May 19, 2026 · 5 min read

What to Do After a Chemical Peel: The Complete Aftercare Guide

A great chemical peel is a partnership: we do the resurfacing in the studio, and your aftercare determines how good the result actually looks. Done right, you get brighter, smoother, more even skin. Done wrong — especially on melanin-rich skin — you risk irritation and rebound dark spots. Here's exactly what to do after your peel here in Kissimmee.

What to do in the first 24 hours after a chemical peel

  • Leave your skin alone — no makeup, no actives, no scrubbing
  • Cleanse only with a gentle, lukewarm-water routine
  • Apply the soothing moisturizer your esthetician recommends
  • Skip the gym, saunas, hot showers, and anything that makes you sweat or flush

Days 2 to 7: let it do its thing

Depending on the peel, you may notice tightness, mild flaking, or light peeling around day 3 to 5. This is normal and temporary. The golden rule: do not pick or pull peeling skin. Forcing it off is the number-one cause of post-peel dark spots and scarring, particularly on deeper skin tones. Let it shed on its own.

What to avoid until your skin settles

  • Retinol, retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, and exfoliating scrubs (usually for 5 to 7 days)
  • Direct sun, tanning, and heat exposure
  • Waxing, threading, or other facials in the same area
  • Picking, rubbing, or testing brand-new products

The step that protects everything: SPF

Freshly resurfaced skin is more vulnerable to UV, and on melanin-rich skin sun exposure is the fastest way to undo your results and trigger pigment. Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every day — reapplied outdoors — is non-negotiable after a peel, and the FDA's guidance on choosing and applying sunscreen is a helpful primer. If you only do one thing on this list, do this.

When to call us

Mild redness, tightness, and flaking are expected. Reach out if you notice intense burning, blistering, spreading redness, or signs of a cold sore — these are uncommon but worth a quick check. We're a phone call away at (321) 900-1144.

Keep your results going

Peels work best as a planned series with the right home care in between, especially when you're treating pigment or texture. Ask your esthetician about Circadia and Skin Script home-care products matched to your skin, and we'll map out the cadence that keeps your glow consistent.

Tiffany, founder of Haven Noire

About the author

Tiffany · Licensed Esthetician · Licensed PMU Artist

Tiffany is a Florida-licensed esthetician and permanent makeup artist and the founder of Haven Noire. She specializes in customized facials, corrective skincare, and waxing for melanin-rich and all skin types, and is known for a calm, education-first approach that puts first-time clients instantly at ease.

Meet Tiffany