At Defy Aesthetic, we know that the idea of a chemical peel can feel a little intimidating - especially if it’s your first time. While the glow you’ll see from a VI Peel is undeniable, understanding what happens after your appointment can make the whole process feel a lot more manageable! That’s why our expert Defy aestheticians are breaking down exactly what you can expect, day by day, with a VI Peel. When you know what’s coming, you can feel calm, confident, and ready to enjoy your fresh, radiant skin.

Now, let’s walk through it together!

The Day of Your Peel (Day 0)

First things first: you’ll arrive at our downtown Bethesd office, and our Defy provider will do a thorough skin assessment to choose the right peel solution for you. This is never one-size-fits-all - we consider your skin goals, your skin type, your lifestyle, and any special events on your calendar.

During the peel application, you might feel some mild tingling or warmth, but it’s usually very tolerable. Depending on the peel, the treatment may take as little as 10- 20 minutes.

Afterward, your skin might look pink or slightly flushed, similar to a mild sunburn. You’ll leave with clear, simple aftercare instructions - trust us, following these is key to getting those smooth, even, beautiful results!

Pro tip: avoid applying makeup immediately after your peel unless your provider gives you the green light. And of course, SPF is a must from this moment forward. Bonus points for a hat!

Day 1: Mild Redness and Tightness

On day one, you’ll probably notice your skin feels tight and looks a bit pink or slightly darker than usual, depending on your natural skin tone. This is totally normal and nothing to be concerned about! You might feel a light “film” or dryness on the surface - that’s the acid solution doing its work to break down the outer layers of dull, dead skin.

Stick to gentle cleansing (no scrubs or actives!), apply any moisturizer your provider recommends, and keep your SPF handy. Hydration and sun protection are your skin’s best friends right now.

Day 2: Subtle Darkening and a Tight Feeling

By day two, that tightness usually increases a bit. Your skin may feel like it’s developing a very fine “shell,” almost like a thin, protective mask. This is a good sign - the outer layer is preparing to shed! It’s also common for pigment in certain spots (like sun damage or melasma patches) to look temporarily darker. This can feel alarming, but don’t panic. It means the peel is pulling pigment toward the surface so it can lift away.

Keep moisturizing, avoid picking or touching, and remember: no harsh products or exfoliants!

Day 3–4: Peeling Begins

Here comes the main event! Most people start to see visible peeling or flaking around days three or four. Typically, it begins around the mouth or nose area, then gradually moves outward across the cheeks and forehead. Peeling can be light and flaky, or more sheet-like, depending on the depth of your peel and your skin’s natural turnover rate. Resist the urge to peel or pull at loose skin - we know, it’s tempting! - but it can cause irritation or even scarring.

Instead, keep up with your gentle skincare routine and let those dead cells lift away naturally. We often say: trust the process!

Day 5–7: Peeling Peaks, Then Settles

By day five, you’ll usually be in the thick of the peeling stage. Expect your skin to feel dry and look patchy or uneven. It’s completely normal to think, “Yikes, what is happening to my face?” but hang in there - this is where the magic happens.

Most of the peeling wraps up between day five and seven. Fresh new skin is starting to emerge underneath, and it might look pink, delicate, and baby-soft. You’ll see improvement in brightness and clarity already, though your skin may still be a bit sensitive.

Continue to be extremely diligent about sunscreen, even if you’re mostly indoors. Those new skin cells are highly susceptible to UV damage!

Day 7–10: The Glow Reveals Itself

Around a week after your peel, most of the visible flaking is done. Your skin will look fresher, smoother, and more even in tone. You may notice fine lines appear softer, dark spots are lighter, and your overall texture is significantly improved.

You’ll probably still have some residual sensitivity, so keep things simple. Gentle cleansing, moisturizer, and SPF are still your top skincare priorities.

If you love using active ingredients like retinoids or acids, talk to your Defy provider about when to safely reintroduce them - usually around day 10, depending on how your skin is recovering.

Beyond Day 10: Maintaining Your Results

Chemical peels don’t just end once the peeling stops! Your fresh skin will continue to remodel and renew over the next several weeks. Collagen production is boosted, pigmentation fades further, and your glow continues to improve.

To maximize these benefits, think about:

-Sticking to a simple, supportive skincare routine. Our Defy aesthetician can help you put together a simple lineup of skincare!

-Prioritizing sunscreen every single day.

-Booking maintenance peels 3-4 times a year (or as your provider recommends).

Remember, chemical peels aren’t about a one-time fix. When used regularly, they help keep your skin fresh, even, and vibrant year-round!

Common Questions About the Chemical Peel Process

At Defy Aesthetic, we also get plenty of “day by day” follow-up questions, so here’s a little Q&A:

What if I don’t peel as much as I expected?

Totally normal! Peeling intensity varies by person, skin type, and peel strength. Less visible peeling doesn’t mean it didn’t work - the exfoliation still happens on a cellular level!

Can I work or go out while I’m peeling?

Absolutely and many clients do - just avoid heavy sweating especially during heavy peeling. Just keep in mind you may look dry and patchy, so some people prefer to schedule their peel when they can lay low for a few days.

Will makeup cover the peeling?

It can, but it might look uneven, since makeup tends to cling to flaking skin. If you do wear makeup, choose a hydrating, lightweight formula and avoid heavy powders.

Is the peeling painful?

Usually not! Most people describe it as tightness and dryness rather than pain. If you feel burning, stinging, or see unusual swelling, contact your provider.

Your Next Steps:

If you’re curious about chemical peels and want a treatment plan tailored to your skin, we’d love to see you at Defy Aesthetic. Our expert providers will help you decide which peel works best, walk you through pre- and post-care, and support you through every day of the process!

Chemical peels can feel intimidating if you’ve never tried one before, but knowledge is power - and that fresh, healthy glow is so worth it!

Whether you're interested in filler, Botox/Dysport/Daxxify, collagen-boosting skin treatments, or want to learn more about our Defy Annual Membership (a perfect choice for those who want to transform their skin without the price tag over the course of a year!), we’d love to see you in our Bethesda medical spa soon.

Chemical Peel Process Day By Day