Post-Peel Skincare: What to Do (and What Not to Do)
A chemical peel can be transformative for your skin—revealing a smoother, brighter, and more youthful complexion. But what you do after your peel is just as important as the treatment itself. As a licensed esthetician at Brightside Esthetics in Huntington Beach, I’ve seen how proper aftercare can make the difference between good results and glowing, long-lasting results.
If you’re considering a peel or have one scheduled, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about post-peel skincare—including what to do and what to avoid.
Why Post-Peel Care Matters
Chemical peels accelerate your skin’s natural exfoliation process. This temporarily makes your skin more sensitive, delicate, and vulnerable to environmental factors like sun, heat, and bacteria. Without the right care, you risk irritation, hyperpigmentation, or slowing down your healing. With the right care, you’ll maximize your results and maintain healthy, radiant skin.
What To Do After a Chemical Peel
1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Moisture is your skin’s best friend after a peel. Use a gentle, hydrating moisturizer to restore the skin barrier and reduce tightness or flaking. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or aloe vera.
2. Use Gentle Cleansers
Opt for a mild, sulfate-free cleanser. Avoid scrubs, foaming cleansers, or anything with active acids until your skin fully recovers.
3. Protect with Sunscreen
Daily SPF is non-negotiable—especially after a peel. Your skin is more susceptible to UV damage, which can cause irritation and undo the benefits of your treatment. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) every morning, even if it’s cloudy in Huntington Beach.
4. Let Your Skin Peel Naturally
It’s normal to experience flaking or peeling a few days after treatment. Resist the urge to pick or peel it off—this can cause scarring or uneven healing.
5. Stay Cool and Comfortable
Stick to lukewarm water when cleansing and avoid saunas, hot yoga, or steam rooms. Heat can intensify inflammation and slow down the recovery process.
What NOT To Do After a Chemical Peel
1. Avoid Exfoliating Too Soon
Skip scrubs, retinol, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid for at least a week (or longer, depending on peel depth). Over-exfoliation can compromise your results.
2. Don’t Pick at Flaking Skin
Even if it’s tempting, pulling at peeling skin can cause irritation, scarring, or hyperpigmentation.
3. Hold Off on Makeup
If possible, avoid wearing makeup for the first 24–48 hours after your peel. Let your skin breathe and focus on hydration and healing.
4. Skip Intense Workouts
Excessive sweating and heat can irritate freshly treated skin. Light activity is fine, but save your beach runs or spin class for later in the week.
5. Limit Sun Exposure
The Huntington Beach sun is beautiful—but post-peel skin is extra sensitive. Avoid direct sun exposure for at least a week, and always wear SPF and a wide-brimmed hat outdoors.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Recovery time depends on the type and depth of peel:
Light peels: Minimal downtime; mild flaking for 2–5 days.
Medium peels: More noticeable peeling; 5–7 days of recovery.
Deep peels: Longer healing process; usually performed in medical settings.
At Brightside Esthetics, we focus on professional-grade peels that deliver results with manageable downtime—perfect for busy Orange County lifestyles.
Enhancing Results with Custom Skincare
Your post-peel care doesn’t stop with healing. To extend your results, I recommend pairing your treatments with a custom skincare plan tailored to your needs. This may include:
Professional facials every 4–6 weeks
Microneedling or dermaplaning to complement your peel series
Targeted serums for acne, pigmentation, or anti-aging
Seasonal adjustments for Huntington Beach’s sun and climate
At Brightside Esthetics, every treatment plan is personalized to ensure long-term skin health—not just short-term glow.
FAQs About Post-Peel Skincare
Q: When can I return to my regular skincare routine?
Most clients can reintroduce active ingredients (like retinol or acids) after 7–10 days, depending on skin sensitivity.
Q: Can I go to the beach after a peel?
It’s best to avoid direct sun for at least a week. If you do head to the beach, wear SPF, a hat, and seek shade whenever possible.
Q: How soon will I see results?
You’ll likely notice brighter, smoother skin within a week. Deeper improvements—like fading dark spots or softening wrinkles—may require a series of treatments.
Keep Your Glow After a Peel
Smart aftercare plus the right follow-up treatments = longer-lasting, brighter results:
Facials – hydrate, calm, and rebuild the barrier while your skin renews.
Dermaplaning – schedule a couple of weeks after your peel to smooth lingering flakes and boost product absorption.
Microchanneling – add in a series once skin has recovered to stimulate collagen and refine texture.
Jet Plasma – supports firmness and elasticity between peel appointments without downtime.
Body Facials & Peels – extend clarity and brightness to the back, chest, or bikini area.
💡 Pro tip: Many clients rotate monthly facials with peels every 4–6 weeks; then add a microchanneling or Jet Plasma series for deeper, longer-term results.
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Investment
A chemical peel is an investment in your skin’s health and beauty. But the real secret to glowing, lasting results lies in how you care for your skin after the peel. By following these simple do’s and don’ts, you’ll ensure your skin heals properly and continues to look its best.
If you’re in Huntington Beach or Orange County and want professional guidance on chemical peels and custom skincare, I’d love to help.
Ready to Glow?
Book your professional chemical peel or custom skincare treatment at Brightside Esthetics in Huntington Beach today. Together, we’ll create a plan that keeps your skin clear, radiant, and healthy.
