Your skin deserves the best care, and preparing properly for your chemical peel can make all the difference in your results. Whether you’re targeting acne scars, fine lines, or dullness, taking steps to prepare your skin in advance ensures a smoother process and helps maximize the effectiveness of your treatment. Skipping prep can lead to irritation, slower healing, or uneven outcomes, so don’t overlook this essential step.
At Vitalogy Health and Integrative Medicine in Denver, our experienced team blends clinical precision with personalized care to deliver exceptional chemical peel treatments. To help you make the most of your appointment, we’ve outlined everything you need to know about how to prepare.
Schedule a personalized consultation
Before scheduling your peel, it’s essential to meet with a qualified provider at Vitalogy for a consultation. During this session, your skin will be evaluated, and your goals discussed. You’ll receive personalized recommendations on the most suitable peel type and strength for your skin tone, texture, concerns, and sensitivities. This is also the time to share any allergies, current medications, or skin conditions so your aesthetician can tailor the treatment accordingly.
Discontinue retinoids and exfoliants
Retinoids, glycolic acids, salicylic acids, and other exfoliating products can make your skin more sensitive and prone to irritation during a chemical peel. You should stop using these products at least five to seven days before your treatment. This gives your skin time to rebuild its natural barrier and helps prevent any adverse reactions to the peeling solution. If you’re unsure about which products to pause, your provider will give you a clear pre-treatment skincare guide.
Avoid sun exposure and tanning
Sunburned or recently tanned skin is more vulnerable to inflammation and hyperpigmentation after a chemical peel. In the one to two weeks leading up to your appointment, minimize sun exposure and avoid tanning beds altogether. You must also apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and seeking shade are also helpful ways to shield your skin as it prepares for treatment.
Pause waxing, threading, and laser treatments
Any form of hair removal that disturbs the skin’s surface, including waxing, threading, dermaplaning, or laser treatments, should be avoided for at least five to seven days before your chemical peel. These methods can create micro-injuries or increase skin sensitivity, which may heighten discomfort or cause uneven peeling. Let your skin stay intact and calm to ensure the chemical peel works as intended without irritation.
Keep your skincare routine gentle
Stick to a basic, hydrating skincare routine in the days leading up to your peel. Use a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and a broad-spectrum sunscreen to maintain healthy skin without causing irritation. Avoid introducing new products, especially those with active ingredients like vitamin C, AHAs, or benzoyl peroxide, as they can cause unpredictable reactions. Hydrated, balanced skin responds better to the chemical solution and recovers more efficiently.
Stay hydrated and prioritize skin health
Drinking plenty of water helps maintain optimal skin hydration, which supports healing and regeneration after your peel. Aim for at least 8 glasses a day in the week leading up to your appointment. You can also nourish your skin from the inside out with antioxidant-rich foods like berries, leafy greens, and omega-3 fats. Healthy, well-nourished skin is better equipped to shed dead skin cells and rebuild its glow.
Come to your appointment makeup-free
On the day of your chemical peel, arrive at Vitalogy with clean, makeup-free skin. Avoid applying any skincare products such as serums, moisturizers, or sunscreen that morning unless directed otherwise by your provider. Your aesthetician will cleanse and prep your skin prior to the procedure, ensuring a clean slate for optimal product penetration and effectiveness.
Know what to expect post-treatment
Preparing for your peel also means understanding what happens afterward. Your provider at Vitalogy will explain the types of post-peel effects to anticipate, such as redness, flaking, or mild peeling, and guide you through the necessary aftercare. Being prepared with moisturizers and sun protection ensures you can support your skin’s recovery and achieve optimal results.
Begin your glow-up journey at Vitalogy
At Vitalogy Health and Integrative Medicine, we believe that radiant skin begins with thoughtful care. By preparing for your chemical peel the right way, you’re investing in better results, faster recovery, and a smoother experience overall. Ready to reveal refreshed, luminous skin? Schedule your consultation at Vitalogy Denver today.
