What to Expect Before, During, and After a Chemical Peel

A chemical peel is one of the most trusted ways to refresh, brighten, and smooth your complexion without surgery or significant downtime. At RenovoMD, we specialize in chemical peels in Northborough, MA, offering three clinically proven options to reveal healthier, more radiant skin: the Illuminize Peel, Vitalize Peel, and Rejuvenize Peel.

Whether you’re curious about a chemical peel for acne scars, sun damage, or simply want to give your skin a boost, it’s natural to wonder what the experience is really like. Knowing what to expect before, during, and after treatment can help you feel relaxed, informed, and ready for glowing skin without any surprises.

What Is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a skin rejuvenation treatment that, in simple terms, uses safe, medical-grade acids to gently remove the tired top layer of skin cells that make your complexion look dull or uneven. By removing this layer, new, smoother skin can emerge, improving texture, tone, and clarity.

At RenovoMD, we offer:

Illuminize Peel – Our gentlest option, ideal for a subtle glow with little to no visible peeling.
Vitalize Peel – A moderate-strength peel to improve mild pigmentation, fine lines, and rough texture.
Rejuvenize Peel – The strongest formula, targeting more advanced sun damage, discoloration, and deeper acne scarring.

These treatments are a great option if you’re thinking about a chemical peel for acne scars, dullness, or uneven skin tone, and you want something proven and straightforward that feels comfortable and approachable. All three peels are safe, effective, and customized to your skin’s unique needs.

What to Expect Before Your Chemical Peel

Preparation is key to achieving the best results from your chemical peel in Northborough, MA. Here are a few essential steps to follow:

Avoid Harsh Products

Stop using any products with retinol, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide at least 3–5 days before your appointment. These ingredients can make your skin more sensitive and increase the risk of irritation.

Pause Hair Removal

Avoid waxing, threading, or depilatory creams in the treatment area for at least one week before your peel. This helps keep your skin barrier healthy and avoids extra irritation or discomfort that nobody wants right before a peel.

Practice Sun Safety

Try to limit how much time you spend in direct sun, and always wear a broad-spectrum SPF. If your skin is sunburned or very tan, it can’t be treated safely, and too much sun makes it more likely you’ll get discoloration afterward.

Let your provider know if you:

Get frequent cold sores or have ever had a cold sore outbreak, so we can take steps to help prevent it
Are pregnant or breastfeeding, so we can discuss whether it’s the right time for a peel
Recently used isotretinoin (Accutane), as this can affect your skin’s healing.

This information helps us figure out which chemical peel for skin rejuvenation treatment will be safest and work best for you personally, so you get the results you want without any unnecessary risks.

What to Expect During Your Chemical Peel

Your appointment typically lasts 30–45 minutes. Here’s what happens step by step:

Skin Cleansing

Your provider will cleanse your face to remove any oil, makeup, or debris.

Application

Using a soft applicator, your provider will gently brush on the peel solution in thin layers so you know exactly what’s happening and feel at ease. Your provider will explain what each step feels like so you won’t be caught off guard. Each formula has different active ingredients and strengths:

Illuminize Peel: Very mild, with minimal sensation. Most people describe it as a slight tingle.
Vitalize Peel: Mild to moderate tingling that fades quickly. It might feel warm, but it shouldn’t be painful.
Rejuvenize Peel: A warm or stinging sensation that is more noticeable but generally well tolerated. You can always let your provider know if it’s too much, so they can help you feel comfortable.

A cooling fan or compress can be used to keep you comfortable throughout the process.

Neutralizing

Depending on the peel, your provider may apply a neutralizing solution or allow the peel to self-neutralize. Afterward, you’ll receive instructions on how to care for your skin in the coming days.

What to Expect After Your Chemical Peel

Post-treatment expectations vary by peel strength. Here’s a day-by-day guide to help you know what to expect:

Immediately After

Illuminize Peel: Skin may look slightly pink and feel tight.
Vitalize/Rejuvenize Peels: A yellowish or orange tint from retinoic acid that will fade in a few hours.

The First Few Days

Illuminize Peel

Minimal downtime.
Little to no visible peeling.
Subtle, healthy glow within 2–3 days.

Vitalize Peel

Day 1–2: Skin may feel tight and appear slightly red.
Day 2–4: Light to moderate peeling begins, usually around the mouth and cheeks.
Day 5–7: Peeling subsides, revealing smoother, clearer skin.

Rejuvenize Peel

Day 1–2: Redness, tightness, and mild swelling.
Day 2–5: Noticeable peeling and flaking.
Day 5–7: Most peeling resolves, with residual dryness that may last a few more days.

Aftercare Tips for Your Skin Rejuvenation Treatment

To protect your results and help your skin heal comfortably, follow these simple aftercare tips:

Avoid Picking or Peeling: Let any peeling or flaking happen naturally on its own—resist the urge to pick it off, as that can cause scarring or discoloration that takes longer to fade.
Moisturize Frequently: Use a gentle, hydrating moisturizer as often as you like if your skin feels tingly.
Cleanse Carefully: Avoid scrubbing, harsh washcloths, or exfoliants until fully healed.
Apply SPF Daily: Sun protection is crucial after a chemical peel to prevent hyperpigmentation.
Skip Active Ingredients: Hold off on retinoids, acids, and vitamin C serums until your provider says it’s safe.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps your skin recover from the inside out.

How Soon Will You See Results?

Your timeline will depend on which peel you choose, and everyone’s skin responds a little differently:

Illuminize Peel: You’ll usually see a radiant, refreshed look within 2–3 days.
Vitalize Peel: Most people notice improved texture and clarity within 7–10 days.
Rejuvenize Peel: Expect more significant changes in fine lines, pigmentation, and acne scars within 7–14 days.

Keep in mind that for best results, many patients schedule a series of 3–6 treatments, spaced about four weeks apart, to build on each session gradually.

Ready to Reveal Smoother, Brighter Skin?

Curious whether an Illuminize Peel, Vitalize Peel, or Rejuvenize Peel is right for you? Let’s create a plan tailored to your skin goals.

Reveal Your Glow Today and schedule an assessment for a chemical peel in Northborough, MA. Discover how a professional skin rejuvenation treatment can transform your complexion and renew your confidence. Contact us now!