A light chemical peel is one of the most common first treatments at a skin clinic. Good preparation helps your practitioner choose the right peel and helps your skin settle afterwards. Always follow the specific advice your own clinic gives you; the points below are the questions most clinics will ask about.
Two to four weeks before
- Book a consultation first. Your practitioner will look at your skin, ask about your medical history, medication, pregnancy and any recent treatments, and decide whether a peel is suitable for you now.
- Mention every product you use. Retinoids, exfoliating acids and some prescription creams may need to be paused before a peel. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without asking the doctor who prescribed it.
- Protect your skin from the sun. Recently tanned or sunburnt skin is usually not treated, so wear sunscreen every day and avoid sunbeds.
The week before
- Have a patch test if your clinic asks for one. It shows how your skin reacts to the product.
- Skip waxing, threading and other exfoliating treatments on the area for the time your clinic advises.
- Plan your diary. Your skin may be red, dry or flaky for a few days, so avoid booking the peel right before a big event.
On the day
Arrive with clean skin and no make-up if you can. Tell your practitioner about any changes since your consultation, such as a new medication, a cold sore or broken skin. During the peel you may feel warmth or tingling; say so if it feels like too much.
Afterwards
You will get written aftercare. In general: cleanse gently, use a simple moisturiser, wear sunscreen every day and do not pick flaking skin. Results vary from person to person, and many clinics suggest a course of peels rather than a single session. Contact your clinic if anything worries you.