One week before

• Stop retinol, retinoids and prescription exfoliating actives (unless your prescribing clinician advises otherwise).
• Avoid waxing, threading, depilatory creams and dermaplaning on the treatment area.
• Avoid sun exposure and do not use sunbeds or apply self-tan.

On the day

• Arrive with a clean, makeup-free face.
• Disclose all current medications and recent skincare changes at your consultation.
• Reschedule if you have an active cold sore, sunburn, open wound or active skin infection.

First 24–48 hours

• Keep the skin clean and gently moisturised using products recommended by your practitioner.
• Apply SPF 30+ every morning — sun protection is essential while the skin renews.
• Avoid heat, saunas, steam, hot yoga and strenuous exercise for 24–48 hours.
• Do not pick, peel or exfoliate any flaking skin — allow it to shed naturally.

Over the following week

• Avoid retinoids, exfoliating acids and active skincare until your practitioner advises it is safe to resume (usually 5–7 days).
• Avoid waxing or hair removal on the treated area for at least 7 days.
• Mineral makeup may be reapplied after 24 hours once the skin has settled.
• Continue daily SPF and gentle hydration.

During your session

After a consultation and skin prep, the salicylic acid peel solution is applied to the skin. You'll feel mild tingling which is closely monitored. The peel is neutralised, and a calming mask and SPF finish the session.

Downtime

None to mild flaking for 1–2 days.

Results timeline

Clearer skin within days; cumulative improvement with a course of 4–6 monthly peels.