Your No B.S. Guide to Pre and Post-Chemical Peel Care (Because We’re Not Trying to Burn Off Our Faces Without a Plan)

Let’s talk chemical peels.

They’re like hitting the reset button on your skin. Whether you're dealing with acne, sun damage, uneven tone, or you're just in your “I want to glow like I drink 3 liters of water a day” era, peels can get you there. But only if you prep and recover properly. Otherwise, you're just out here raw-dogging your face, and I’m not letting that happen on my watch.

So here’s your official pre + post-care guide, made for the glow-chasers, the skincare skeptics, and yes, the dudes who just Googled “Do guys get chemical peels?”

PRE-PEEL: AKA “DON’T SABOTAGE YOUR SKIN BEFORE WE EVEN START”

Think of this like stretching before a workout. The better you prep, the smoother the peel (and the results).

DO:

• Avoid actives 5-7 days before.
  No retinol, AHAs/BHAs, exfoliating toners, scrubs, or acne meds. We don’t want your skin compromised before we apply the peel, this isn’t a UFC match.

• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
  Drink water and use a gentle, hydrating moisturizer. Think “juicy peach,” not “dry toast.”

• Wear SPF.
  I don’t care if you “don’t really go outside.” UV exposure can make your skin more sensitive, and we’re not trying to fry you.

• Tell your esthetician everything.
  Medications, breakouts, if you did microneedling last week, or if you secretly used that random scrub you found in your gym bag. No judgment… just transparency.

• Gents: Shave 24 hours before your peel.
  Not the morning of. You need a little healing time so you’re not putting acid directly onto a freshly irritated face. That’s a no from me, bro.

DON’T:

• ❌ Don’t wax, thread, or dermaplane 5-7 days before.

• ❌ Don’t tan. Natural or fake. No “just a quick one” before Cabo.

• ❌ Don’t try a new skincare product the week of. Save the experiments for another time.

• ❌ Don’t show up sweaty from the gym. Please.

• ❌ Don’t ghost your esthetician after booking. We remember. 👀

POST-PEEL: AKA “THE AFTERCARE ERA”

Now that you’re freshly peeled, your skin is gonna be feeling like a baby snake shedding its first layer. Here’s how to handle it without spiraling.

DO:

• Be gentle.
  Use a mild cleanser and moisturizer. No hot water, no scrubbing, no Clarisonic (are those still a thing?).

• Moisturize like your rent depends on it.
  Hydrated skin heals faster. Use barrier-supporting creams or serums if you’ve got ‘em.

• SPF is non-negotiable.
  I’m not just saying this because I’m an esthetician. You’ll literally undo your entire peel if you skip sunscreen.

• Let the peeling happen.
  Flaking? Great. That means it’s working. Peeling? Even better. Don’t pick, don’t peel, don’t help it along. Let it fall off naturally or you’ll end up with uneven tone or worse—hyperpigmentation.

• Guys: Wait 3-5 days before shaving again.
  And when you do, use a fresh, clean razor and a gentle shaving cream. No aftershave with alcohol. Your skin is still in recovery.

• Check in if you’re unsure.
  If something feels off, send a photo or DM. I’d rather walk you through it than have you guessing.

DON’T:

• ❌ Don’t exfoliate until I say it’s okay.

• ❌ Don’t pick. Yes, I’m saying it again.

• ❌ Don’t book a facial, wax, or anything aggressive for at least 2 weeks.

• ❌ Don’t go sit in a sauna or sweat excessively for the first 48-72 hours.

• ❌ Don’t sleep on a dirty pillowcase. (And yes, that towel you "used once" counts as dirty.)

How Long Does the Healing Take?

• Light peels: 3–5 days of mild flaking.

• Medium peels: 5–7 days with some visible peeling.

• Deep peels: 7–14 days, and you’re probably under medical care anyway.

The glow kicks in once the shedding stops, and it’s worth it. Just don’t rush the process. Healing skin is still cute, okay?

Final Words From Your Friendly Esthetician

Whether you’re a peel pro or a newbie just trying to get rid of that stubborn patch of texture—your results depend on your routine before and after.

So follow the steps, keep your skin barrier happy, and most importantly—don’t panic mid-peel and start Googling “why is my face falling off.” I got you.

Got questions? Hit me up. Otherwise, get ready to glow.