I love a good chemical skin peel. For me, it’s more than just a way to pamper myself. As someone with acne-prone skin, chemical peels help me stay glowing and blemish-free, plus they keep me looking young by helping to combat fine lines, dullness and discoloration. In the days following a chemical peel, you have to be very careful about how you treat your skin or else you might find that it does more harm than good. Let’s dive into the dos and don’ts of caring for your skin after a chemical peel. 

DO: Wear SPF 50 

A chemical peel removes the outer layer of dead skin cells from your face, exposing the new skin below. This new layer of skin is much more sensitive to the sun and can therefore be burnt or damaged much more easily. There’s really no point in going for a facial treatment if you expose your skin to sun damage afterwards, so be sure to apply a high level SPF lotion to your face after your moisturiser each morning and reapply every 1-2 hours throughout the day if you’re outside. 

At the same time, avoid direct sunlight by staying indoors as much as possible for the week following your treatment. If you must go outside, protect your face with a sun hat and sit in the shade. 

DO: Use a Gentle Cleanser

After a chemical peel, your skin is delicate and sensitive, so it’s important to use very gentle products that won’t irritate or strip your face. Harsh cleansers can damage your skin barrier, so go for something very gentle like La Roche Posay’s Gentle Foaming Cleanser.

DO: Use a Heavy Duty Moisturiser

It’s important to keep your skin as hydrated as possible in the days after a chemical peel, so use an emollient moisturiser that will lock in moisturiser and prolong your newfound glow. I like the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream and it’s a very affordable choice, but the gold standard has to be SkinCeuticals’ Triple Lipid Moisturiser. 

DON’T: Sweat 

Avoid any sweat-inducing activities (such as exercise, steam rooms and saunas) for at least seven days after your procedure, or until the peeling stops. For one thing, sweat is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria which could lead to nasty breakouts. Furthermore, excessive sweating can cause the skin to lift prematurely and can result in scars. I’m all for healthy habits, but a few days away from the gym won’t kill you. 

DON’T: Exfoliate 

A chemical peel is the ultimate exfoliating procedure. Don’t go anywhere near exfoliating products such as AHAs, BHAs or scrubs for at least two weeks afterwards. This can cause burning, stinging and extreme photosensitivity, which may lead to complications.  

DON’T: Use Vitamin C or Retinol 

Now, vitamin C and retinol products are among my favorite skincare ingredients but stay away from them after a chemical peel. These products are known to cause irritation which is bad news for your newly exfoliated skin. Your skin will already be much more sensitive than usual so don’t overdo it. 

DON’T: Get Any Other Treatments 

I promise you that you don’t need any other skin treatments for at least a month after your chemical peel. Skin peels are powerful and if nothing else, a second treatment would be overkill. 

Your skin can only handle so much. Don’t even think about dermaplaning, performing a microcurrent facial, using a detox mask or microneedling for at least four weeks. In fact, you should even avoid tweezing, microblading, waxing and even dying your hair! Let the peel do its thing and don’t interfere.

For more on cosmetic wellness, check out the best medspas in New York City or the best luxury skincare serums for every skin concern.