Aftercare guide
Chemical Peel Aftercare
How to care for your skin while it peels, what to avoid for the first week, and the signs that mean you should contact the clinic.
Straight after treatment
- Wash with a mild, gentle cleanser. Avoid harsh or abrasive products for at least 48 hours.
- Keep your skin moisturised with a fragrance-free cream suitable for sensitive skin.
- No make-up for 24–48 hours.
- Wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher — your skin is especially vulnerable to the sun now.
- Don’t pick or peel flaking skin. Let it shed naturally to avoid scarring.
The first week
- No retinoids, AHAs or BHAs for at least a week.
- Light activity is fine, but avoid exercise, saunas and swimming until peeling has finished.
- Drink plenty of water to support healing.
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol, as both can slow healing.
What’s normal
- Redness for one to two days, then pinkness while the new skin settles.
- Tightness, stinging and some darkening of the skin before it peels.
- Peeling for around a week.
- Mild swelling in the first one to two days.
Longer term
- Wear SPF 30 or higher every day and limit sun exposure for several weeks.
- Use gentle skincare that suits your skin type. John can recommend products.
- Attend any follow-up appointments so John can check how your skin has healed.
Contact the clinic if…
- Redness, pain or swelling that’s persistent or getting worse.
- Blistering, weeping or crusting.
- Any sign of infection.
- A cold sore flare.
- Patches of skin that look darker or lighter once healed.