Chemical peels help renew skin by removing old skin cells to reveal fresher skin. They can improve many skin concerns, such as fine lines, uneven tone, and dullness. But the success of any peel doesn’t just depend on what happens during the treatment.

What your clients do before and after their peel is as important as the peel itself. Proper preparation can strengthen their skin for better results, while proper aftercare helps heal and extend the benefits.

Let’s explore simple, effective pre- and post-peel routines you can share with your clients to help them get the most from their treatments.

What Are Chemical Peels?

Chemical peels come in different strengths to match what your clients need. Here are different kinds of chemical peels:

Light Peels: These are gentle and work on the skin’s surface. They use mild acids like glycolic acid (from fruit) or salicylic acid (good for oily skin). After a light peel, the skin might be slightly pink for a day, but clients can usually go right back to normal activities.
Medium Peels: These go deeper and can help with more noticeable wrinkles and uneven skin tone. They often use TCA (trichloroacetic acid) or stronger versions of the acids used in light peels.
Deep Peels: Deep peels go way down into your skin. They deliver big improvements for damaged skin. Usually, they use phenol, and you’ll need some time to heal, like 1 to 2 weeks.

The choice of micro or deep chemical peels depends upon your client’s needs.

Pre-Peel Consultation Best Practices

Before booking any peel treatment, sit with your client for a proper chat. This meeting will help you choose the right peel and avoid any problems.

First, look at their skin closely. Note their skin type (dry, oily, combination), sensitivity level, and any issues they want to fix. Ask about their regular skincare routine and what products they use daily.

Make sure a peel is safe for them by asking about:

Are they pregnant or breastfeeding?
Have they recently had a sunburn or been tanning?
Do they get cold sores? (Peels can make them come back.)
Are they taking medicines like Accutane (isotretinoin) or antibiotics that can make their skin sensitive?
Have they had any other skin treatments lately?
Have they had bad reactions to treatments in the past?

Also, be clear about what peels can and can’t do. Show them pictures of real people before and after getting peels for similar skin problems. Explain that they’ll usually get the best results with a few treatments, not just one.

Pre-Peel Preparation (2 Weeks Before)

Prepping the skin for a peel is like getting a wall ready for a new coat of paint, which helps the peel work its best and gives you a smooth, even result. Here’s what your clients need to do in the two weeks leading up to their appointment:

Stop using strong products. Advise clients to stop using their strong skincare – no retinol, retinoids, exfoliating acids like glycolic or salicylic, and no harsh scrubs. These can make the skin extra sensitive and irritate or even burn during the peel.
Focus on hydration. Well-moisturised skin recovers more quickly after a peel. Encourage clients to use a mild, hydrating serum with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin every morning and night.
Sunscreen becomes extra important. Clients should apply SPF 30+ every morning, even on cloudy days or when staying indoors. Sun exposure before a peel increases the risk of irritation and uneven results.
Build a stronger skin barrier. Suggest products containing ceramides, niacinamide, or Centella Asiatica. These ingredients help fortify the skin’s natural protective barrier, which helps in faster healing after the peel.
Special care for sensitive types. If your client has naturally sensitive skin, they might benefit from anti-inflammatory ingredients like green tea extract or liquorice root in the weeks before treatment.

Post-Peel Care (First 24 Hours)

If you take good care of your skin right after a chemical peel, it is super important to help it heal well and ensure you get the best results. Here’s what your clients should do in the first 24 hours:

Do Gentle Cleansing: Tell your clients to wash their faces gently. They should use only cool or lukewarm water and a mild, non-foaming cleanser.
Skip the Makeup: It’s best to let the skin breathe during this first day. Advise your clients to avoid wearing makeup so that nothing irritates their freshly peeled skin.
Avoid Sun Exposure: The skin will be extra sensitive to the sun. Staying indoors as much as possible is ideal. If they do need to go out, even for a short time, they should wear a wide-brimmed hat.

Post-Peel Days (2-7)

After the first day, your skin is still healing from the peel. Here’s how your clients should continue to care for it during days 2 through 7 to help it recover beautifully:

Keep Hydrating: Moisturising regularly is still super important. Your clients should continue to use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser several times a day to keep their skin soft and help with the peeling process.
Sun Protection is Non-Negotiable: Even if they’re mostly indoors, sunscreen is a must. Tell them to apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning.
Let the Peeling Happen Naturally: Their skin will likely start to peel. Remind them to control the urge to pick or scrub at it. Letting the old skin shed naturally will help prevent irritation and potential scarring.
Avoid Harsh Products. Now is not the time for strong skincare ingredients. Advise them to avoid retinoids, exfoliating acids, and harsh scrubs until their skin is fully healed.

Resolving Common Issues

Sometimes, little bumps can pop up after a peel, even with the best care. Here’s how to handle some common issues and when it might be time to see your doctor again:

When Skin Gets Too Red or Sore

If your client’s skin looks red, feels sore, or is swelling more than expected, they should stop using active products immediately. Tell them to stick to cool compresses and a gentle moisturiser, and contact you if it doesn’t calm down quickly.

Stopping Dark Spots Before They Start

The best way to avoid dark spots after a peel is to be super strict about sunscreen. Tell your clients to apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every morning, without fail, even if they stay inside.

When to Think About the Next Step

Explain to your clients that a series of peels will often give them the best results. If they have specific skin concerns they still want to address after healing, like deeper lines or stubborn spots, talk to them about when a follow-up treatment might be a good idea.

You may also like to read: Can chemical peels help with hyperpigmentation?

Final Thoughts

To help your clients get the most out of their chemical peels, it’s all about getting their skin ready beforehand and showing them how to take care of it afterwards. When they prepare their skin well in the weeks before and are gentle and protective with it in the days and weeks following, the peel will work even better, and their skin will stay healthy and look great.