Your Complete Guide to Pre & Post Chemical Peel Care

Peeling is normal depending on strength of a chemical peel — it means your skin is renewing itself for a smoother, brighter complexion.

If you’re considering a chemical peel, you’ve already taken the first step toward smoother, brighter, more even-toned skin. But did you know that your results depend just as much on how you care for your skin before and after your treatment as they do on the peel itself?

At Wander to Bloom, we believe that great skin doesn’t happen by accident — it’s the result of smart planning, consistent care, and a little professional guidance. Here’s your go-to guide for chemical peel pre-care, post-care, and why a peel series is the secret to real transformation.

Pre-Care: How to Prepare for Your Chemical Peel

✨ Start smart with actives. About a month before your first peel of the season, using professional-strength skincare with actives (like retinol, AHAs, or brightening agents) can help prep your skin and make your peel more effective.
✨ Pause before treatment. Discontinue actives 3–5 days prior to your peel to avoid excess irritation.
✨ Avoid hair removal. Skip waxing, laser, or depilatories for at least 5 days before.
✨ Keep it gentle. Stick to hydrating cleansers, nourishing moisturizers, and SPF leading up to your appointment.
✨ Skip the sun. Sunburns or recent tanning make skin too vulnerable for treatment.

Why a Series Matters

While one peel can leave your skin feeling fresh, the true magic happens in a series of progressive peels. By spacing treatments a few weeks apart, each peel builds on the last, gradually addressing deeper concerns like pigmentation, fine lines, acne, and texture. Think of it as training your skin — consistency is key to lasting change.

Just like peeling fruit reveals what’s fresh underneath, chemical peels uncover your healthiest skin layer by layer.

Post-Care: Protecting Your Investment

After your peel, your skin will be in a delicate, more vulnerable state. Following these steps ensures proper healing and optimal results:

🚫 Avoid:

• Direct sun exposure (apply sunscreen daily for 2 weeks post-peel)

• Exercise, heat, or sweating for 24–72 hours, depending on peel strength

• Hot showers, steam rooms, or saunas for 7 days

• Waxing or depilatories for 3–5 days

• Laser treatments or microdermabrasion for 3 weeks

• Swimming for at least 7 days

🙅 Do not:

• Rub or scrub your skin

• Use mechanical exfoliators or harsh cleansers

• Pick at flaking or peeling skin (let it shed naturally to avoid scarring)

💧 Do:

• Use gentle cleanser and hydrating moisturizer

• Apply SPF every morning

• Keep skin hydrated and protected while it heals

The Takeaway

Prepping your skin properly, sticking to post-care guidelines, and committing to a series of progressive peels are the keys to visible, lasting results. Whether you’re looking to smooth fine lines, even out dark spots, clear breakouts, or simply refresh your skin, chemical peels are one of the most effective professional treatments available.

Our licensed estheticians customize every peel to your skin’s needs, ensuring safe, effective, and relaxing results.

At Wander to Bloom, our estheticians will guide you every step of the way, from creating the right pre-care plan to building a series tailored to your skin’s unique needs.

✨ Ready to take the next step? Book your chemical peel consultation today and let’s plan your glow journey.