Chemical Peel & Microdermabrasion Aftercare

Quick recovery priorities

• Follow the instructions for the exact product, device and treatment area you received.
• Keep treated sites clean and avoid unnecessary rubbing, picking or pressure.
• Do not use this page to self-diagnose a complication. If something feels significantly wrong or is worsening, contact THCB or seek appropriate medical care.

Superficial peel / microdermabrasion recovery

• Use a gentle cleanser and bland moisturizer. Avoid scrubs, exfoliating brushes, retinoids and acid-based exfoliants until the skin has recovered.
• Do not pick, pull or peel shedding skin. Rubbing or scratching can increase irritation and infection risk.
• Use broad-spectrum sun protection after the skin can comfortably tolerate it and minimize direct sun exposure while healing.
• The American Academy of Dermatology notes that superficial (“lunchtime”) peels commonly heal over about 1–7 days, while scaling can continue for several days. Individual products and treatment strength vary.

If you received a stronger peel

• Medium peels can involve greater redness, swelling, blistering and crusting and usually require specific home care and follow-up.
• Deep peels require wound care and close medical follow-up. This general THCB page is not a substitute for the written regimen you were given for a medium or deep peel.

Call THCB promptly

• Significant blistering, increasing pain, spreading redness, drainage, marked swelling or pigment change that concerns you.
• Open wounds, worsening crusting with pain, or skin that appears infected.
• Burning, itching or swelling that is becoming more intense instead of gradually improving.

Questions after treatment?

For non-emergency concerns, contact The House Call Beauty at 415-780-1854. If THCB gave you treatment-specific written instructions that differ from this general guide, follow those individualized instructions.