What to Expect Before and After a Chemical Peel

Preparing for a chemical peel is essential to ensure beautiful results and minimize any potential side effects.

Here’s what you can expect and how to get ready for your treatment:

• Avoid Exfoliants and Retinoids: Stop using exfoliating products, retinoids, or acids at least 5–7 days before your treatment to prevent irritation.

• Protect Your Skin from the Sun: Limit direct sun exposure and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to minimize sensitivity and reduce the risk of pigmentation.

• Discontinue Hair Removal Treatments: Avoid waxing, threading, or laser treatments on the treatment area for at least one week before your peel.

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and keep your skin well-moisturized with gentle, hydrating products.

• Use Gentle Skincare Products: Switch to mild, fragrance-free cleansers and avoid harsh scrubs or toners.

• Avoid Makeup on Treatment Day: Arrive with a clean, makeup-free face to allow the peel solution to work effectively.

At Contour Medical Spa, our experienced team ensures every client is fully prepared for their chemical peel with personalized guidance and professional care. By following the recommended pre-treatment steps, clients can achieve smoother, healthier, and more radiant skin with minimal downtime. Our team is dedicated to creating a comfortable and safe experience, helping you enjoy the full benefits of your chemical peel and maintain glowing results long after your treatment.

The duration of peeling after a chemical peel typically depends on the strength of the peel and your skin’s sensitivity. For light or superficial peels, flaking may begin within two to three days and usually lasts about three to five days. Medium-depth peels can cause more noticeable peeling that may continue for up to a week, while deeper peels may require 10 to 14 days for the skin to fully renew. During this time, it’s important to avoid picking or exfoliating the peeling skin to prevent irritation or scarring. Keeping your skin moisturized and protected from the sun will help promote smooth, even healing.

At Contour Medical Spa, our team provides detailed aftercare instructions tailored to your specific peel and skin type. We guide clients on how to properly care for their skin during recovery, including the use of gentle cleansers, hydrating products, and sunscreen. Most clients notice a fresh, radiant glow once the peeling phase subsides, revealing smoother texture, improved tone, and a revitalized complexion.

At Contour Medical Spa, your comfort and results are our top priorities. Proper aftercare following your chemical peel is essential to ensure optimal healing, enhance your results, and minimize the risk of complications.

Some key aftercare steps to follow after a chemical peel are:

• Avoid Touching or Peeling: Do not pick, rub, or peel flaking skin to prevent irritation or scarring.

• Use Gentle Cleansers: Wash your face with a mild, non-exfoliating cleanser twice daily.

• Moisturize Frequently: Apply a hydrating, fragrance-free moisturizer to keep your skin soft and prevent dryness.

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to support skin healing and maintain moisture balance.

• Avoid Sun Exposure: Stay out of direct sunlight and wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily.

• Skip Makeup Temporarily: Avoid makeup for 24–48 hours or until your provider advises it’s safe.

• Pause Active Skincare Products: Stop using retinoids, exfoliants, or products containing acids until your skin has fully recovered.

• Avoid Heat and Sweat: Refrain from saunas, hot showers, or intense workouts for a few days to prevent irritation.

We emphasize the importance of proper aftercare to ensure smooth recovery and glowing results after a chemical peel. Each client receives customized post-treatment guidance to promote healing, protect new skin, and maintain long-lasting radiance. By following her recommendations and using gentle, hydrating products, clients can enjoy a refreshed, youthful complexion with minimal downtime.

At Contour Medical Spa, our highest priority is your comfort, safety, and the longevity of your results following any skin treatment—including chemical peels. It’s best to avoid wearing makeup immediately after a chemical peel to allow your skin time to heal properly. For light peels, most clients can safely apply makeup after 24 to 48 hours, once any initial redness or sensitivity has subsided. Medium or deeper peels may require a longer waiting period—typically five to seven days—until the peeling process is complete and the new skin has fully formed. Applying makeup too soon can irritate the skin, clog pores, and interfere with the healing process, so it’s important to let your skin breathe and recover naturally.

At Contour Medical Spa, our dedicated team will guide you on when it’s safe to resume your normal makeup routine based on your individual skin type and the specific peel used. Allowing your skin to heal properly ensures optimal results, helping you achieve the smooth, radiant, and glowing complexion you expect from your chemical peel.

At Contour Medical Spa, Cecilia Scott, RN, BSN, provides a professional, results-driven approach to chemical peels that blends medical precision with aesthetic artistry. Her expertise ensures that each treatment is carefully customized to your skin’s unique needs, helping you achieve a smoother, brighter, and healthier complexion. Under her attentive care, clients experience a visible transformation while maintaining the safety and integrity of their skin.

Before the Chemical Peel – Guided by Clinical Expertise

• Comprehensive Skin Evaluation: Cecilia personally examines your skin, assessing tone, texture, and sensitivity to determine the most effective peel type and strength.

• Pre-Treatment Preparation: She offers clear, evidence-based instructions to prepare your skin—such as pausing active ingredients and limiting sun exposure—to optimize results.

• Tailored Treatment Planning: With her background, Cecilia designs a peel protocol suited to your goals, whether targeting fine lines, pigmentation, or acne.

After the Chemical Peel – Monitored Recovery and Results

• Personalized Aftercare: Cecilia emphasizes proper post-peel care, including hydration, sun protection, and gentle cleansing to promote safe, even healing.

• Visible Transformation: Clients typically see a reduction in dullness, improved texture, and an overall radiant glow within days of treatment.

• Continued Skin Health: She provides guidance on maintenance treatments and daily skincare to extend and enhance your results.

Experience the difference of medically guided skincare with Contour Medical Spa—where every chemical peel is performed with precision, care, and a deep commitment to your skin’s long-term health and confidence. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 18641 Devonshire Street Northridge, CA 91324. We serve clients from Northridge CA, Los Angeles CA, West LA, Porter Ranch CA, San Fernando CA, Calabasas CA, Woodland Hills CA, Hidden Hills CA, Granada Hills and BEYOND.