Peel aftercare: your first week

For the first three days after a peel, keep your routine simple: a gentle cleanser, moisturizer and SPF. Skip harsh actives for at least 48 hours, avoid heavy makeup for the rest of the day, and let any flaking come off on its own. After a Simply Gentle Peel, skin may feel slightly dry or sensitive for a few days, with minimal to no peeling.

The day of your peel

Avoid heavy makeup for the rest of the day and wear SPF if you head outside. Your skin has just been exfoliated, so let it rest.

Resist the urge to test it with scrubs, masks or new products. Clean hands and a light touch are all it needs. If Leica gave you any specific instructions for your skin, follow those first.

Days one to three

This is when skin is most likely to feel a little dry, tight or sensitive. Keep it to the basics and let it settle.

• Wash with a gentle cleanser.
• Moisturize morning and night, and again whenever skin feels dry.
• Wear SPF every morning.
• Skip retinoids, exfoliating acids, scrubs and other harsh actives for at least 48 hours.
• Don't pick or peel any flakes. Let them come off naturally.

Soothing products that can help

Rejuvi 'h' Skin Healing Gel is a non-oily gel made with aloe vera and chamomile. Its directions say to apply it whenever your skin feels dry, irritated or sore, and it can be used on sensitive skin to ease discomfort after more intensive facial treatments.

Rejuvi 'h' Super Soothing Cream is a thick, rich cream for small areas of dry or damaged skin, applied several times a day. It is made for small patches, not the whole face, so save it for any small patch that feels especially dry.

Not sure what to use? Bring your routine to your next appointment, or list it on your intake form, and Leica can suggest what fits.

Days four to seven

Once your skin feels comfortable again, bring your usual routine back gradually. Reintroduce AHA and retinoid products slowly, and stop anything that stings.

Keep wearing sunscreen every day. Acids and retinoids can make skin more sensitive to the sun, and freshly peeled skin deserves the extra care.

When to check in

Mild dryness or sensitivity is expected, and it should ease over the first few days. If you notice anything more, such as redness that isn't settling, message Leica. For anything that looks like a rash or infection, check with your doctor.

When your skin is back to normal, it is a good time to book your next visit. Many clients come in every 4 to 6 weeks to keep results going.