Chemical Peel Pre & Post-Care Instructions – Saltbox Aesthetics, Dallas, TX

At Saltbox Aesthetics, we offer professional chemical peels—including TCA, Mandelic, and Jessner’s peels—to improve skin texture, tone, and clarity. Proper preparation and aftercare are essential for safe, effective results.

Pre-Care Instructions

• Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanners for at least 1 week prior.
• Stop using retinoids, glycolic acids, salicylic acids, and other exfoliating products 3–5 days before treatment.
• Avoid waxing or other aggressive hair removal on the treatment area for at least 3 days prior.
• Notify your provider if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a history of hyperpigmentation, cold sores, or active skin infections.
• Arrive with clean, moisturized skin. Wear SPF. Avoid wearing makeup (including mascara) to your appointment.

Post-Care Instructions

Immediately After Treatment

• Do not get skin wet for at least 4 hours after peel.
• Redness, mild swelling, and a “tight” sensation are normal.
• The skin may appear darker as peeling begins. Do not pick, scratch, or peel.
• Keep the area clean and avoid touching unnecessarily.
• Avoid makeup for at least 24 hours or until cleared by your provider.
• Apply gentle moisturizers or healing ointments as recommended by your provider.

First 1–5 Days

• Peeling or flaking is normal and expected.
• Do not exfoliate, scrub, or apply harsh products.
• Avoid sun exposure and wear broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily.
• Keep skin hydrated with gentle creams or ointments provided or recommended by your provider.
• Use over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream as needed for mild irritation or itching. Do not use longer than 7 consecutive days.

Weeks 1–2

• Continue strict sun protection to reduce risk of hyperpigmentation.
• Avoid excessive heat (heated workout classes, saunas, hot tubs) and friction on the treated area.
• Continue using gentle skincare products from your post-peel kit; resume active ingredients only after approval from your provider.
• Peeling should gradually subside, revealing smoother, brighter skin underneath.

Key Reminders

• Sun protection is critical: avoid direct sun and apply SPF daily.
• Do not pick or scratch peeling skin—this can cause scarring or pigment changes.
• Healing time varies depending on skin type, peel strength, and individual recovery.
• Contact Saltbox Aesthetics if you notice unusual pain, prolonged redness, or signs of infection.
• Please note: You cannot receive treatment if the area to be treated has a sunburn, sensitized skin, peeling or flaking skin, a skin infection, has been waxed in the past week, or has had laser treatment in the past two weeks.

Additional Notes

If you are ill on the day of your appointment, please reschedule.

For cancellations, Saltbox requires 24 hours’ notice to avoid forfeiting deposits or incurring a cancellation fee.

You can easily reschedule through your patient portal here.

Medical Charting & Treatment Tracking: We will take photos using our HIPAA-compliant software to track your facial movement and evaluate results and progress for each treatment. This process is also required by our medical supervisor when charting on patients.

Disclaimer: The pre- and post-care instructions listed here cover the most common and important guidelines for your upcoming treatment. They may not include all recommendations specific to your individual care. Please follow any additional instructions provided by your injector.