Chemical Peel

Preparation for a chemical peel is essential to achieve safe, consistent, and visible results. To ensure your skin responds well to treatment, please review the following guidelines before your appointment:

Skin Preparation

• Avoid exfoliating agents, scrubs, AHAs/BHAs, and retinoids for at least 7 days before your peel.
• Discontinue any acne or brightening prescriptions such as hydroquinone, Differin, or tretinoin (Retin-A) at least one week before, unless directed otherwise by your physician.
• If you have used Accutane, you must wait a minimum of 12 months before receiving a peel.
• Avoid waxing, tweezing, or laser hair removal for at least 5 days before treatment.

Sun & Heat Exposure

• Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning beds, saunas, and steam rooms for at least one week before your peel.
• If you've had a recent sunburn, reschedule your appointment once your skin has fully healed.

Lifestyle & Medications

• Avoid alcohol and high caffeine intake 24 hours before your treatment.
• Let your esthetician know about all medications, especially antibiotics, photosensitizing medications, or hormone therapies, as these can affect skin sensitivity.
• We don't perform chemical peels during pregnancy or while nursing.
• If you are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, a chemical peel will be deferred until you're cleared by your healthcare provider.

Skincare & Hygiene

• Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin.
• Stay well hydrated in the days leading up to your appointment.
• If you're prone to cold sores, let your esthetician know. A preventative antiviral medication may be recommended.

Timing with Other Treatments

• Wait at least 2 weeks after filler, Botox, dental, or surgical facial procedures before scheduling a peel.
• Avoid scheduling workouts, heat-based treatments, or saunas on the same day as your service.

What to Expect Based on Peel Level

• Level 1 Peel (Gel-Based): Gentle and hydrating, ideal for first-time clients or sensitive skin, and performed as part of your facial. You may feel mild warmth or tingling during application. There is little to no downtime, and makeup can be worn the same day if desired.
• Level 2 Peel (Ethanol-Based): More corrective and resurfacing, for clients who have had a peel with us before and are addressing pigmentation, acne, or texture. You may feel more intense tingling or warmth during the peel. Makeup should be avoided until the next morning, and visible flaking or peeling may occur 3–7 days after treatment.

By following these preparation steps, your skin will be primed for a safe, effective treatment and a smoother, more radiant result.

• Your esthetician will begin by thoroughly cleansing your skin and taking a "before" photo to track your results.
• Your eyes will be covered with eye shields, and a protective balm will be applied to your lips and around your nose.
• You'll be given a handheld fan to keep you comfortable, and your esthetician will check in with you throughout using a 1 to 10 comfort scale.
• You may feel tingling, warmth, or tightness during the process. These sensations are normal and temporary. Level 1 peels typically feel lighter, while Level 2 peels can cause more intense warmth for a few minutes before subsiding.
• Level 1 peels are gently massaged into the skin, then neutralized and removed with a cool towel. Your facial then continues with massage, a mask, and hydrating and protective finishing products.
• Level 2 peels are applied in layers and allowed to self-neutralize. Nothing else is applied over the peel, so you'll leave with nothing on your skin.

Proper aftercare is key to maximizing your peel results and protecting your skin during the renewal process.

Level 1 Peel (Gel-Based)

• You'll go home with an aftercare card and a sample of Post Peel Balm. No post-peel kit is needed.
• Your skin may look a little pink for a few hours.
• Avoid heat, steam, sweating, saunas, and hot showers for the rest of the day.
• Avoid exfoliants, AHAs/BHAs, and retinoids for 24 hours.
• Makeup is fine to apply the same day.
• If any light flaking shows up over the next day or two, don't pick at it. Just let it shed naturally.
• You can return to your full routine, including actives, within 24–48 hours.

Level 2 Peel (Ethanol-Based)

Level 2 peels include a Circadia Post Peel Kit with everything you need to heal at home: Vitamin Veil Cleanser, Vitamin C Reversal Serum, Post Peel Balm, and Light Day Sunscreen SPF 37.

• First 12 Hours
  • Don't wash, touch, or pick at your skin.
  • No makeup or SPF until the next morning.
  • Avoid hot showers on your face, hot tubs, steam rooms, saunas, and anything that makes you sweat.
    
    
• After 12 Hours
  • Cleanse with Vitamin Veil Cleanser using your fingertips only. Don't use a washcloth. Rinse with cool water and pat dry.
  • Apply 2 drops of Vitamin C Reversal Serum and let it dry.
  • Apply Post Peel Balm to the whole treated area, 2–3 times a day.
  • Apply Light Day Sunscreen SPF 37 every morning and avoid direct sun.
    
    
• Days 3–7: Visible Peeling Phase
  • You may experience light flaking or visible peeling. This is normal.
  • Do NOT pick, peel, or rub your skin, as this can cause irritation or pigmentation changes.
  • Avoid scrubs, retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, and heat treatments (sauna, waxing, laser) until peeling is finished.
  • Sleep on a clean pillowcase and avoid friction from hair products or tight clothing.
    
    
• Days 7–10: Renewal & Radiance
  • Your skin will begin to feel smooth, fresh, and luminous as new cells surface.
  • Once all peeling has stopped, you can return to your regular skincare routine and active products.

Long-Term Maintenance

• Protecting your results is just as important as the peel itself.
• Use daily SPF, stay hydrated, and avoid tanning or harsh exfoliants between treatments.
• Schedule follow-up treatments every 4–6 weeks for Level 1 peels or 8–12 weeks for Level 2 peels for continued improvement.
• Call us right away if you experience severe redness, swelling, burning, or blistering that lasts longer than 24 hours.

By following these aftercare steps, you'll preserve your results, maintain a strong barrier, and reveal your most radiant, healthy skin.