Chemical Peel Pre- and Post-Treatment Care at Opal Radiant

Chemical peels at Opal Radiant are advanced exfoliating treatments that must be paired with proper care before and after the procedure. Under the expert supervision of Dr. Punit, each peel is tailored to your skin type and needs – and following the guidelines below will help ensure you get safe, optimal results. This page outlines how to prepare for your peel and how to care for your skin afterwards, reflecting the latest dermatologic best practices.

Pre-Treatment Care (Before Your Chemical Peel)

Proper preparation helps your skin handle the peel better and reduces the risk of side effects. Begin prepping at least 1-2 weeks before your appointment. Guidelines may be adjusted for the specific peel type (e.g. glycolic, salicylic, lactic, mandelic acid peels, or stronger TCA and combination peels), but generally apply to all:

  • 2 Weeks Before:

    • Sun Protection: Avoid direct sun exposure and do not use tanning beds for at least two weeks prior . Sunburned or recently tanned skin cannot be peeled safely. If you must be outdoors, wear broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+), reapply often, and use hats or umbrellas for extra protection .

    • Optional Pre-Peel Products: If Dr. Punit prescribes a pre-peel skin regimen (such as a melanin inhibitor or retinoid) to use in the 2-4 weeks leading up to your peel, follow it closely . This can improve peel results and reduce complications for certain skin types. He will let you know if this step is necessary for your treatment.

  • 1 Week Before:

    • Stop Using Actives: Discontinue any products with strong “active” ingredients on the treatment area about 5-7 days before your peel . This includes:

      • Topical retinoids or retinol creams (e.g. Retin-A, tretinoin, adapalene)

      • Exfoliating acids like glycolic, salicylic, lactic acid, mandelic acid, or vitamin C serums

      • Acne medications such as benzoyl peroxide or other potentially irritating agents.

    • Avoid Exfoliation and Procedures: Do not use scrubs, microdermabrasion, or exfoliating brushes on the area for at least one week prior . Also avoid waxing, threading, or laser treatments on the same area during this time . These activities can irritate the skin or cause uneven results after the peel.

    • No New Skincare: Stick to a gentle, routine skincare regimen in the week before your peel. Now is not the time to try new products or treatments, as they could trigger a reaction before your peel . Use a mild cleanser and a basic moisturizer; keep your skin hydrated and calm .

    • Hydrate & Nourish: Keep your skin well-moisturized and hydrated leading up to the peel. Well-hydrated skin can respond better and allow for more even exfoliation . Drink plenty of water and avoid drying products like alcohol-based toners.

  • 3–5 Days Before:

    • Avoid Hair Removal: Stop any hair removal on the treatment area at least 3-5 days before the peel. This includes no shaving (for men, avoid shaving the treated area ~2 days prior ), no depilatory creams, and no bleaching of facial hair. These can all make the skin more sensitive.

    • Stay Out of the Sun: Continue to be diligent about sun avoidance this week. Even incidental sun can increase the risk of post-peel pigmentation, especially with medium or deep peels . Daily sunscreen is a must if you go outside .

    • Medications: If you have a history of cold sores (herpes simplex on the face), inform Dr. Punit. You may be advised to start an antiviral medication a few days before your peel to prevent an outbreak . This is especially important for medium-depth TCA or combination peels, which can sometimes trigger cold sores.

    • General Health: Aim to be in good health on peel day. If you develop any facial infection, rash, open wound, or active cold sore outbreak in the days before your appointment, call us – we may need to reschedule to avoid complications .

  • 24–48 Hours Before:

    • Final Preparations: Keep following the “no actives” rule – do not restart any stopped product yet. Avoid alcohol consumption the day before, as it can increase skin sensitivity (and avoid aspirin or high-dose supplements that might increase any tendency to redness or bleeding, unless prescribed).

    • Cleansing Only: The night before and day of your peel, cleanse your face with a gentle, non-exfoliating cleanser. Do not use any lotions, perfumes, or oils on the treatment area after cleansing.

    • Rest & Plan: Get a good night’s sleep so your skin is rested. Plan your transportation if needed – for deeper peels (where a sedative or anesthesia might be used), arrange for someone to drive you home. Have a wide-brimmed hat or scarf ready to wear after your peel, since you’ll need to avoid sun exposure immediately afterwards.

Important: If you have taken oral isotretinoin (Accutane) in the past 6 months, let Dr. Punit know, as medium or deep chemical peels are generally deferred until at least 6 months off Accutane to ensure proper healing . Also, chemical peels are typically not performed if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, for safety reasons – please inform us of your status so we can choose the appropriate treatment plan.

