Suitability and Preparation for a Chemical Peel
Who chemical peels aren’t suitable for
Chemical peels aren’t right for everyone. For safety, we can’t treat (or may need to postpone) if any of the below apply.
Pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding/chestfeeding
Active cold sores (Herpes Simplex) or a current outbreak in/near the treatment area
Any active infection in the treatment area (viral, bacterial, or fungal)
You’ve used hydroquinone in the last 6 months (please flag this before booking).
Broken, sunburnt, or significantly irritated skin in the treatment area (cuts, abrasions, rawness)
Allergy or known sensitivity to chemical peel ingredients (including salicylate/aspirin allergy for salicylic-based peels)
Currently using oral isotretinoin (e.g. Roaccutane/Accutane) or recently completed a course (within the last 6 months)
Active eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, or rosacea flare-ups in the area being treated
Severe, inflamed acne (cysts/pustules) or open lesions in the area being treated
History of keloid scarring or significantly impaired wound healing
Immunosuppression (including chemotherapy, long-term steroids) or medical conditions that can delay healing (assessed case-by-case)
Uncontrolled diabetes (assessed case-by-case)
Recent facial surgery in the area being treated (requires medical clearance and a waiting period)
Recent intensive skin treatments in the same area (e.g. microneedling, laser/IPL, resurfacing, medium–deep peels, a waiting period is required
Recent waxing/threading/depilatory creams/dermaplaning on the area to be treated — we may need to postpone until the skin has settled
If you’ve previously had cancer, we’ll need confirmation that you’ve been in remission for at least 6 months, along with a note from your doctor before we can proceed.
2+ weeks before your peel
If you’ve had laser hair removal, you’ll need to wait a minimum of 4 weeks before having a peel.
Avoid waxing / hair removal (including waxing, threading, or depilatory creams.) and bleaching on the area being treated.
Avoid sun exposure and tanning (including tanning beds). Keep SPF consistent and don’t arrive sunburnt.
No self-tan on the area being treated (and avoid coming in with any residue).
Avoid injectables in the treatment area (aim for at least 2 weeks between injectable treatments and your peel).
Avoid other intensive treatments in the area (e.g. other chemical peels or IPL) for at least 2 weeks.
3-5 days before
Stop exfoliating products/treatments (scrubs, exfoliating toners, at-home devices).
Stop use of any active skincare products, such as retinol, vitamin A, Tretinoin, or exfoliants
On the day
Arrive with minimal makeup if possible.
Avoid shaving the area on the day (if relevant), to keep skin calmer.
If you’re unsure whether something “counts”, contact us before your appointment. We’d always rather adjust timing than push skin when it’s not the right moment.