How to Prepare Your Skin Before a Chemical Peel, Because great results start *before* the treatment

Chemical peels can do wonders for dull, uneven, or acne-prone skin. But here’s something many people don’t realize: **your results depend heavily on how well you prep your skin beforehand**.

Think of it like painting a wall. You wouldn’t slap on the paint without cleaning or priming it first, right? The same logic applies to your skin.

 **Why Prepping Your Skin Matters**

A chemical peel works by removing the top layers of your skin using acids (like glycolic, salicylic, or TCA). If your skin is already irritated, sunburned, or loaded with heavy products, the peel may cause **excessive redness, uneven peeling, or even post-peel pigmentation.** Proper prep reduces these risks and helps the peel work more evenly.

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**Here’s How to Prep Like a Pro (and Like a Dermatologist Would Recommend)**

 **1. Start 7–10 Days Before the Peel**

- **Stop using retinoids or exfoliants** (like AHAs, BHAs, scrubs). These can thin your skin and increase sensitivity to the acids used in the peel.

- **Pause skin-lightening creams** unless your dermatologist tells you otherwise.

- **Avoid facial waxing, threading, or bleaching**—these can irritate the skin and lead to burns when combined with a peel.

**2. Use a Gentle Cleanser**

Go for a mild, non-foaming, non-active-based cleanser. Avoid anything with fragrance or actives (like Vitamin C or salicylic acid). Your skin should be calm and happy—not tingly or tight.

 **3. Moisturize Well**

Hydrated skin heals better post-peel. Use a plain, non-comedogenic moisturizer morning and night. If your skin is dry or flaky, it may peel too aggressively during the treatment.

**4. Sun Protection Is Non-Negotiable**

Daily **broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher** is a must. Sun-damaged or tanned skin is more likely to develop **post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation** after a peel.

 **5. Share Your Skin History Honestly**

Before the peel, tell your dermatologist if:

- You have a history of **cold sores** (you might need antiviral medication).

- You’ve used **Accutane** in the past 6 months.

- You have **eczema, rosacea, or very sensitive skin.**

This helps your doctor choose the right peel strength and formula for you.

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 **A Few Things to Absolutely Avoid**

- **Don’t try a peel just before an event.** Give your skin a good 5–7 days to fully recover.

- **Don’t over-exfoliate** thinking it’ll make the peel “work better.” It won’t—it’ll just hurt more.

- **Don’t DIY your prep** unless a skin expert has guided you.

**What Happens at the Clinic?**

At **Dr. Rizwan’s Skin Cosmetic & Laser Clinic**, we first examine your skin type, concerns, and recent skincare history. Based on this, we recommend a peel strength and give you pre-peel instructions that are specific to your skin. No guesswork, no risky shortcuts.

 **Final Word**

Chemical peels are safe and effective—but only when done the right way. **Prep is the first step to great results.**

**Have a peel coming up?** Book a consultation or reach out to us before starting — and we’ll help get your skin peel-ready!

Let me know if you want a social media version of this, a graphic post, or a PDF guide for patients.