Post-Treatment Care (After Your Chemical Peel)

After your peel, your skin will be more fragile and in a healing state. Proper aftercare is crucial for comfort, effective results, and to prevent complications like infection or unwanted pigmentation. Dr. Punit will provide personalized post-peel instructions based on the peel’s depth and your skin, but the following are general do’s and don’ts to guide your recovery:

What to Expect: Peeling & Side Effects by Peel Depth

  • Superficial Peels (e.g. mild glycolic, lactic, mandelic, salicylic peels): Expect minimal downtime. Your skin may be pink or slightly red for a day or two, with some tightness and mild flaking or peeling starting around day 2-3 . Any visible scaling or flakiness generally lasts 3-5 days. You can usually return to normal activities immediately, and makeup can sometimes be worn the next day if the skin is not very irritated .

  • Medium-Depth Peels (e.g. stronger TCA peels or combination peels like Jessner’s): Expect more pronounced effects. The skin will be red and may swell, with swelling often peaking about 48 hours after treatment . You might see some areas of white “frosting” initially (this is the peel working on the skin). Redness can be similar to a moderate sunburn. Peeling typically starts on day 2 or 3 and can be significant – sheets or larger flakes of skin may come off. Blisters can form on the skin’s surface and then crust over and peel off over the next week . Total healing time is about 7-10 days for most medium peels , during which you’ll have noticeable peeling. You may need to take about a week off social engagements. Makeup can usually be applied after about 5-7 days once the new skin has formed .

  • Deep Peels (e.g. high-strength TCA or phenol peels): These are more intensive and less commonly performed outside of surgical settings. If you undergo a deep peel, expect a significant recovery period. The skin will be very red, raw, and swollen; swelling might even affect the eye area (puffy eyelids) initially . There may be oozing or a yellowish fluid on the skin that forms crusts – this is part of the deep healing process. The treated area might be covered with a protective dressing right after the peel . Peeling and crusting can persist for 2 weeks or more. Initial healing takes about 14 days but redness can last several weeks. Strict aftercare including possible daily soaks, ointment applications, and antiviral medications will be required . Makeup must be avoided for at least two weeks (often longer) until the skin is fully re-epithelialized . Deep peels also mandate absolute sun avoidance for several months to protect the new skin .

Remember, these timelines can vary from person to person. Dr. Punit will monitor your progress. It’s normal for your skin to look worse before it looks better in the first few days – redness, dryness, and flaking mean the peel is doing its job of shedding damaged skin . Patience is key!

Post-Peel Do’s: How to Care for Your Skin

  • Keep Skin Moisturized: Use a bland, fragrance-free moisturizer liberally and often to keep your skin from drying out . Hydrating the skin helps it heal faster and more comfortably. Dr. Punit might recommend a specific post-peel cream or a gentle moisturizer (e.g. products like Cetaphil, CeraVe, Eucerin, or Aquaphor) – use it as directed. Typically, you should moisturize at least 2-3 times a day or whenever your skin feels tight . Tip: For very dry areas or any spots with cracking, you can apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly (Vaseline/Aquaphor) to protect and hydrate . Keeping the skin moist prevents excessive crusting and reduces scar risk .

  • Use Gentle Cleansing: Be very gentle when touching or washing your face. For the first 4-6 hours after a peel, do not wash the skin at all, allowing the acids to fully neutralize and penetrate . After that, cleanse with a mild, non-irritating cleanser (no scrubs or exfoliating cleansers) twice a day . Use lukewarm water – not hot – to avoid irritating the skin . Pat dry with a soft, clean towel; do not rub your face dry.

  • Sun Protection, Always: Your new skin is especially sensitive to UV light. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 every morning, starting the day after your peel (or as soon as your provider tells you it’s okay to do so) . Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours if you are outdoors. Even better, avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible for at least two weeks post-peel – wear a wide-brimmed hat or seek shade. Do not use tanning beds at all during recovery; UV exposure can cause severe damage and hyperpigmentation on freshly peeled skin .

  • Let It Heal Naturally: Allow the skin to peel and flake off on its own. It can be tempting to “help” it along, but it’s important to let the old skin detach at its own pace. Keep your face mostly hands-off except for cleansing and moisturizing. If a piece of skin is literally hanging off and very loose, you may carefully trim it with clean small scissors – but do not tug or peel actively . The new skin underneath needs time to mature.

