Post Peel Care

Chemical peels remove the outermost surface of the skin, helping to reduce visible signs of aging, acne and discoloration while revealing brighter, smoother skin. As you know, peels range from mild to intense in strength, with some professional-grade formulas available for home use while others are only available at a salon, spa or clinic.

Here’s everything your clients need to know about what to expect – and how to take care of their skin during the renewal process.

Depending on your client’s skin sensitivity, it is normal to experience a variety of side effects. At-home peel side effects can include slight tingling or burning, but they should subside quickly. If not, they should speak to you, a professional skin therapist, or a medical professional about what might be causing post-peel discomfort.

Professional peel side effects can include redness, dryness, itching or irritation as well as swelling, tightness, peeling or scabbing. With 2-3 days, skin may look flaky or tan as the outermost surface peels off to make room for more radiant, new skin. Your clients may also notice temporarily more pronounced discoloration or age spots as they rise to the skin’s surface before getting sloughed away.

Give your clients these steps to follow at home starting right after the service and continuing until their skin feels “back to normal”:

How to Care for Your Skin After a Peel

• Follow your skin therapist’s post-care instructions.
• Wear sunscreen every day (minimum SPF30)!
• Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours, (along with any activity that could increase circulation to your face (This can cause redness, discomfort and other side effects.)
• Avoid excess heat sources like saunas, ( steam rooms or direct sunlight
• Don’t wax or exfoliate for 72 hours, (or until treated skin shows no signs of sensitivity)

Everyone’s skin reacts a bit differently, so it’s natural that they may have questions –You can be ready to relay these answers to your clients:

My skin isn’t peeling. Did the treatment work?

Absolutely! Some people don’t “peel” when they get a chemical peel, while others experience delayed peeling. To get an accurate assessment of their results, just have them feel their skin: if its texture changes post-treatment, it’s working!

Why does my hyperpigmentation look darker post-peel?

Peels cause pigmented cells to rise to skin’s surface and slough off, which can make hyperpigmented areas look darker in the first couple days after treatment. After that, pigmentation will begin to even out.

How can I maintain my results?

Try an at-home peel between professional treatments! However, it’s best to wait at least 2 weeks after a professional peel before using it.

When can I wear make-up again?

In a perfect world, you will wait as long as possible on the day of your treatment before applying make-up to avoid possible skin irritation. If you can’t wait, give your skin at least 20 minutes to calm down prior to application – and opt for skin-friendly, protective products preferably one containing a physical sunscreen.

Most importantly be available so that your client can contact you if they have any concerns or adverse reactions and let you know right away!