Professional skin care
As a spa professional, you know chemical peels can improve skin texture, reduce hyperpigmentation, and refresh dull skin. To give clients the best results and experience, it’s equally important to provide a clear aftercare plan. After the peel, share these practical tips so clients leave informed and prepared.
6 chemical peel aftercare tips
Our Product Support Team notes that Eminence Organics facial peels don’t usually require downtime or cause irritation, but it’s still important to advise clients on post-peel care. Recommend these simple steps for optimal results.
1. Apply SPF to protect skin from sun damage
Recommend a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher—our Lilikoi Daily Defense Moisturizer SPF 40 is a good option. Explain that skin is more sensitive to sun and heat after a peel, which can increase inflammation and risk of damage. Advise clients to use sunscreen daily for at least one week after treatment, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure. Suggest practical sun-protection items like a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and an umbrella.
2. Avoid excessive heat
Advise clients to avoid saunas, hot tubs, very hot showers, and strong steam. They should also avoid intense exercise for at least two days after a chemical peel to reduce the chance of irritation.
3. Don’t exfoliate
Because the peel has removed surface layers of the skin, clients should pause regular exfoliation routines. Avoiding exfoliants prevents added redness or sensitivity while skin heals.
4. Use a gentle cleanser
Recommend a mild, non-drying cleanser such as Stone Crop Gel Wash. Have clients use cool or lukewarm water—not hot—and avoid washcloths or cleansing devices that can irritate the skin. Stone Crop Gel Wash removes impurities without stripping moisture and is suitable for sensitive skin.
5. Apply a hydrating serum
Use a hydrating serum with antioxidants to soothe and help restore the skin—Stone Crop Serum is an example, offering hydration and green tea benefits. Warn clients that their skin may feel drier than usual and suggest gentle, hydrating products at home to help restore comfort.
6. Apply a soothing mist
A hydrating mist used as a toner can calm and refresh the skin. The Stone Crop Hydrating Mist provides a light spritz of moisture and soothes tight or dry-feeling skin. It’s free from parabens, sodium lauryl sulfates, animal by-products, synthetic dyes, petrochemicals, and phthalates. Clients can reapply the mist at home as needed.
Product picks
– Mangosteen Lactic Pro Peel 10% — pore-refining treatment
– Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant — dual-action exfoliant
Step-by-step chemical peel & aftercare treatment plan
Chemical peels are effective for improving uneven tone and texture, and a clear aftercare plan helps maintain results. Below is an example protocol using Mangosteen Lactic Pro Peel 10% and complementary products.
Step 1: Cleansing
Gently cleanse the client’s skin before applying the lactic acid peel. Use Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser, suitable for all skin types. For gentle buffing, you can combine it with Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant.
Step 2: Toning
Apply Mangosteen Revitalizing Mist and leave it on. Mangosteen is rich in antioxidants and helps improve radiance and reduce signs of environmental stress. Red clover flower extract helps refine tone.
Step 3: Exfoliation
Perform a patch test first: cleanse behind the ear, apply the product, and leave for 10 minutes. If no adverse reaction occurs, proceed as directed. Use peels sparingly and follow timing instructions.
For all skin types, including sensitive, apply a thin layer of Mangosteen Lactic Pro Peel 10% to the face and leave on no longer than 10 minutes. Steaming while the peel is on is allowed. Remove with a warm, wet towel.
For added stimulation on non-sensitive skin, mix Lime Stimulating Masque 1:1 with water, apply a thin layer over the peel (avoiding the eye area), leave for 5–10 minutes, and remove with a warm, wet towel.
Consider an add-on arm massage using Mangosteen Body Lotion, which contains a Lactic Acid Complex (lactic acid, ribose, and red clover flower extract) to gently resurface and refine the skin.
Step 4: Mask
After extractions, apply a facial mask either as a massage mask or leave-on mask:
– Oily/combination skin: Acne Advanced Clarifying Masque (three clays to help control oil).
– All skin types: Raspberry Pore Refining Masque (antioxidant-rich, smooths and refines).
– Normal/dry skin: Bamboo Age Corrective Masque (Natural Retinol Alternative for a firmer look).
Step 5: Massage
For a full-body finish, use Apricot Body Oil for massage. Warm a suitable amount in the hands before applying. It contains grape seed oil, apricot kernel oil, and jojoba oil for deep hydration.
Step 6: Essence
Press a few drops of Birch Water Purifying Essence into the skin until absorbed. This helps the skin absorb and retain the benefits of the following products.
Step 7: Serum/concentrate
Apply Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Concentrate and leave on to resurface and refine pores. Follow with Bamboo Firming Fluid for added hydration and support against visible signs of aging.
Step 8: Moisturizer
Apply Mangosteen Gel Moisturizer to the face, neck, and décolletage and gently massage until absorbed. For extra moisture, press in one to two drops of Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil on top.
Step 9: Eye care
To depuff and smooth the under-eye area, apply a thin layer of Neroli Age Corrective Eye Serum with light blending motions until absorbed, then follow with a thin layer of Hibiscus Ultra Eye Lift Cream.
Step 10: Sun defense
Finish with Sun Defense Minerals SPF 30 for all skin types to protect the client’s skin.
For more on chemical peel aftercare, see the In The Mix interview with Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar.
To review all treatment protocols available to your clients, log into your Professional Account and visit the Eminence Organics Treatment Protocol page. Not a Spa Partner? Learn how to apply and how we can support your business.
Please note: For all Eminence Organics protocols, always follow the guidance of your Eminence Organics Training Specialist.