A professional skincare procedure can amplify skin repair and rejuvenation, and you’ll get the best results when you care for your skin before and after a procedure. Whether you get a chemical peel, microneedling treatment, or laser therapy, a post-procedure skincare routine helps support recovery.
In Part 1 of this series, we covered how to care for your skin in the weeks leading up to your medical spa treatment, which often means simplifying your routine, so you begin with calm, healthy, hydrated skin. Today, in Part 2, we will explore post-treatment tips to support recovery with hydration, barrier repair, and other healing tools.
Continue reading as we explore:
- What happens to the skin in the days after a chemical peel for dark spots and other anti-aging benefits
- Why the procedure disrupts barrier health and causes peeling
- Aftercare for chemical peels, microneedling, and lasers
- Chemical peel aftercare active ingredients for hydration and skin barrier repair
- What to avoid after a treatment + the best sunscreen for sensitive skin
- When to reintroduce exfoliants and retinol after treatment
- Post-procedure FAQs
What Happens to Your Skin in the First 72 Hours After a Peel + Why Post-Procedure Skin Loses Barrier Function and Peels
During the first 72 hours after chemical peels, the skin undergoes controlled exfoliation as layers shed. This is when skin needs the gentlest care and support.
After chemical peels, the skin temporarily loses barrier function as the outer layers peel off. As the new skin below replaces the old, barrier function is reestablished.
The amount of exfoliation (and skin peeling) depends on the treatment depth. A superficial peel affects the top epidermal layers, a medium-depth peel affects the epidermis and extends into the papillary dermis, and a deep chemical peel reaches the midreticular dermis. You’ll experience the most skin peeling from a deep treatment.
The decline in barrier function makes the skin very vulnerable. In addition to peeling, you may experience heat, redness, irritation, dryness, and sensitivity in the first few days after treatment. Your skin will also be very sensitive to the sun and other environmental aggressors. Sun avoidance and protective clothing are especially important until topical sunscreen is permitted.
During the first 72 hours, follow your treating provider’s instructions for when to cleanse and apply NassifMD® Skin Barrier Protection Cream for barrier support and mineral sunscreen when cleared for use. Options include NassifMD® Shield & Smooth Mineral SPF 40 or NassifMD® Protect & Hydrate Mineral SPF 44 Tinted.
How to Care for Your Skin After Microneedling or a Laser Treatment
Treatment aftercare depends on the type of treatment. Focus on gentle cleansing, barrier repair, hydration, and sun protection.
Microneedling creates small microinjuries that stimulate the skin’s natural repair processes. During the initial recovery period, you may experience irritation, sensitivity, redness, and some mild peeling. Focus on gentle cleansing, generous application of NassifMD® Skin Barrier Protection Cream, and sun protection. Additionally, consider adding serums to microneedling aftercare.
One of the benefits of microneedling is that it increases absorption and effectiveness of topical active ingredients. Your treating provider can advise when to reintroduce facial serums and oils after treatment. Options include:
Once cleared, options for returning to your regular skincare routine include:
- NassifMD® Hydro-Screen Serum
- NassifMD® Niacinamide Biopeptide Serum
- NassifMD® Pro Peptide Collagen Serum
- NassifMD® Restore & Firm Face Oil with CoQ10
Pro tip: when applying multiple serums, layer from thinnest to thickest. Apply a water-based serum (or serums) before a face oil.
Depending on the type of laser treatment you have, you may experience different side effects and post-procedure skincare needs. You may experience mild to moderate skin peeling along with various degrees of redness and sensitivity.
In general, like other medical spa treatments, focus on gentle cleansing, barrier support, and sun protection and avoidance. Be sure to discuss the specifics with your medical spa team.
The Best Ingredients for Healing, Hydration, and Barrier Repair
The best ingredients for post-procedure healing are gentle and focus on hydration, skin protection, and barrier repair.
Consider these effective aftercare ingredients:
- Hyaluronic acid – Helps the skin absorb and retain water
- Niacinamide – Supports barrier repair, hydration, and antioxidant protection
- Peptides - Can aid in skin healing and collagen production
- Lipids and emollients (nourishing oils, ceramides) – Help build and reinforce the skin barrier
- Antioxidants (Vitamin C, botanicals) – Help protect the skin from stress
- Mineral sunscreen – Non-negotiable post-procedure sun protection. Use in addition to sun avoidance as much as possible
Let’s look at some of the most helpful NassifMD® Post-Treatment products:
|
Aftercare Product |
When to Introduce |
Active Ingredients |
|
Provider-directed timing for each procedure |
Sunflower oil, botanicals, panthenol, niacinamide |
|
|
Provider-directed timing for each procedure |
Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, retinol* *Reintroduce retinol as advised and tolerated – see below |
|
|
Provider-directed timing for each procedure |
Vitamin C, lactic acid*, azelaic acid* *Reintroduce exfoliants as advised and tolerated – see below |
|
|
Provider-directed timing for each procedure |
Aloe, vitamin C, galactoarabinan, Fu ling mushroom |
|
|
Provider-directed timing for each procedure |
CoQ10, botanical extracts and oils, vitamin E, squalane |
|
|
Provider-directed timing for each procedure |
Niacinamide, Peptilium (cranberry biopeptides), allantoin, ectoin |
|
|
Provider-directed timing for each procedure |
Beta-glucan, hyaluronic acid, betaine, lipopeptide complex |
|
|
Provider-directed timing for each procedure |
Zinc oxide, humectants, glycoproteins, shea butter, bioflavonoids |
|
|
Provider-directed timing for each procedure |
Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid |
What to Avoid After a Chemical Peel: Actives, Sun, Exfoliation
While chemical peel benefits are numerous, recovery may involve peeling and sensitivity. Avoid exfoliation and other potentially irritating actives until your treating provider advises that they can be resumed.
