Chemical Peel Aftercare InsTructions

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Chemical Peel Comparison
Topic 30% Mandelic Acid 20% TCA
Immediate sensation Mild sting, warm “sunburn” feel ≤ 1 h; tightness may last a few hrs. Burning/stinging during; warmth & tightness for several hours, likely white frost that turns pink.
Peeling timeline Fine flaking at 24–48 h, ends by day 5–7; some patients peel very little. Skin feels papery by day 3–4; bronze micro-crusts lift days 3–7; pinkness can last up to 10 d.
Social downtime Minimal; makeup next day if skin is intact. Plan 5–7 d before important events; makeup when new skin forms (~day 7).
Typical # needed 2–6 peels at 2–4 wks, then 1–2×/yr. 2–4 peels at ≥4–6 wk for ongoing pigment or texture.
Visible improvement Brighter tone by day 3–5; additive acne-pigment benefits. Smoother texture & reduced dyschromia from week 2; collagen remodeling peaks 6–8 wks.

First 24 hours:

  1. Cool compresses 5-10 min as needed to ease warmth.

  2. Cleanse with tepid water + gentle, fragrance-free cleanser; pat dry.

  3. Apply a light hydrator (hyaluronic-acid serum or lotion).

  4. No makeup, workouts, hot showers/steam.

Days 1-7:

  • Do not pick, rub, or scrub; let flakes shed naturally.

  • Re-apply moisturizer whenever skin feels tight.

  • Pause retinoids, hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide, or vitamin C until peeling stops & pinkness calms (usually day 5-7).

Sun Protection (critical):

  • Zero direct sun 14 days; no tanning beds/self-tanner 4 weeks.

  • Broad-spectrum mineral SPF 30+ sunscreen once skin is intact; reapply every 2 hours outdoors.

Mandelic 30 %:

  • Visible peel may be subtle-benefits occur even without obvious flaking.

  • Ice rarely needed after day 1.

TCA 20 %:

  • Keep micro-crusts lightly moist with petrolatum or bland balm to aid re-epithelialization.

  • Mild pinkness can persist ≤ 2 weeks; tinted SPF is helpful.

Call Us If:

  • Worsening redness, swelling, or pain after day 3

  • Yellow drainage, fever, or spreading rash

  • Dark or pale patches lasting > 4 weeks

THIS CONTENT IS INTENDED SOLELY FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES AND MAY NOT BE COMPREHENSIVE. IT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE MEDICAL ADVICE. PLEASE REFER TO OUR TERMS OF USE FOR FURTHER DETAILS. ALWAYS CONSULT WITH YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER BEFORE MAKING ANY MEDICAL DECISIONS.