Chemical Peel Recovery Process

What to Expect After a Chemical Peel

A chemical peel is one of the most effective ways to refresh and refine your skin without invasive procedures. By applying a controlled chemical solution to the skin, the peel gently removes the outermost layer, revealing smoother, more even-toned skin underneath. As your skin naturally sheds, it also stimulates new collagen production, helping to minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.

At Direct Aesthetics, we use the VI Peel line of professional chemical peels, which are safe for all skin types and designed to address a wide range of concerns. Whether you are dealing with uneven skin tone, sun damage, acne scars, or visible signs of aging, the VI Peel delivers meaningful results with minimal downtime.

This guide will walk you through what to expect after your treatment, from the first day to complete healing, along with tips to enhance your results — including how exosome skincare can speed and improve recovery.

VI Peel at Direct Aesthetics

The VI Peel is a medium-strength chemical peel developed by Vitality Institute Aesthetics and available in three specialized formulas:

• VI Peel Precision Plus – Targets hyperpigmentation and sun spots
• VI Peel Advanced – Addresses mature skin and deeper wrinkles
• VI Peel Purify with Precision Plus – Designed for acne-prone skin and acne scarring

Each formula contains a unique blend of rejuvenating acids, including TCA, Retin-A, Salicylic Acid, Phenol, and Vitamin C. Unlike traditional peels, the VI Peel infuses skin with essential vitamins and minerals during exfoliation, delivering results that rival deeper peels without the prolonged discomfort or recovery.

Read more about our various VI Peels

The chemical peel procedure

In our office, a chemical peel typically takes about 30 minutes to perform. During the initial application, you may feel a warm, stinging sensation, but this discomfort will diminish rapidly. To ensure your comfort, the VI Peel contains a numbing agent.

After application, the peel should remain on your skin for at least four hours before being washed off.

We provide a convenient aftercare kit to enhance the peeling process and soothe your skin. Before you leave our office, our provider will thoroughly review all the necessary instructions for at-home care.

Chemical Peel Recovery Timeline

Day 1 – Treatment Day
The peel itself takes about 30 minutes. You may feel warmth or tingling during application, but the VI Peel’s built-in numbing agent keeps it comfortable. The solution remains on your skin for at least four hours before rinsing. Avoid touching your skin for at least 6 hours.

Day 2

Skin may appear slightly red and feel tight or dry. Apply moisturizer as needed and follow our guidelines for cleansing with lukewarm water. Use SPF consistently to protect the healing skin.

Day 3

Peeling begins, usually around the mouth, then extends to the jawline and hairline. Do not pick or pull at flaking skin to avoid scarring or discoloration. Continue gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and SPF.

Days 4-7

Flaking often increases, with larger sheets of skin peeling away. Continue hydration and SPF. Avoid exfoliants and harsh scrubs.

Week 2

Most peeling subsides. Continue with aftercare until skin is fully healed. Makeup can now be worn again.

Week 3 and Beyond

Skin appears smoother, more even-toned, and radiant. For enhanced results, consider scheduling another peel after the recommended interval.

Chemical peel aftercare tips

• Cleanse gently with cool or lukewarm water to ease redness or tingling.
• Stay hydrated by drinking water and using a thick moisturizer with SPF.
• Apply sunscreen daily to protect the new skin from UV damage.
• Avoid excessive sweating, heat exposure, and vigorous exercise for the first few days.
• Skip abrasive products and exfoliants for at least one week.

Boosting Recovery with Exosome Skincare

One of the most exciting ways to enhance chemical peel recovery is by incorporating exosome-based skincare into your aftercare routine. Exosomes are microscopic messengers naturally released by cells that help coordinate skin repair and regeneration. When applied topically after a peel, they deliver targeted signals that encourage faster healing, improve hydration, and help restore the skin barrier.

At Direct Aesthetics, we recommend Plated Skin Science products during the post-peel phase to help optimize results:

Plated Eye Serum – 8 ml

Targets the delicate under-eye area, which can also benefit from regenerative support post-treatment.

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Plated INTENSE Serum – 15 ml

Ideal for post-procedure use, this serum contains platelet-derived exosomes — the same kind naturally involved in wound healing — to actively support repair and renewal. Apply for 5–7 days after your chemical peel to help reduce redness, improve comfort, and accelerate visible results.

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Plated DAILY Serum – 30 ml – $258

Perfect for ongoing skin support after the initial recovery period, this serum helps maintain hydration, smooth texture, and overall skin vitality.

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Why it Works: After a peel, your skin is in a heightened state of renewal. Applying exosomes during this time helps maximize the natural healing window, supporting collagen production and helping the skin return to a calm, healthy state more quickly. Patients often notice reduced downtime and a visibly smoother result.

The Bottom Line

A VI Peel is a powerful yet gentle way to rejuvenate your skin and address multiple concerns at once. By following your aftercare plan — and adding exosome-based skincare like Plated Skin Science — you can recover faster, maintain hydration, and enjoy smoother, brighter, more resilient skin.

If you are ready to book your VI Peel or want to learn more about combining it with regenerative skincare, contact Direct Aesthetics today.