020 7916 0029 Call Patient portal Portal Register as a new patient Register Doctors portal Book Now Book Now

Not an emergency service. If you or someone else is seriously unwell — for example chest pain, breathing difficulty, heavy bleeding or collapse — call 999. For urgent advice when it is not life-threatening, call NHS 111.

Recovery & Aftercare Guide

Chemical peels

Controlled skin exfoliation using a topical solution, with peeling over the following week.

Important. Your individual instructions from your treating clinician take precedence over this general information. If anything here differs from what your clinician has told you, follow your clinician’s advice and contact the hospital if you are unsure.

Overview

A chemical peel applies a solution to the skin to remove surface layers in a controlled way, prompting renewal.

Peels are used for skin texture, pigmentation, congestion and dullness, at a depth agreed at consultation.

Treatment takes around 30 minutes. Peeling typically occurs on days 2 to 7, and a course is often planned.

Before your procedure

  • Attend a consultation first. Skin type and history determine what is safe.
  • Tell the team if you have used isotretinoin in the past 6 months, or any prescription retinoid recently.
  • Tell the team about any history of cold sores, as peels can trigger an outbreak.
  • Tell the team if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Stop retinoids, exfoliating acids and scrubs for the period you are advised beforehand, commonly 5 to 7 days.
  • Avoid sun exposure, sunbeds and fake tan for 2 weeks beforehand.
  • Do not wax, thread or have laser treatment on the area for 2 weeks beforehand.
  • Do not book within 2 weeks of an important event.

What happens on the day

  1. The skin is cleansed and prepared, and eyes are protected.
  2. The solution is applied and left for a controlled time. You will feel warmth, tingling or stinging, which is expected.
  3. The peel is neutralised or removed according to the product used.
  4. Soothing product and sun protection are applied before you leave.
  5. Your skin will look pink, similar to mild sunburn.

Aftercare

Immediate appearance

Redness and a tight, warm feeling for several hours is expected.

Peeling

Flaking or peeling typically begins on day 2 or 3 and lasts several days. Do not pull or pick at peeling skin.

Moisturising

Use only the gentle products you are advised to use. Avoid actives, retinoids and exfoliants until told otherwise.

Sun protection

Daily high-factor sun protection is essential for at least 2 weeks. Skin is more vulnerable to pigmentation after a peel.

Make-up

Avoid make-up for 24 hours, then use gentle products only.

Heat and exercise

Avoid saunas, steam rooms, hot yoga and strenuous exercise for 48 hours.

Swimming

Avoid chlorinated pools until peeling has finished.

Hair removal

No waxing, threading or laser on the area for 2 weeks.

Course

Peels are often given as a course. Spacing is planned to allow full recovery between sessions.

Typical recovery timeline

Timings are typical and vary between individuals.
WhenWhat to expect
Day 1Redness and tightness. Gentle products and sun protection only.
Days 2 to 3Peeling begins. Do not pick.
Days 4 to 7Peeling completes. New skin looks pink and fresh.
Weeks 1 to 2Skin settles. Continue strict sun protection.
Weeks 4 to 6Next peel in the course, if planned.

Red flags — when to seek help

These lists are not exhaustive. Trust your judgement and seek advice if you are worried.

Emergency Call 999 or go to your nearest emergency department

  • Severe pain, blistering or skin turning white or grey during or after treatment
  • Rapidly spreading facial swelling with difficulty breathing

Contact us Contact the hospital, or call NHS 111 out of hours

  • Blistering or open areas of skin
  • Spreading redness, heat or pus
  • A cold-sore outbreak developing after treatment
  • Darkening of the skin in the treated area over the following weeks

Tower Bridge Hospital, 97–99 Whitechapel Road, London E1 1DT. Telephone 020 7916 0029. If in doubt and the situation is not life-threatening, call NHS 111.

Frequently asked questions

Will my skin definitely peel?

Not always visibly. Some peels cause fine flaking rather than obvious shedding. Both are working.

Can I pick at the peeling skin?

No. Picking is the commonest cause of marking and prolonged redness after a peel.

When can I use my usual skincare?

Only when told. Retinoids and acids are usually paused for around a week afterwards.

Why is sun protection so important?

New skin after a peel pigments easily. Sun exposure without protection risks lasting dark patches.

More information

Clinical reviewer
Dr Haydar Bolat, Clinical Director
Review date
21 July 2026
Review by
21 July 2027
Version
1.0
Book Now