What To Stop Using Before a Chemical Peel

If you have a chemical peel booked, or are thinking about one, you have probably wondered what you should stop using beforehand. The short answer is that you will usually be asked to pause strong exfoliating products, such as retinol and other retinoid-type creams, glycolic and salicylic acids, scrubs and cleansing brushes, for a period before your appointment, and to avoid waxing, tanning and sunburn. The honest answer is that exactly what you pause, and for how long, depends on your skin, the type of peel and what you are currently using, which is why your practitioner will advise you at a consultation. This guide is for adults aged 18 and over and explains what usually comes up.

Why does preparing for a peel matter?

A chemical peel works by applying a mildly acidic solution that exfoliates the outer layers of the skin. If your skin is already being exfoliated every day by your own products, the peel on top of that can be too much, and the skin may react more strongly than expected. Preparing properly gives your skin the best chance of tolerating the treatment comfortably, but no preparation can promise a particular outcome.

It is also a timely topic. Many UK dermatologists and beauty writers are currently advising people to cut back on exfoliating acids this autumn, as colder air and central heating can leave the skin barrier feeling dry and tight. If your skin is already sensitive at this time of year, mention it when you book. It may affect how your skin is prepared, or when your peel is planned.

Which products should I pause before a peel?

Your practitioner will give you a personal plan, but these are the types of product that are most often paused:

Retinol and other retinoid-type skincare – these speed up skin turnover and can leave skin thinner and more reactive, so you may be asked to stop them for several days or longer before treatment.
Exfoliating acids – glycolic, lactic, mandelic and salicylic acid serums, toners, cleansers and pads all add to the effect of a peel.
Physical scrubs, exfoliating mitts and cleansing brushes – these can irritate the surface of the skin and are usually best avoided.

Please do not guess at timings. A light peel and a stronger one can call for very different preparation, and some skin types need longer than others.

In the meantime, simple basics tend to work well: a gentle cleanser, a moisturiser that suits your skin and a daily broad-spectrum sunscreen. As an authorised SkinCeuticals retailer, we can recommend suitable products and explain when to use them.

What about other treatments, hair removal and the sun?

It is not only skincare that matters. Let us know about any recent or planned treatments, as some need a gap before a peel. Typical points to check include:

Waxing, threading and hair-removal creams – these can irritate the skin, so you may be asked to avoid them on the treatment area for several days beforehand. Please check with us before using them.
Other skin treatments – recent microneedling, dermaplaning, laser or IPL treatment on the same area may mean your peel needs to wait. We will advise on the right gap for you.
Sun exposure and sunbeds – tanned or sunburnt skin is more easily irritated, and a peel may need to be postponed. Avoid sunbeds and take care in strong sunlight.
Sunscreen – a broad-spectrum SPF is a good habit all year round. The NHS guidance on sunscreen explains what to look for.

Please do not try to speed things up with an at-home peel or a harsh scrub in the days before your appointment. Our post on the risks of at-home chemical peels explains why.

What should I tell my practitioner at the consultation?

A consultation always comes first at The SWC, and it is the best place to talk through preparation. To help us advise you properly, it is useful to tell us:

every skincare product you use, including cleansers, serums and anything you bought online or from a salon
any medical conditions, medication, allergies or skin sensitivities, and any past reactions to treatments
whether you are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding
any history of cold sores, eczema, rosacea, pigmentation or slow healing
recent sun exposure, holidays or tanning, and any treatments you have already had
any events coming up, so that your peel and recovery can be planned sensibly

Your suitability for a peel is assessed at the consultation, and it will not be right for everyone. Please follow the advice you are given by your practitioner, even where it differs from what you have read online, including here. Our guide is general information, and it does not replace personal advice.

What can I expect afterwards?

Many people notice some redness, tightness, dryness or light flaking for a short time after a peel, although this varies with the type of peel and the person. Skin usually feels more comfortable when it is kept gently cleansed, moisturised and protected from the sun, and when it is left alone rather than picked or scrubbed. We will talk you through this in the clinic, and you can read our full chemical peel aftercare advice in advance. If you would like to plan for the colder months, our post on the benefits of chemical peels in winter may help.

A peel can help to improve the look and feel of the skin, but results vary from person to person and cannot be promised. Some people need a course of peels, and the effects are not long-lasting without regular treatment. If you notice anything unexpected after your treatment, please contact the clinic or seek medical advice.

Chemical peels at our Preston city centre clinic

Our peels are carried out at our clinic on East Cliff in Preston city centre, just off Winckley Square. Shana is an NMC-registered practitioner, and we take a consultation-led approach so that your treatment plan fits your skin. If you are weighing up which provider to choose, the NHS guidance on cosmetic procedures is a helpful read.

To find out whether a peel could be right for you, and how to prepare, please book a consultation or call us on 01772 846238.

Frequently asked questions

How long before a peel should I stop using retinol?

There is no single answer. It depends on the peel, the strength of the product and your skin, so your practitioner will give you a timeframe at your consultation. Please do not stop or restart products without checking first.

What if I forget and use an acid the night before?

Please tell us honestly when you arrive. Your practitioner may adjust the peel or suggest rebooking, which is far better than going ahead with irritated skin.