Want a Better Chemical Peel Result?
It Starts Before
You Even Book the Appointment
Chemical peel season is officially here , which means it’s the perfect time to reset, repair, and brighten your skin from within. But what most people don’t realize is that results start before you ever step into the treatment room. Proper prep determines how safely and effectively your skin responds to the peel. Below is the updated 2026 guide to preparing your skin the right way so you get maximum glow and minimal irritation.
Watch to see the bio repeel in action and hear a homecare routine that delivers results
1. Begin With Gentle Exfoliant Prep
Before introducing a professional-strength peel, I always start clients on a controlled exfoliant at home to begin training the skin.
This helps the skin gradually adjust to cell turnover , instead of shocking it on peel day.
Step 1: Start with a gentle AHA/BHA exfoliant 1-2x per week
Step 2: Once tolerated well, I introduce a low-strength retinol for deeper correction
This creates the perfect foundation so your skin handles the professional peel beautifully , not reactively.
Why not jump straight into retinol?
Retinol is powerful , but if the skin barrier isn’t prepped first with a gentle exfoliant, it can cause unnecessary irritation, peeling, or inflammation. We strengthen before we intensify.
Typical Prep Timeline:
• Week 1–3: Gentle exfoliant only (1-2x per week)
• Week 4 and beyond: Introduce low-strength retinol (alternate nights)
This strategic layering ensures your skin is responsive , not sensitive , by the time we apply your in-clinic chemical peel.
2. Replenish & Strengthen the Skin Barrier
Exfoliation always requires replenishment. As soon as we begin gently exfoliating, I immediately pair it with deep hydration + barrier support so the skin stays balanced, not stripped.
My hydrating prep protocol:
• Week 1–4: Layer a hyaluronic acid-based hydrator in the morning, I use and recommend Circular Hydration Serum by Dermalogica (link here)
• Week 4 until and after peel: Introduce beta glucan for barrier repair , my #1 healing serum is cell protective Serum by GlyMed Plus (link here). This has never failed me in rebalancing inflamed or depleted skin.
• Upgrade option: Super Serum for advanced hydration & collagen support (link here)
This step ensures your skin is strong, hydrated, and able to tolerate professional corrective treatments safely.
3. Introduce Retinol Strategically (Only After Skin Is Ready)
Once exfoliation and hydration are well-tolerated , typically at the start of Week 4 , I begin introducing a low-strength vitamin A to start training the skin for deeper cellular correction.
My go-to: DMK Vitamin A Lotion (link here , I’ve written a full blog on why this formula works exceptionally well for acne + pigment correction here).
• Start every 3rd night, alternating with hydration nights
• Never layer on top of exfoliation , we build, not burn
• Retinol is introduced to strengthen the response, not to peel the skin prematurely
This is where the skin moves from improvement → transformation.
4. Nourish the Inside Too (EFA Support)
Your peel results are directly influenced by your internal skin resilience. I recommend beginning an EFA (essential fatty acid) supplement during prep , it helps regulate inflammation, improves barrier flexibility, and supports smooth peeling.
Important , no biotin. Biotin can actually trigger congestion or flare-ups for some skin types. EFA only.
5. Sun Protection Is Non-Negotiable
Consistent SPF is not optional , it is active prep. I evaluate candidates based on their commitment to sunscreen before approving them for a peel.
• Minimum SPF 30 daily , no skipping cloudy days
• Hats + intentional sun avoidance encouraged
• If you are currently sunburned, we delay treatment , no exceptions
The Glow Starts
Before The Peel ,
Here’s Where Most People Go Wrong
When you prep the right way, your chemical peel doesn’t shock the skin , it transforms it.
Most people rush into peels. My clients prepare for them , and that’s why their results look different.
You can shop the exact prep products I use on every single client before a chemical peel:
• Circular Hydration Serum , Dermalogica (deep hydrating foundation)
• Protective Skin Serum , GlyMed Plus (my #1 barrier-healing formula)
• *Super Serum , upgrade option for deeper repair + collagen stimulation
• DMK Revitosin (Vitamin A Lotion) , strategic retinol prep
• EFA Supplement , supports healing + peel performance from the inside out
Prep isn’t optional , it’s where the glow begins.
Start your prep today , your post-peel skin will thank you.