How to Prep Your Skin for a Chemical Peel
Excited for your first chemical peel but not quite sure how to prepare? You aren’t alone. Chemical peels are one of the most beloved beauty treatments on the market, but it’s completely normal to feel a bit nervous or have questions before your first peel. As with most skincare procedures, a little prep goes a long way — a thoughtful chemical peel prep plan can help minimize irritation, speed up recovery, and maximize that post-peel glow.
At Glacier Skin Bar in Calgary, we tailor every chemical peel to your unique skin type, goals, and lifestyle. We also provide clear, step-by-step pre-care guidance so you feel confident going into your appointment. If you’re researching how to prepare for a chemical peel, use this guide as a high-level overview.
Why Chemical Peel Prep Matters
Your skin’s condition going into a peel affects how evenly the solution penetrates, how comfortably you heal, and how luminous your results look in the weeks after. Smart, simple preparation helps to:
Reduce irritation: Avoiding the use of harsh skincare agents before your appointment helps maintain a calm skin barrier.
Avoid complications: Steering clear of waxing, sun exposure, and new products minimizes sensitivity.
Maximize glow: Balanced, hydrated skin supports a smoother peel and more radiant results.
1–2 Weeks Before Your Peel
The best chemical peel prep starts early. Think of this as creating the calmest, most hydrated canvas as possible.
Pause active skincare:
Avoid retinol/retinoids.
Skip AHAs/BHAs (glycolic, lactic, salicylic).
Hold off on scrubs or at-home exfoliators.
Avoid hair removal on the treatment area:
No waxing, threading, or sugaring within 7–10 days of your peel.
Avoid laser hair removal on the area (even if it is from us 😝)
Stay out of tanning beds and limit sun:
No tanning beds.
Minimize direct sun exposure.
Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily, reapplying every two hours if you’re outside.
Hydrate and simplify your routine:
Use a gentle, non-stripping cleanser.
Moisturize morning and night with a barrier-supporting formula.
Drink water consistently to support overall skin hydration.
If you’re unsure about a specific product, ask your provider for personalized guidance ahead of your appointment.
The Week of Your Peel
In the final stretch, “less is more” should be your guiding principle. This is where chemical peel prep focuses on consistency and protection.
Keep your skincare mild:
Stick to a gentle cleanser and a straightforward moisturizer.
Avoid starting any new products—even if they’re labeled “gentle.” Newness can mean unknown reactions.
Double down on sunscreen:
Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every morning.
Reapply as needed, especially after outdoor time or sweating.
Lifestyle support (optional but helpful):
Hydration: Aim for consistent water intake throughout the day.
Diet: Opt for whole foods, lean proteins, and colourful produce that support skin health.
Sleep: Quality rest aids the skin’s natural repair processes and can support a smoother recovery.
These simple steps help keep your skin calm and predictable, which is exactly what you want before your treatment — especially if you’re planning a chemical peel in Calgary’s notoriously dry climate.
The Day of Your Peel
The day of your peel is all about keeping things clean and uncomplicated. A few simple choices — like arriving with bare skin and skipping last-minute exfoliation — help your appointment run smoothly and set you up for comfortable, glowing results.
Arrive with clean skin:
No makeup, no moisturizer, and no SPF.
Avoid heavy hair products that might migrate onto the face.
Don’t exfoliate the night before:
Skip scrubs and active serums the evening prior to your appointment.
Bring your questions:
Ask about the peel depth, expected downtime, and what to do if you feel tightness or flaking.
Confirm your post-care plan and which products you should use or avoid.
If you’re curious about how to best prepare for a chemical peel based on your specific skin concerns (acne, pigment, texture), your provider will ensure your chemical peel prep is tailored to you.
“Chemical peels aren’t about harshness or downtime — they’re about renewal. With the right treatment plan, your skin can look brighter, smoother, and more even with every session. I love chemical peels because they offer real, noticeable results. Watching someone’s skin — and confidence — glow after treatment never gets old.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid Before a Chemical Peel
Even with the best intentions, a few common missteps can leave skin extra sensitive before a peel. Think of this as your quick “don’t do” list to protect your barrier, prevent irritation, and set yourself up for smooth, even results:
Sunburns:
Unfortunately, sun burns are a non-starter! Postponing is best if you’ve had recent sun exposure or a burn.
Over-exfoliating:
Doubling up on scrubs and acids can compromise your barrier before a peel.
Skipping sunscreen:
UV exposure increases the risk of irritation and uneven results.
Trying DIY peels:
Professional supervision matters; at-home “peels” are not substitutes and can be risky.
Ignoring pre-care instructions:
Personalized advice from your provider always outweighs generic online tips.
If you’re preparing for a chemical peel and unsure whether to pause a prescription or supplement, ask first. Your safety and results always come first.
Professional Guidance is Key
Great skincare is never one-size-fits-all, and chemical peel prep is no exception. The recommended prep routine will differ if you’re dry versus oily, acne-prone versus sensitive, or managing melasma versus texture.
This is precisely why professional assessment is essential. At Glacier Skin Bar, we offer consultations before treatment to:
Evaluate your skin type, current routine, and lifestyle.
Choose a peel type and depth appropriate for your goals.
Create a personalized pre-care and post-care plan.
Review what to expect at each stage of the process.
If it’s your first peel, we’ll walk you through each step, from timing and comfort to aftercare and follow-up. Whether you’re new to peels or optimizing your ongoing routine, our guidance helps ensure your skin receives the right treatment, delivered safely and effectively.
Thoughtful Preparation Leads to Better, Brighter Results
Chemical peel prep isn’t complicated — but it is important. When you focus on gentle care, sun protection, and personalized guidance, you set yourself up for beautiful, lasting results.
Book a custom consultation with Glacier Skin Bar in Calgary today to create your tailored plan and take the guesswork out of how to prepare for a chemical peel. We combine luxury service with medical-grade expertise, so you can enjoy a smooth experience and radiant results.
