
Say “see you later” to scrubs, exfoliants, retinoids, and active ingredients until your skin is fully healed. Less is more right now.
Stay Sun-Safe
Your post-peel skin is extra sensitive to UV rays and sun exposure, so sun protection is an absolute must. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day — even indoors if you’re near windows — to avoid sun damage.
Hats, sunglasses, and staying in the shade when possible will help protect that new skin and prevent dark spots from returning.
Hands Off!
We know it’s tempting, but don’t pick or touch your peeling skin. Interfering with the natural shedding process can lead to irritation, scarring, or infection.
Give your skin some downtime and let it do its thing. You’ll be glad you did when that fresh glow comes through evenly and beautifully.
Hydrate Inside and Out
Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from within, and apply a nourishing moisturizer regularly to the treated area to soothe dryness or tightness. Think creamy, calming formulas with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides. Hydration is key to a smooth recovery and a soft, radiant finish.
Common Mistakes To Avoid After a Chemical Peel
Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make a few mistakes that can slow down your healing or irritate your skin. Being aware of what not to do is just as important as following your aftercare routine. Here are some common post-peel pitfalls to steer clear of:
- Skipping sunscreen or exposing your skin to direct sunlight: Sun exposure can cause dark spots, irritation, or even reverse the benefits of your peel.
- Using harsh skincare products: Avoid harsh chemicals, exfoliants, retinoids, and anything with alcohol or fragrance until your skin is fully healed. This includes common AHAs and BHAs, such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and retinol.
- Touching, picking, or peeling the skin: Let your dead skin shed naturally to avoid scarring or infection.
- Taking hot showers or using saunas: Heat and hot water can inflame freshly peeled skin and slow the healing process. Stick to cool water when cleansing or rinsing your face to help soothe and protect your skin.
- Over-washing or scrubbing your face: Keep your routine gentle and minimal to avoid stripping your skin of essential moisture.
Avoiding these common mistakes can help give your skin the best chance to heal comfortably, reveal its glow, and stay healthy.
How To Maintain Your Glow Long-Term
Your radiant post-peel glow doesn’t have to be a one-time thing. With the right habits and skincare routine, you can enjoy smoother, brighter skin for the long haul. No matter the type of chemical peel you received — whether it was a superficial peel for a quick refresh or a deep peel for more intensive correction — consistent care and smart follow-up treatments are the key to lasting results.
Medical-Grade Skincare Makes a Difference
Investing in medical-grade skincare helps extend the benefits of your peel and keeps your skin healthy and vibrant between treatments. These products are formulated with high-quality ingredients and designed to penetrate deeper for noticeable, longer-lasting results. Look for antioxidants, peptides, and gentle retinoids once your skin is fully healed.
Plan a Peel Series
Sometimes one peel just isn’t enough, especially for concerns like hyperpigmentation, acne breakouts, discoloration, or fine lines. Scheduling a series of chemical peels spaced several weeks apart can give your skin time to gradually improve and help maintain that glow over time. Your skincare provider can recommend the right frequency and type of chemical peel based on your skin goals.
Combine with Other Skin Treatments
To take your glow to the next level, consider pairing your peel with other professional treatments like microneedling, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), or HydraFacials. These options target different layers and skin concerns, helping to amplify results, improve texture, and keep your complexion looking refreshed and youthful.
When To Call Your Provider
As your skin cells work hard to renew and reveal a fresher skin tone, being aware of potential side effects can help you stay safe and supported throughout the process.
Reach out to your skincare specialist if you notice symptoms like intense burning, oozing, excessive swelling, yellow crusting, or prolonged redness that doesn’t improve after a few days. These may be signs of unusual irritation or infection and shouldn’t be ignored.
When in doubt, trust your instincts and don’t hesitate to call your provider. Your skin’s healing journey is unique, and your care team is there to support you every step of the way.
Your Glow Is Just Getting Started — Let VITRA Help You Keep It Radiant
At VITRA, we offer customized cosmetic treatments tailored to your unique skin type, goals, and concerns. Whether you’re looking to smooth fine lines, clear up breakouts, or bring life back to dull, tired skin, our expert staff will craft a personalized plan using advanced techniques and high-performance, medical-grade products.
Book your cosmetic experience today and experience VITRA’s heavenly touch, because your glow deserves nothing less.