PCA Chemical Peel: Pre & Post-care Instructions

A professional chemical peel is not about removing as much skin as possible — it is about supporting controlled skin renewal.

Following your pre and post-care PCA Chemical Peel instructions helps your skin recover comfortably and allows you to get the most from your treatment.

Before Your PCA Peel

Preparing your skin before a chemical peel helps create a safer and more effective treatment experience.

7 Days Before Your Treatment:

• Discontinue retinoids, retinol products, exfoliating acids (AHAs/BHAs), scrubs, and topical prescription products unless otherwise instructed by your skincare professional

• Avoid waxing, threading, or other aggressive hair removal treatments on the treatment area

14 Days Before Your Treatment:

• Avoid excessive sun exposure and tanning

• Your skin should not be sunburned before treatment

Please note:

PCA Peel treatments are not recommended for clients who are pregnant or nursing. Please inform your provider about any medications, skincare products, or recent treatments before your appointment.

After Your PCA Peel

Your skin may experience mild redness, dryness, tightness, flaking, or peeling as part of the skin renewal process. These reactions can vary depending on the peel type and your individual skin condition.

To support your skin during recovery:

For the first 48 hours

1. Keep your skin cool and calm.

• Avoid hot showers directly on the treated area.

• Avoid saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, and tanning.

• Avoid swimming and strenuous exercise that causes excessive sweating.

• Avoid direct sun exposure and prolonged heat.

• Do not use ice or ice water directly on the treated skin.

• Avoid loofahs, scrubs, brushes, or any mechanical exfoliation.

• Do not direct a hair dryer onto the treated area.

Why: Heat, sweating, and friction may increase irritation and can contribute to unwanted pigmentation during the healing process

2. Keep Your Routine Simple

For the first several days:

• Cleanse gently with lukewarm water.

• Use a gentle cleanser.

• Apply a nourishing moisturizer as needed to keep skin comfortable and hydrated.

• Apply broad-spectrum SPF daily and limit direct sun exposure.

Your skin may feel slightly tight or appear mildly red after treatment. Light, localized flaking can occur over the following days, but visible peeling is not necessarily expected after every PCA SKIN® treatment.

3. Pause Active Ingredients

Until your skin has recovered, avoid products that may increase irritation or exfoliation, including:

• Retinol / Retinoids

• AHA / BHA exfoliating acids

• Scrubs or exfoliating tools

• Other potentially irritating corrective products

  
  

PCA SKIN's current guidance recommends simplifying your routine after a peel and generally waiting about a week before resuming your usual routine, depending on the depth of the treatment and your individual skin needs. Follow your provider's specific instructions.

If you use prescription retinoids or other medications, consult your prescribing physician before making changes.

4. Let Your Skin Shed Naturally

• Do not pick, pull, or peel flaking skin.

• Allow the skin to shed naturally. Picking can increase the risk of irritation, scarring, or unwanted pigmentation.

5. Protect Your Results

• Your skin can be more sensitive to the sun following a professional peel.

• Daily SPF + gentle hydration + minimal irritation = better recovery.

• Avoid tanning beds for at least two weeks following treatment, and do not schedule another exfoliating or cosmetic treatment until your skin has fully recovered and your provider advises that it is appropriate.

  
  

Additional Guidelines:

• Follow your provider’s recommended cleansing routine

  (For many PCA Peel treatments, the peel solution remains on the skin for several hours before cleansing, unless otherwise instructed)

• Avoid facial waxing or aggressive hair removal for at least 7 days after treatment

• Schedule your next peel approximately 4 weeks later, or according to your personalized treatment plan