Before and after a chemical peel session, you should avoid direct and frequent sun exposure, skincare products that have harsh active ingredients such as retinoids and exfoliating acids (AHAs/BHAs), and traditional hair removal methods like waxing or shaving for 3 to 7 days pre- and post-session.
Are you planning a chemical peel in Chicago? Knowing what to avoid before and after appointments supports proper healing and better results. Here is a comprehensive guide!
What to Avoid Before a Chemical Peel in Chicago?
Before your appointment, taking a few simple precautions can help prepare your skin for the chemical peel.
1. Products with Harsh Ingredients
Stop using skincare products that contain retinoids, vitamin A, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, scrubs, and other AHAs or BHAs 4 to 7 days prior to your appointment. It is applicable post-treatment as well. Let your dermatologist
advise when you can start your regular skincare routine.
2. Hair Removal Method
Avoid conventional waxing methods, laser hair removal, depilatory creams, and electrolysis on the face, neck, and hands for at least a week before the appointment.
3. Other Skin Treatments
Say “No” to other facial treatments, whether it is microdermabrasion, Botox, or dermal fillers, specifically in the area where you plan to have a chemical peel, for 1 to 2 weeks beforehand.
What to Avoid After a Chemical Peel in Chicago?
After this skin-resurfacing method, your skin needs time to recover. So, we ask you to avoid the following things to support healing and eliminate the potential for irritation or pigmentation:
1. Direct Sun Exposure
Skin right after a treatment is more vulnerable to UV damage. According to the CDC 2026 report, nearly 88.1 million U.S. adults (35.1%) experienced sunburn in the previous year, which clearly highlights how common UV exposure is. So, post-chemical peels, stay out of direct sun and follow your provider’s instructions.
2. Picking or Peeling Flaking Skin
Let the skin shed naturally after a chemical peel treatment. Avoid scratching, rubbing, or pulling skin off. If you pick or peel the treated skin, it can increase the potential for infection and scarring.
3. Skip Tanning and Intense Heat
During recovery after this skin-resurfacing method, avoid tanning beds, as they can interfere with the healing process.
However, aftercare practices for this skin-resurfacing method can vary. It depends on whether you opt for a deep, light, or medium peel. Therefore, follow the specific instructions provided by your dermatologist.
What to Expect After a Chemical Peel in Chicago?
| Light Peel | Medium Peel | Deep Peel | |
| Healing time | 1 to 7 days | 7 to 14 days | 14 to 21 days |
| At-home care | You can apply lotion or cream until your skin heals. | Daily soaks for a specific period. | 4 to 6 daily soaks during healing. |
| When to wear makeup | The next day. | After 5 to 7 days | After 14 days |
| Follow-up visit | It may be asked to repeat it every 2 to 5 weeks. | It is required; follow dermatologist’s guidelines. | You may need to visit the very next day. |
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1. What can I use on the day of a chemical peel appointment?
You should arrive with completely clean skin; no makeup, moisturizers, or heavy sunscreens on your skin.
Q2. Does a chemical peel need downtime?
If you opt for a medium or deep peel, you will have to experience downtime. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, deep chemical peels may require you to stay at home for 2 to 3 weeks.
Q3. How long do chemical peel results last?
You need to know that the results are not permanent since your skin continues to grow. However, if you follow your dermatologist’s instructions properly, it can last for a long time.
Want to Have a Chemical Peel in Chicago?
Want to address wrinkles, skin discoloration, and scars? Looking for a reliable place for a chemical peel in Chicago? Consider booking an appointment at PURE Medical Spa. We start the session with a conversation, focusing on understanding what you need so you can achieve your desired results.
Schedule your appointment today and begin your journey toward exceptional care.