Level I Peel Recovery
Your guide after a Level I chemical peel. Expect light flaking for 3 to 5 days, then brighter, smoother skin.
The first few hours
Your skin may feel tight or slightly warm and look a little pink. Some people feel almost nothing.
If your provider left the solution on your skin, leave it on until the time they gave you. Otherwise, wait until tonight to cleanse.
What to expect, day by day
- Day 0
Tight and slightly pink
Mild pinkness, warmth, or a tight feeling, similar to windburn.
- Cleanse gently tonight with lukewarm water
- Apply a gentle moisturizer
- Days 1–2
Tight and shiny
Your skin may feel tight and look shinier, and darker spots may look a little darker for now.
- Moisturize as often as you need to
- Wear mineral SPF 30+ every morning
- Days 2–4
Light flaking
Fine, light flaking, usually around the mouth, nose, and chin first. Some people barely flake at all, and the peel still worked.
- Keep moisturizing
- Let flakes come off on their own
- Days 4–5
Bright and smooth
Flaking finishes and your skin looks brighter, smoother, and more even.
Do & don’t
Do
- Use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer
- Wear mineral SPF 30+ daily and reapply
- Keep skin hydrated
- Follow any home-care instructions your provider gave you
Don’t
- Pick or peel flaking skin
- Use scrubs, retinol, or acids for 5 days
- Work out or sweat heavily for 24–48 hours
- Use hot tubs, saunas, or steam for 48 hours
- Wax, thread, or use hair removal cream for 7 days
- Tan or sit in direct sun
When can I…
| Wear makeup | Next day |
| Work out or sweat | After 24–48 hours |
| Sauna, hot tub, steam | After 48 hours |
| Restart retinol, acids, scrubs | After 5 days |
| Wax or thread | After 7 days |
Call us if you notice
- Blisters, crusting, or open areas
- Redness, burning, or swelling that gets worse instead of better
- Itching with a rash or hives
- Yellow crusting or pus
- A cold sore outbreak
Healing is part of the result. You’re right on track.
Bocaba Medical Spa · 8371 South State Street, Suite 102, Sandy, UT · Follow any specific instructions your provider gave you.