How to Prepare for & Care for Your Skin After a Metabolic Chemical Peel
So, you’ve booked your Metabolic Chemical Peel at Glow Up Studio Dallas—great choice! These advanced peels work with your skin’s natural renewal process to address concerns like fine lines, acne, hyperpigmentation, and texture, all with minimal downtime. But to get the best results, it’s essential to prep your skin beforehand and care for it properly afterward.
Here’s your complete guide to pre and post-care for Metabolic Chemical Peels, ensuring glowing, healthy skin from start to finish!
Preparing for Your Peel: How to Get Your Skin Ready
Proper preparation ensures your skin is in its best condition to maximize the benefits of your peel. Glow Up Studio recommends using the COSMEDIX Treatment Prep Starter Kit two weeks before a Level 1+ peel and above!
What does it include?
Gently Cleanse & Brighten: Use PURITY CLEAN (exfoliating cleanser) to clear away impurities and SIMPLY BRILLIANT (brightening treatment) to even out skin tone and reduce discoloration.
Daily Hydration & Sun Protection: Use a hydrating moisturizer (HYDRATE+ SPF 17) to protect and strengthen your skin barrier.
Nighttime Renewal: Use DEFINE (retinol + AHA treatment) 2–4 times per week, as tolerated, to refine skin texture and boost cell turnover before stopping retinol use.
For more information on instructions on how to use the treatment kits check out COSMEDIX
We also recommend you follow these steps before your appointment:
Pause Retinol & Strong Exfoliants: Stop using retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, scrubs, or harsh exfoliants 1- 2 days before your treatment to avoid excessive irritation. Your skin needs to be balanced, not over-exfoliated.
Keep Your Skin Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and use a hydrating moisturizer (like COSMEDIX Harmonize or Humidify Cream) to keep your skin barrier strong.
Avoid Waxing, Threading & Laser Treatments: No facial hair removal for at least 5 days before your peel or 1 week after. Your skin needs time to heal to avoid excessive sensitivity.
Stay Out of the Sun: UV exposure (tanning beds included!) before your peel can lead to irritation or uneven healing. If you must be outside, wear SPF 50 and a hat!
Let Us Know About Any Medications: Certain medications (like Accutane and antibiotics) can make your skin too sensitive for a peel. Tell your esthetician about any prescription treatments before booking. If you're taking antibiotics, please wait at least 7 days after completing your course before getting a peel.
Come With a Clean Face: Arrive makeup-free and product-free on the day of your appointment for the best results.
Pregnant or lactating women: Please consult your doctor or healthcare professional before your treatment.
Post-Peel Care: What to Do After Your Metabolic Chemical Peel
Your skin continues to renew for 3–7 days post-peel with Level 1+ superficial resurfacing treatments, making proper aftercare essential for optimal healing and radiant results. However, Level 2+ peels work deeper—targeting the reticular dermis at a cellular level—meaning results continue to evolve over your skin’s natural renewal cycle. This cycle varies by age:
28 days for younger adults
30–40 days for those in their 30s–40s, and
45–60 days for individuals 50+.
To support your skin’s recovery at every stage, Glow Up Studio recommends the COSMEDIX Post-Treatment Prep Kit. Just like pre-peel preparation is key, proper aftercare ensures long-lasting, glowing results.
What Does the Post-Treatment Starter Kit Include?
Gentle Cleansing: Use BENEFIT CLEAN (sulfate-free, daily cleanser) to remove impurities without stripping your skin.
Strengthen & Repair: Apply CELL ID (nutritive defense serum) to support healthy skin renewal and reduce fine lines and dark spots.
Soothe & Recover: Use C.P.R. (skin recovery serum) to calm dryness, redness, and irritation.
Daily Hydration & Sun Protection: HYDRATE+ SPF 17 provides lightweight moisture and broad-spectrum UV defense.
For more details on usage, check out COSMEDIX.
The First 24–48 Hours
COSMEDIX Peels are metabolic, meaning they work from within rather than just exfoliating the surface. Because of this, many clients experience little to no visible peeling with Level 1+ peels, while peeling may be more noticeable with Level 2 and Level 2+ treatments. Regardless of how much visible peeling occurs, following proper aftercare is essential for optimal healing and glowing results.
No Heavy Sweat or Heat Exposure: Avoid hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, and intense workouts to prevent irritation.
Hands Off! No Picking or Touching: Your skin might feel tight, dry, or flaky—this is normal! Do not pick or peel any flaking skin to avoid scarring.
Hydrate & Soothe Your Skin: Apply COSMEDIX Rescue Balm or Harmonize Moisturizer to keep skin calm, comfortable, and hydrated.
Use a Gentle Cleanser: Stick to a non-exfoliating, hydrating cleanser like COSMEDIX Benefit Clean to wash away impurities without stripping your skin.
Skip Makeup (If Possible): Give your skin time to breathe—if you must wear makeup, use a mineral-based foundation.
Days 3–7: Recovery & Glow Time
Mild Flaking or Dryness Is Normal: If your skin starts to flake, don’t worry—it’s part of the renewal process! Keep moisturizing to help the shedding process happen naturally.
Sunscreen Is NON-NEGOTIABLE: Your skin is more sensitive to UV exposure after a peel, so wear SPF 50 daily (COSMEDIX Peptide-Rich Defense is a great option).
Keep Your Skin Nourished: Use a hydrating serum like COSMEDIX Surge (hyaluronic acid) to support your skin’s healing process
COSMEDIX Post-Treatment Starter Kit: ensure you are using the COSMEDIX Kit and products recommended by your estethician.
Glow Up Studio’s Expert Peel Tips!
How Often Should I Get a Peel? Every 2-4 weeks (depending on the strength of peel). Your esthetician can develop a custom peel series to transform your skin over a period of 8-16 weeks depending on your treatment concerns.
Who Should Avoid Peels? If you’re pregnant, on Accutane, or have an active cold sore, check with us before booking.
Pair It with a Facial for the Best Results: For optimal skin health and continuous glow, alternate between relaxing, treatment-focused facials and advanced peels. We recommend:
A Level 1 gentle exfoliating peel or hydrating facial every 2 weeks to keep skin balanced, nourished, and refreshed.
A more advanced peel every 4 weeks for a deeper cleanse, targeted skin concerns (anti-aging, acne, hyperpigmentation, etc.), and long-term skin renewal.
This routine ensures your skin gets a deep clean every 4 weeks, an advanced peel every 4 weeks, and a treatment every 2 weeks, keeping it consistently hydrated, clear, and glowing all month long!
Do I Need to Prep My Skin Before a Peel?
For our gentle, exfoliating Level 1 peels, no prep is necessary! However, for Level 1+, Level 2, and Level 2+ advanced peels, we recommend following the steps above. If you already use retinols, AHAs, or other exfoliating treatments, give us a quick call—we’ll confirm whether your skin is prepped and ready to go. Our goal is to ensure you get the best results while making the process seamless and stress-free!
Book Your Metabolic Chemical Peel at Glow Up Studio Dallas!
Ready to level up your skincare? Metabolic Chemical Peels deliver real results with minimal downtime—and at Glow Up Studio Dallas, we customize every peel for your skin’s unique needs.
📅Book your Metabolic Chemical Peel today!
📞 Got questions? Call us at 214.357.5274 or DM us on Instagram@GlowUpStudioUSA!
