FAQs - Medication and Sensitivity
FOR AHA SKIN PEELS INCLUDING GLYCOLIC ACID, LACTIC ACID AND COMBINATION PEELS
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Yes. Some medications can increase photosensitivity, slow down healing, or make your skin more reactive. This can heighten the risk of irritation, burns, or post-inflammatory pigmentation when combined with AHA peels.
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The most common include:
Oral or topical retinoids (e.g. isotretinoin / tretinoin)
Certain antibiotics (e.g. doxycycline, tetracycline)
Chemotherapy drugs
Steroids (oral or topical), especially with long-term use
Photosensitising medications (various types, including some antifungals, diuretics, and anti-inflammatories)
Always check with your prescribing doctor before starting peels.
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No. You must wait at least 6–12 months after finishing isotretinoin before using any AHA or professional peel, as the drug significantly affects skin healing and sensitivity.
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If you are taking antibiotics known to cause photosensitivity (such as doxycycline), it is best to avoid peels until the course is completed and your skin has settled.
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It depends. Some medications only mildly increase sensitivity, while others can make peels unsafe. Always inform your skincare professional of your full medication list so they can assess suitability and adjust strength, frequency, or type of peel if needed.
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Burning or stinging that lasts longer than expected
Excessive redness or swelling
Peeling beyond the normal mild flaking
Unusual pigmentation changes
If you experience any of these, stop using the peel and seek advice.
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Always do a patch test before use
Space treatments further apart or use lower-strength AHAs
Apply daily SPF 30+ to protect against photosensitivity
Avoid combining multiple strong actives (retinoids, scrubs, high-strength acids)