While the skin is actively transforming after a chemical peel, it doesn’t require additional stimulation for cellular turnover. It may help avoid some actives initially, including retinol. You can reintroduce retinol after the skin has recovered from the treatment.
Other ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide, and skincare peptides, may be reintroduced earlier when approved by your treating provider. We suggest NassifMD® Niacinamide Biopeptide Serum and NassifMD® Pro Peptide Collagen Serum.
After treatment, your skin will be very sensitive to UV radiation, so diligent sun protection is advised. Avoid direct sun exposure and follow your provider’s instructions for when topical sunscreen is appropriate. Options include: NassifMD® Shield & Smooth Mineral SPF 40 or NassifMD® Protect & Hydrate Mineral SPF 44 Tinted.
Finally, the chemical peel is a deeply exfoliating treatment, and during the initial recovery phase, you won’t need additional exfoliation from facial scrubs or chemical exfoliators. Like retinol, you can reintroduce these after your skin has healed from the treatment.
When to Reintroduce Retinol and Exfoliants into Your Routine
Before reintroducing retinol and exfoliants, wait until the skin has recovered enough to tolerate these active ingredients comfortably. The timeline varies by procedure and person; follow your treating provider’s instructions rather than a fixed number of days.
Reintroduction timing depends on your procedure, treatment intensity, skin type, how much redness and peeling you experience (and for how long), and other factors.
If you are experiencing active peeling, redness, sensitivity, or irritation, it’s best to wait before reintroducing retinol and exfoliating products.
When you do reintroduce them, start with 1 to 2 times per week and gradually increase frequency as tolerated. Start with gentle products containing a synergy of supportive ingredients. We suggest NassifMD® Hydro-Screen Serum for gentle retinol support, along with hyaluronic acid and ceramides, and NassifMD® Overnight Illuminating Masque with Vitamin C, for gentle chemical exfoliation, along with vitamin C.
Learn more about reintroducing retinol in this article. Ultimately, you know your skin best. Listen to your skin’s feedback and adjust accordingly.
Just as you prepare your skin for a medical spa procedure, aftercare is equally important. The goal is to support healing without overloading the skin, then gently return to your daily skincare routine to maintain treatment results. NassifMD® Skincare products make this transition seamless.
FAQs
What should you use on your skin after a chemical peel?
After a chemical peel, follow your treating provider’s instructions for when to resume gentle cleansing with NassifMD® Pure Hydration Gentle Facial Cleanser, NassifMD® Skin Barrier Protection Cream for barrier support, and sun protection, when permitted, from NassifMD® Shield & Smooth Mineral SPF 40 or NassifMD® Protect & Hydrate Mineral SPF 44 Tinted.
How long does it take to heal after microneedling?
While recovery varies based on the depth and intensity of treatment, your skin will likely recover in 3 to 7 days.
When can you wear makeup after a peel or laser treatment?
Follow your treating provider’s guidance on when to resume makeup. Use tinted sunscreen only when your provider has cleared sunscreen application, such as: NassifMD® Protect & Hydrate Mineral SPF 44 Tinted.
Is sunscreen necessary after a chemical peel?
Yes. The skin is very sensitive to UV damage after a chemical peel, and sun protection is essential.
How soon can you use retinol again after a procedure?
Once the skin has recovered from a procedure, you can gradually begin incorporating retinol, starting with 1-2 nights per week and increasing frequency as your skin tolerates.
References
- Soleymani, T., Lanoue, J., & Rahman, Z. (2018). A Practical Approach to Chemical Peels: A Review of Fundamentals and Step-by-step Algorithmic Protocol for Treatment. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 11(8), 21–28.
- Al Timimi, Z., Al-Rubaye, A. F., & Diwan, D. M. (2025). A comprehensive study of laser use in dermatology: assessing the safety, innovations, and effectiveness of laser technology for skin treatment. Irish journal of medical science, 194(3), 923–932.