  • Soothe as Needed: If you feel warmth or tightness, you can apply cool compresses gently to the skin for a few minutes at a time (for example, a clean washcloth dipped in cool water, then wrung out). Some patients find pure aloe vera gel soothing once 24 hours have passed – you can use it if it agrees with your skin. (Do a small test patch first, as aloe can irritate a few individuals .) If Dr. Punit has prescribed any creams (such as a mild steroid for persistent redness or an antibiotic/antiviral), use them exactly as directed .

  • Stay Hydrated & Healthy: Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet to support your skin’s healing from within. If you feel any discomfort, you may take an over-the-counter pain reliever like acetaminophen (avoid aspirin or high-dose ibuprofen right after a peel unless advised, as they can sometimes increase bruising).

  • Follow Special Instructions for Medium/Deep Peels: For more intensive peels, you will receive additional instructions. This may include doing gentle cleansing “soaks” (often using a diluted vinegar solution or saline) several times a day for the first few days, then applying an ointment like petroleum jelly after each soak . You might also be given an antiviral medication to take for 7-10 days as a precaution (especially for deeper peels) . It’s important to complete any prescribed medication course. Always follow the specific regimen provided to you for best results.

  • Attend Follow-ups: If a follow-up appointment is scheduled (common for medium and deep peels), be sure to come in so Dr. Punit can check your healing and address any issues. Even if you feel everything is fine, a quick check is valuable. We’re here to support your recovery.

Post-Peel Don’ts: Things to Avoid

  • Do Not Pick or Peel the Skin: This is one of the most important rules. Never pick at peeling skin or try to forcibly remove flaking bits with your fingers or nails . Picking can cause infections, scarring, or pigmentation changes. Let the old skin slough off naturally with your gentle cleansing and moisturizing routine.

  • Avoid Active Skincare: Do not use any “active” skincare products on the treated area until your doctor says it’s okay – usually at least 5-7 days for superficial peels, and around 2 weeks or more for medium peels. This means no retinol or prescription retinoids, no alpha or beta hydroxy acid products, no vitamin C serums, no acne treatments, and no scrubs or masks . Using these too soon can irritate your fresh skin and even cause damage. When you do resume, do so gently and gradually (see the section on resuming actives below).

  • No Makeup (Until It’s Safe): It’s generally advised to avoid makeup for at least a few days after a peel. For a light peel, you might be able to wear mineral-based makeup after 24 hours, but only if there is no significant peeling or irritation. For medium peels, wait about a week before applying makeup, since you don’t want to cover peeling skin or trap bacteria under foundation . With deep peels, you’ll need to avoid makeup for at least two weeks . Using makeup too soon can irritate the skin or interfere with healing, so when in doubt, give your skin extra days to recover.

  • Avoid Sun & Heat: Do not sunbathe or expose treated skin to direct sunlight in the weeks following your peel . Also avoid sources of intense heat which can inflame the skin: no steam rooms, saunas, or hot tubs for about 1-2 weeks; avoid hot showers on your face (take lukewarm showers) . Steer clear of activities that make you overheated or very flushed (like hot yoga).

  • No Heavy Exercise or Sweating for a Few Days: It’s wise to avoid vigorous workouts and activities that cause heavy sweating for at least 2-3 days after a superficial peel, and around 5-7 days after a medium peel . Sweat can irritate the fresh skin and also increase the risk of uneven peeling. Additionally, heavy exercise boosts circulation to the face, which might intensify redness or swelling early on. Give yourself permission to rest; you can resume your normal exercise regimen once your skin has started healing (e.g. after the first week, unless Dr. Punit advises otherwise).

  • Don’t Use Harsh Products: This includes anything abrasive or potentially irritating: no exfoliating scrubs, no washcloths or facial brushes on the treated area, and no alcohol-based toners until you are fully healed. Even seemingly innocuous products like anti-aging creams or acne spot treatments can be too harsh right after a peel.

  • Avoid Other Skin Treatments: Hold off on any other cosmetic procedures on the treated area until your skin is completely healed from the peel. This means no facials, microdermabrasion, microneedling, laser treatments, or additional peels for the full recommended interval (often at least 4 weeks for superficial peels) . Also avoid hair removal (waxing, threading) on the treated skin for about 2 weeks post-peel .

  • No Swimming in Chlorinated Pools or Hot Tubs: Chlorine and bacteria in pools or hot tubs can be very irritating and possibly lead to infection while your skin is raw. Avoid swimming until your skin has fully peeled and healed (usually at least 7-10 days, longer for deeper peels). Similarly, avoid activities like chlorine-based cleaning (if it might contact your face) during early healing.

