What Are AHA & BHA Peels?

• AHAs (like glycolic or lactic acid) exfoliate the surface of the skin to improve dullness, uneven tone, and fine lines.
• BHAs (like salicylic acid) penetrate deeper to clear out pores, reduce oiliness, and treat acne-prone skin.

Both are mild to moderate chemical exfoliants used to stimulate cell turnover, brighten complexion, and refine skin texture with minimal downtime.

What to Expect After Your Peel

Reactions can vary based on your skin type and the specific acid used, but most clients experience:

• Mild redness or pinkness (like a mild sunburn) for up to 24–48 hours
• Dryness or tightness in the skin
• Flaking or light peeling beginning 2–3 days after treatment
• Minimal to no visible peeling in some cases—this is still effective! Cellular renewal is occurring beneath the surface.

Your skin may feel more sensitive than usual for up to 5–7 days. Be gentle and protective during this time.

How to Care for Your Skin Post-Peel

DO:

• Cleanse with a gentle, non-foaming, non-exfoliating cleanser twice daily
• Moisturize generously with a bland, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer (e.g., CeraVe, Vanicream, Avene, etc.)
• Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or higher daily (even indoors)
• Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours when outdoors
• Use cool compresses if your skin feels hot or irritated
• Drink plenty of water and keep skin hydrated

AVOID for 5–7 Days:

• Sun exposure (the most important!)
• Retinoids (retinol, tretinoin, adapalene)
• Exfoliants (scrubs, AHA/BHA serums, vitamin C, enzyme masks)
• Facial waxing, threading, or laser treatments
• Makeup for 24 hours (or until skin feels calm again)
• Hot showers, saunas, or excessive sweating

Let the skin peel and flake naturally—do not pick or rub the skin, even if it feels dry or tight.

Common Side Effects (Normal)

• Redness or flushing
• Mild tingling or stinging
• Flaking or dryness
• A sensation of tightness or increased sensitivity
• Temporary purging (minor breakouts)

All of these are expected with light to medium peels and typically resolve within 3–7 days.

Rare Side Effects (Uncommon but Possible)

Please monitor for:

• Prolonged redness lasting beyond 10 days
• Dark spots (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation)
• White patches or light spots (hypopigmentation)
• Small blisters or scabs
• Breakouts or irritation that worsens

When to Contact SKINLAB

Call or email us immediately if you experience:

• Signs of infection (pus, excessive heat, fever, or swelling)
• Blistering, open sores, or crusting
• Pain or burning that worsens after the first 24 hours
• Skin reactions that are worsening or not improving after 7–10 days

Final Tips

Light-to-medium peels work best as part of a consistent treatment plan. Your results will continue to improve over the next 1–2 weeks, with smoother texture, a clearer complexion, and an overall refreshed glow.

For best results, we recommend:

• A series of 3–6 peels spaced 2–4 weeks apart
• Daily SPF and barrier-repairing skincare
• Avoiding sun exposure and active treatments during the healing window