Chemical Peel
Chemical peels exfoliate dead skin cells to reveal a more youthful, vibrant complexion — reducing fine lines, wrinkles and discoloration while encouraging healthier skin. Depth is customizable, so a peel can mean minimal downtime or significant rejuvenation.
Tone · Texture · Discoloration
What a peel removes,
and what grows back.
Chemical peels use exfoliating solutions customized for different skin types, with a range of active ingredients that remove dead cells and expose the fresher layers beneath. The depth determines which layers are targeted. Superficial peels are applied in multiple layers and left on the skin; deeper peels are timed and removed. The strength of a superficial peel is controlled by the number of layers applied.
A chemical solution is applied to eliminate damaged surface cells and stimulate renewal. When the dull, damaged surface layer is removed, new and healthier cells grow in its place. Different peels use different acids at different strengths, and your practitioner will help you understand which suits your skin type and concerns.
Thirty to ninety minutes, depending on the peel and how many layers are applied.
A warming sensation during application.
Light peels typically need minimal or no downtime. Medium and deep peels may need several weeks of recovery.
Avoiding sun exposure and active ingredients such as retinol and vitamin C is essential.
Peeling, makeup, and when
your routine resumes.
How often can I have one?
Light peels may be performed every four to six weeks, which is roughly how long the skin takes to complete a renewal cycle. Deeper peels need longer intervals, set by your skin and how it recovered from the last one. Your practitioner will space the course rather than book it all at the start.
What will my skin do afterwards?
Expect redness, tightness, peeling or flaking within the first few days. These are normal healing responses rather than a problem, and light peels typically need minimal or no downtime. Medium and deep peels may need several weeks. Let the flaking come away on its own instead of helping it along.
When can I wear makeup again?
After a chemical peel, wait twenty-four to forty-eight hours, then use non-comedogenic, fragrance-free products. Applying makeup sooner puts pressure and product on skin that is still an open surface, which raises the risk of irritation and breakouts. Sunscreen matters more than coverage in that first week.
When can I go back to my normal skincare?
After seven to ten days, once you are fully healed. Reintroduce actives and exfoliants gradually rather than all at once, because skin that has just peeled reacts to retinoids and acids more strongly than usual. SPF 30 or higher stays daily, indoors included, to prevent uneven pigmentation.
Can I have a peel if I have had Botox or filler recently?
Wait at least two weeks after neurotoxin or filler before scheduling a peel. The interval lets the injectable settle where it was placed and avoids stacking two inflammatory responses on the same skin. Tell your practitioner what you have had and when, so the sequence is planned rather than guessed.
Who should not have a chemical peel?
Anyone with an active skin infection or an open wound in the area, anyone recently and heavily sun-exposed, and anyone taking photosensitizing medication or isotretinoin should raise it before booking. A chemical peel is not performed during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. A history of cold sores does not rule you out but should be disclosed, and your consultation confirms whether a peel is appropriate for your skin.
How much does it cost?
Chemical peels are priced by the peel itself — a light refreshing peel and a deeper corrective one are different treatments — and by whether yours is a one-off or a series. You will be given an exact figure at your consultation, before anything is booked or committed to. For a range in advance, call the practice and ask.
Reviewed by the Redefyn Aesthetics Medical Director · August 2026
Before and after
your peel.
Before your appointment
- Stop actives Discontinue retinoids and exfoliants five to seven days before. Keep your skin hydrated, and avoid tanning beds and direct sun.
- Active breakouts It is best to wait until your skin is free of open wounds, inflamed breakouts or irritation. Your provider will assess whether you are ready.
- Medications Disclose everything you take, particularly antibiotics, Accutane within the last six months, and anything that increases sun sensitivity — these may affect eligibility.
- Recent injectables Wait at least two weeks after neurotoxin or filler.
- Hair removal Avoid shaving or waxing the area for 24 hours beforehand to minimize sensitivity.
After your treatment
- What to expect Redness, tightness, peeling or flaking within a few days — all normal.
- Cleansing Use gentle, non-irritating cleansers and keep the skin hydrated.
- Pause actives Avoid exfoliants and active ingredients for five to seven days.
- Sun protection SPF 30 or higher daily, including indoors.
- Makeup Wait 24 to 48 hours, then non-comedogenic and fragrance-free.
- Sun exposure Avoid direct sunlight for one week, and keep using SPF 30+ to prevent pigmentation.
- Back to routine Resume your regular skincare after seven to ten days, reintroducing products gradually.
