Chemical Peel Aftercare Guide, Tips & Recommendations

How to Care for Your Skin After a Chemical Peel

Chemical peels can transform your skin when you’re consistent with treatments and protecting your skin. Proper peel-prep and aftercare will help you get the results you’re looking for.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best practices, product recommendations, and tips to help your skin recover and get the most out of your peels. I’ll also keep this guide updated with new products and deals as I find them. Whatever you choose to do is at your own risk, so always patch test and consult a professional if you’re unsure.

Precautions Before Doing a Chemical Peel

Avoid peels if you have an active cold sore, open wounds, sunburn, or severe acne, as the peel can worsen these issues. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s recommended to avoid doing certain chemical peels, so please look into this further. If you aren’t sure how your skin will react to a peel, it’s recommended to do a patch test.

For stronger peels like TCA, additional preparation and aftercare are essential. These types of peels are a lot riskier to do at home, so oftentimes people go to a professional to get it done. These stronger peels can leave your skin more delicate and prone to dryness or irritation.

If you’re currently dealing with hyperpigmentation issues or sunspots, there are products that can help with this and I’ll also include my recommendations for that below.

Doing the Peel at Home

I often get asked how long to leave a peel on the skin, whether it should be layered, and other similar questions. These can be tricky to answer because it really depends on the type of peel, your skin type, tolerance, and overall condition. The best approach is to always follow the instructions provided with your peel product and be extra cautious, especially if you’re just starting out.

If you’re new to chemical peels, I recommend starting slow to give your skin time to acclimate. For beginner-friendly options and products for sensitive skin, check out my best beginner chemical peels post.

This guide is focused on everything you need to know to care for your skin during every stage of the process: preparing for the peel, taking care of your skin during the peel, and following up with proper aftercare.

Washing Your Face After the Peel

Once you’ve left the peel on your skin for a certain length of time, you’ll then wash it off. Always check with the instructions that came with your peel. Most peels don’t require a separate neutralizing solution and will rinse off with water.

I personally like to rinse my skin repeatedly with very cold water and then I rinse it with a gentle, soothing, non-stripping soap. I use Kirk’s castile soap to wash my face after the peel, then I splash cold water on it a couple more times before gently patting my face dry with a clean, soft towel. I currently only have one cleanser recommendation but if I find more options, I’ll update the post.

Kirk’s Fragrance-Free Castile Soap  – (Currently $2/bar on iHerb): A gentle, natural soap made from coconut-derived ingredients, ideal for sensitive skin. The ingredients include: sodium cocoate (coconut oil), water, glycerin (natural moisturizer), sodium chloride (table salt), sodium gluconate (derived from sugar; helps preserve the soap).

I’ve been using this product for years – for the face and for cleaning the body. It is one of the most natural cleansers available, with just five ingredients—all of which are functional and beneficial. There are no unnecessary additives or harsh chemicals. I love this soap! (If you buy it on iHerb and use code “CYB8762” you can get 20% off your order.)

Extra Care for Harsher Peels or Dryness

TCA peels often require extra care because the skin will become very dry and at times it can develop raw red spots. It’s so important to protect your new skin while it’s healing. For these situations, I highly recommend Alba Botanica Un-Petroleum Multi-Purpose Jelly ($13). This castor oil-based balm creates a protective barrier to lock in moisture and soothe irritation without clogging your skin. If you don’t have that available, you could also use petroleum jelly.

In my own aftercare routine, I tend to apply a good deal of avocado oil to my face as it’s healing. Oils can be incredibly effective for hydration and repair, but balance is key. It’s important not to suffocate the skin with too many occlusive products, so I make a point to take breaks from heavy layers of oils or creams, letting my skin breathe and reset.

Preventing Pigmentation Issues

Pigmentation issues like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and sunspots happen when the skin produces too much melanin. PIH usually comes from irritation or inflammation—like acne or after a peel—while sunspots develop from too much sun exposure over time. Both can leave dark spots or patches that stick around for weeks or even months. To avoid these issues, it’s important to protect your skin before, during, and after using peels or active ingredients.

Preparation and Maintenance for Hyperpigmentation-Prone Skin

If you’re prone to PIH or sunspots, preparing your skin before chemical peels is a must, and ongoing care afterward is equally important. Pre-treatment often involves using pigment inhibitors or brightening ingredients that reduce melanin production and improve your skin’s tolerance.

Here are some effective over-the-counter options to incorporate into your routine:

• Good Molecules Brightening Serum: $8
• The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2%: $11.50
• Naturium Tranexamic Topical Acid 5%: $20

If you’re really concerned about pigmentation issues, you could look into getting a prescription hydroquinone cream, like those available through Musely. The site offers you access to a wide variety of prescription skincare products that you can get from your home, while consulting with a dermatologist by email. If you check it out through my link, you’ll get 35% off your order. I ordered a prescription estrogen face cream through Musely, and so far I am a fan of their services and products.

Protecting Your Skin from UV Damage

Sun protection is extremely important if you’re trying to prevent premature skin aging. If you’re doing chemical peels or using any active ingredients in your skincare, you will damage your skin if you don’t protect it from the sun. I also believe sun exposure is important for overall health, and it’s possible to balance this by getting sunlight safely while protecting treated areas.

I recommend using a high-quality mineral sunscreen along with wearing hats or sunglasses for extra coverage. Some people prefer chemical sunscreens, and that’s fine if it works for you, but I personally avoid them because I’m not a fan of the ingredients they contain.

Closing Thoughts & Best Deals

I’d love to hear from you! If you have any product recommendations or tips for aftercare, feel free to share them in the comments—I’m always on the lookout for great skincare finds.

If you’re interested in purchasing some of the products mentioned here, I’ve found that iHerb often has the best prices. They offer a wide range of skincare products, supplements, food, and home goods, and I love their super fast shipping. They also frequently feature 20% off coupons on their homepage, making it a great alternative to Amazon, which often takes more than a week to get to my home – iHerb takes just days in comparison. They also offer a wide range of K-beauty, or Korean skincare products.

If you have any questions, please leave them in the comment section below!