Perfect Derma Peel Aftercare: Step-by-Step Healing Guide
The Perfect Derma Peel is a powerful medium-depth medical-grade chemical peel designed to improve acne, pigmentation, fine lines, and overall skin tone and texture. Proper aftercare is essential to ensure optimal results, minimize irritation, and support healthy skin healing.
A series (3-6) of Perfect Derma Peels may be required to help you hit your skin goals especially in the case of deep lines, acne scars, active acne, and other stubborn skin issues. Chemical Peels are often recommended in combination with other aesthetic procedures including, but not limited to, microneedling and wrinkle relaxer treatment.
Below is a simple, day-by-day guide to help you care for your skin following your Perfect Derma Peel treatment.
Note: These instructions are the same for all Perfect Derma Peels including those with a “booster”.
Immediately After Your Peel (Day 0)
Leave the peel solution on for at least 6 hours. This peel is self neutralizing so you do not need to stress if you choose to leave it on longer.
Avoid touching your face or applying makeup.
You may experience redness, tightness, or mild stinging—this is normal.
Avoid sweating, exercise, saunas, hot water or heat exposure.
Tip: Sleep on a clean pillowcase and avoid letting your face touch bedding or clothing.
Day 1: First Night
(at least 6 Hours Post Peel)
Gently wash your face with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water. Any gentle cleanser is fine.
Gently pat the skin dry with a clean towel.
Alternatively, the peel will self neutralize at the 6-hour mark and can be left on overnight if desired.
NOTE: Post Peel Moisturizer should be avoided on this day unless you are experiencing severe irritation or itching.
Do NOT apply and of the following:
Makeup other than mascara and lip products (foundations and powders may be irritating)
Retinol, exfoliants, or “active” skincare products
Day 2 - Morning:
Gently wash your face with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water. Any gentle cleanser is fine.
Gently pat the skin dry with a clean towel.
Vigorously (meaning with firm pressure) apply the 1st Post Peel Towelette, provided, to the treated area while in its square, folded shape.
Continue to apply the towelette and, as it dries out, unfold it completely and continue to apply until all the solution is used.
Allow the skin to dry for 30 minutes before applying the provided mineral SPF.
Apply a small amount of the mineral SPF to the treatment area. Avoid sun exposure and wear a hat when outdoors.
NOTE: Post Peel Moisturizer should be avoided on this day unless you are experiencing severe irritation or itching.
If you are not experiencing significant irritation, do not use any moisturizing products (i.e. Post Peel Moisturizer or other moisturizers) on the treatment area until peeling begins. Using moisturizer too early can delay and prolong peeling.
If you are experiencing severe irritation or itching, you may apply a pea size amount of Post Peel Moisturizer to the affected area for some relief.
You may still look normal or slightly flushed—peeling has usually not started yet.
Do NOT do or apply any of the following:
Makeup other than mascara and lip products (foundations and powders may be irritating)
Retinol, exfoliants, or “active” skincare products
Do not sweat, swim, sauna, heavy exercise, use hot water, or expose the treatment area to the sun during the peel process, or skin irritation (blisters and hyper or hypopigmentation) can occur
Day 2 - Evening:
30-60 minutes before bed
Gently wash your face with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water. Any gentle cleanser is fine.
Gently pat the skin dry with a clean towel.
Vigorously (meaning with firm pressure) apply the 2nd Post Peel Towelette, provided, to the treated area while in its square, folded shape.
Continue to apply the towelette and, as it dries out, unfold it completely and continue to apply until all the solution is used. Leave this towelette solution on your skin overnight.
Allow the skin to dry for at least 30 minutes before going to bed.
NOTE: Post Peel Moisturizer should be avoided on this day unless you are experiencing severe irritation or itching.
If you are not experiencing significant irritation, do not use any moisturizing products (i.e. Post Peel Moisturizer or other moisturizers) on the treatment area until peeling begins. Using moisturizer too early can delay and prolong peeling.
If you are experiencing severe irritation or itching, you may apply a pea size amount of Post Peel Moisturizer to the affected area for some relief.
You may still look normal or slightly flushed—peeling has usually not started yet.
Do NOT do or apply any of the following:
Makeup other than mascara and lip products (foundations and powders may be irritating)
Retinol, exfoliants, or “active” skincare products
Do not sweat, swim, sauna, heavy exercise, use hot water, or expose the treatment area to the sun during the peel process, or skin irritation (blisters and hyper or hypopigmentation) can occur
Days 3–6: Peeling Phase
Peeling typically begins on day 3 around the mouth and chin, then spreads outward.
Do NOT pick, pull, or exfoliate peeling skin as this may cause scarring.
Continue gentle cleansing twice daily (AM & PM).
Do NOT use scrubs, masks, or strong products with “actives” such as retinol.
Apply a thin layer (pea size) of Post Peel Moisturizer to the treatment area 2-3 times daily.
Caucasian patients should continue to use the Post Pee Moisturizer for 1 week.
Darker skin types should use the Post Peel Moisturizer for 2 weeks.
If you run out of Post Peel Moisturizer, over the counter 1% hydrocortisone cream may be used instead.
Continue to apply mineral sunscreen often (at least daily and every 2 hours during sun exposure).
Avoid makeup if possible, or use minimal mineral makeup only if approved.
Days 7+: Recovery Phase
Peeling subsides and fresh skin is revealed.
Mild sloughing may still be occurring in some of the treated areas
Skin may feel dry or sensitive—continue moisturizing.
Continue diligent sun protection (mineral SPF).
You may gradually resume your regular skincare routine.