  • Don’t Smoke: If you smoke, try to refrain in the immediate peeling period. Smoking can impair circulation to the skin and slow down healing. (Plus, smoking contributes to skin aging, counteracting the benefits of your peel.)

Resuming Your Normal Skincare and Makeup

One of the common questions is when you can get back to your usual routine after a peel. Here are general guidelines, but always confirm with Dr. Punit based on your skin’s condition:

  • Moisturizer and Sunscreen: These you never stop – gentle hydration and sun protection should be daily staples, even long after the peel, to maintain your results.

  • Cleansers: You can continue using gentle cleansers as your skin heals. Avoid foaming or acne cleansers with actives until you’re past the initial recovery (usually about a week or longer).

  • Makeup: As noted above, makeup should wait until the skin has re-formed a protective barrier. For superficial peels, you might be able to use makeup (ideally non-comedogenic, fragrance-free) within 1-2 days if there’s no peeling, but ensure you got the green light from the clinic. For more significant peels, plan on waiting ~5-7 days (medium peel) or ~14 days (deep peel) before using foundation or concealers . Even then, start with light, mineral-based makeup and see how your skin tolerates it. If you notice irritation, give it more time .

  • Active Skincare (Retinoids, Exfoliants, etc.): Re-introducing your treatment products should be done cautiously. For a mild peel, you might resume things like retinol, AHAs, or acne medications about one week after the peel only if your skin is no longer sensitive, red, or peeling . For medium peels, it may be 2 weeks or more. Start one product at a time, and perhaps every other night, to ensure your skin can handle it. Dr. Punit often advises waiting until the skin feels completely back to normal (no flaking, no tightness) and then easing back into your regimen. When in doubt, ask before using a product – we’re happy to guide you on timing.

  • Professional Treatments: If you plan to do other procedures (like lasers or another peel series), you will typically wait at least a month after a superficial peel, or longer after deeper peels. The skin needs to be fully recovered to handle another treatment. We will advise you on the appropriate interval based on your overall treatment plan.

Warning Signs: When to Contact Us

It’s normal to experience redness, flaking, and some discomfort after a chemical peel – but you should also know the signs that something may be wrong. Contact Dr. Punit and the Opal Radiant clinic right away if you notice any of the following:

  • Signs of Infection: While rare, infection can occur if bacteria enter compromised skin. Watch for spreading redness that is worsening instead of improving, especially if it’s accompanied by warmth, tenderness, or swelling. Yellow or greenish fluid (pus) or an unusual foul odor from the treated area is a red flag for infection . Fever or chills are also symptoms that warrant immediate medical attention.

  • Excessive Swelling or Pain: Some swelling is expected, especially for deeper peels, but if you have extreme puffiness (for example, eyes swelling shut) or significant pain that isn’t controlled with prescribed measures, let us know . Worsening pain after the first 48 hours, rather than improvement, should be reported.

  • Severe Redness or Allergic Reaction: If you develop areas of intense, angry-red skin that look inflamed beyond the normal “sunburn” effect, or if you see hives, extensive itchiness, or rash, those could indicate an atypical reaction or allergy . Persistent redness lasting longer than two weeks is also something we should evaluate .

  • Blistering or Open Wounds: While tiny surface blisters can be a normal part of medium peels, large or numerous blisters that are very painful are not typical. Likewise, if peeling areas turn into open sores or bleeding cracks, that’s a cause for concern . We may recommend specific treatments to prevent scarring in such cases.

  • Dark Patches Forming: If you notice new, irregular dark patches of skin (hyperpigmentation) developing in the weeks after your peel, let Dr. Punit know . Early intervention with proper creams can often correct pigment issues if caught quickly.

  • Anything Uncertain: If you simply aren’t sure whether your healing is on track – perhaps you expected to be done peeling by now and you’re not, or something just doesn’t feel right – please reach out. It’s always better to ask and be reassured, or to have an extra check-up, than to ignore a potential problem. We’re here to support you throughout the healing process.

In Summary: By following these pre- and post-peel care guidelines, you greatly enhance the safety and effectiveness of your chemical peel. Always remember that at Opal Radiant, Dr. Punit and our team are closely involved at every step – from preparing your skin beforehand to guiding your aftercare. Every peel is personalized to your skin’s needs, and likewise, we may tailor these instructions for you. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions before or after your treatment. With diligent care and our professional supervision, you’ll be on your way to revealing smoother, radiant skin safely and confidently.