Pre & Post Peel Instructions

Please read these instructions before booking your peel appointment. Which instructions apply depends on the depth of your peel. Susan will confirm which one you are having. Following them closely protects your skin and gives you the best result from your treatment. If you are unsure whether anything here applies to you, please ask before your appointment rather than after.

Mild Peels

Before your mild peel

  • Delay use of topical Vitamin A products (Retin-A, Differin, Renova, Tazorac or Avage) and Benzoyl Peroxide products for 10 days before and after the procedure.
  • Do not have electrolysis, facial waxing or use depilatories for 5-7 days before the procedure.
  • Avoid tanning beds and sun exposure before the procedure.

After your mild peel

  • After a chemical peel you may or may not physically peel. Chemical peels work at a cellular level within the layers of the skin. It is typical for the skin to tighten, continuing for approximately 1-2 days. Most people undergoing these treatments have residual redness for approximately 1-12 hours afterwards.
  • Wash the area with a mild cleanser and cool water, using clean hands only. Pat dry and apply the moisturizing products recommended by your provider to manage dryness and flaking.
  • Avoid strenuous exercise and sweating for 24 hours.
  • Delay the use of topical over-the-counter medications, or alpha hydroxy acid products, Retin-A, Differin, Renova, Tazorac or Avage, for 7 days afterwards.
  • Avoid direct sun exposure and excessive heat. Use SPF as advised by your clinician.
  • Do not pick or pull at any loosening or peeling skin, as this can cause hyperpigmentation.
  • Do not have electrolysis, facial waxing or use depilatories for approximately 10 days afterwards.
  • Do not have another treatment until your esthetician advises you to do so.

For the first two days after a mild peel

  • Keep cool and avoid anything that causes heavy perspiration.
  • Continue using hydrating moisturizing products to manage flakiness.
  • Do not put the treated area directly under a hot shower spray.
  • Do not swim, or use hot tubs, steam rooms or saunas.
  • Do not use loofahs or any other mechanical exfoliation.
  • Do not direct a hair dryer at the treated area.
  • Do not apply ice or ice water to the treated area, only cool compresses if needed.

Download the mild peel instructions (PDF)

Medium Depth Peels

Medium depth peels go deeper than a mild peel, and the aftercare is different. If you have had a medium depth peel, follow this section rather than the mild peel section above.

Before your medium depth peel

  • Delay use of topical Vitamin A products (Retin-A, Differin, Renova, Tazorac or Avage) and Benzoyl Peroxide products for 10 days before and after the procedure.
  • Do not have electrolysis, facial waxing or use depilatories for approximately 7 days before the procedure.
  • Avoid tanning beds and sun exposure before the procedure.

After your medium depth peel

  • After a chemical peel you may or may not physically peel. Chemical peels work at a cellular level within the layers of the skin. It is typical for the skin to tighten and begin peeling 2-3 days after the procedure, continuing for approximately 7-10 days. Most people undergoing these treatments have residual redness for approximately 1-12 hours afterwards.
  • Do not wash your face for 5-6 hours after the peel. After 5-6 hours you may gently wash the area with a mild cleanser and cool water, using clean hands only. Pat dry and apply the moisturizing products recommended by your provider to manage dryness and flaking.
  • Avoid strenuous exercise and sweating for 24 hours.
  • Delay the use of topical over-the-counter medications, or alpha hydroxy acid products including Retin-A, Differin, Renova, Tazorac or Avage, for 7-10 days afterwards.
  • Avoid direct sun exposure and excessive heat. Use SPF as advised by your esthetician.
  • Do not pick or pull at any loosening or peeling skin, as this can cause hyperpigmentation or scarring.
  • Do not have electrolysis, facial waxing or use depilatories for approximately 10 days afterwards.
  • Do not have another treatment until your esthetician advises you to do so.

For the first two days after a medium depth peel

  • Keep cool and avoid anything that causes heavy perspiration.
  • Continue using hydrating moisturizing products to manage flakiness.
  • Do not put the treated area directly under a hot shower spray.
  • Do not swim, or use hot tubs, steam rooms or saunas.
  • Do not use loofahs or any other mechanical exfoliation.
  • Do not direct a hair dryer at the treated area.
  • Do not apply ice or ice water to the treated area, only cool compresses if needed.

Download the medium depth peel instructions (PDF)

Questions Before Your Appointment

Call or text 805.551.9238 if anything here is unclear, or if you are not sure which peel you are having. It is always better to ask before your appointment than after.

Susan Britz Skincare & Lashes, 107 S. Osprey Ave., Suite 110A, Sarasota, FL 34236. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM by appointment.