Shaving, Tanning & Other Treatments
FOR AHA SKIN PEELS INCLUDING GLYCOLIC ACID, LACTIC ACID AND COMBINATION PEELS
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It’s best to avoid shaving within 12 hours before a peel (24 hours if you have sensitive skin). Shaving can cause small, invisible nicks or abrasions on the skin’s surface. Applying a peel too soon afterwards can lead to increased stinging, irritation, or uneven absorption of the peel solution. Allowing time between shaving and your peel helps protect your skin and ensures a more comfortable, even treatment.
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No. Avoid waxing, threading, or using hair removal creams within 48 hours before a peel. These treatments remove the skin’s protective surface and make the peel too harsh on your skin.
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No. Avoid using scrubs or other exfoliating products (including acid-based toners) for at least 24 hours before your peel. The peel itself provides exfoliation, and doubling up can cause irritation or over-exfoliation.
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No. Avoid tanning in the sun or using sunbeds for at least 7 days before treatment. Peels on freshly tanned skin can increase the risk of burns, uneven results, or pigmentation issues.
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Yes, but avoid retinoids, active treatments or other exfoliants on peel days.
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It’s not recommended to layer salicylic acid and AHA peels in the same session unless it’s part of a professionally formulated combination peel. Using them together at home can over-exfoliate the skin and increase the risk of irritation, redness, and sensitivity.
What is the difference between AHAs and salicylic acid?
AHAs (like glycolic or lactic acid): Water-soluble, target surface exfoliation, hydration, and brightening.
Salicylic acid (a BHA): Oil-soluble, penetrates into pores to clear blockages, making it ideal for oily or acne-prone skin.
They complement each other but should be used with care.
Can I alternate between salicylic acid and AHA peels?
Yes. Many people alternate them on different days or weeks. For example, using an AHA peel one week and a salicylic-based treatment the next can balance resurfacing and pore-clearing benefits without over-stressing the skin.How long should I wait between salicylic acid and an AHA peel?
If you’ve used a leave-on salicylic acid product, wait at least 3–5 days before doing an AHA peel, or until your skin feels calm. After an AHA peel, avoid salicylic acid for at least 3–5 days.Is it safe to use salicylic acid on the same day as a mild AHA peel?
Generally, no. Even low-strength products can stack and irritate freshly exfoliated skin. Unless recommended by a professional, it’s better to separate their use.Who benefits from alternating AHAs and salicylic acid?
Oily, acne-prone skin: Salicylic acid helps clear pores
Dull, dry, or uneven skin: AHAs improve tone and texture
Combination skin: Alternating both can provide balanced results
What aftercare should I follow if I use both in my routine?
Always apply SPF 30+ daily (both acids increase sun sensitivity)
Keep skin hydrated with a barrier-supportive moisturiser
Avoid retinoids or other strong exfoliants at the same time
Introduce slowly, monitoring tolerance
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It’s best not to use retinol on the same day as an AHA peel. Both increase cell turnover and can make the skin more sensitive. Layering them may lead to irritation, redness, or peeling.
How should I schedule retinol if I’m doing AHA peels?
Stop using retinol at least 3–5 days before an AHA peel.
Do not apply retinol for 3–5 days after a peel, or until your skin feels calm and fully recovered.
For stronger professional-strength peels, you may need to pause retinol for longer.
Why can’t I combine retinol with AHA peels?
Both treatments are powerful exfoliants:AHA peels dissolve dead skin cells and resurface the top layers.
Retinol stimulates cell renewal deep within the skin.
Together, they can overwhelm the skin barrier, leading to sensitivity, dryness, and increased risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation.
Will stopping retinol affect my results?
No. Temporarily pausing retinol around a peel allows your skin to tolerate the treatment better and achieve smoother, more even results. Once your skin has recovered, you can safely reintroduce retinol into your routine.Can I use retinol long-term with AHA peels?
Yes, but only if you alternate them correctly. Many people use retinol as part of their daily routine and incorporate occasional AHA peels, ensuring there are rest days either side of treatment. Always start gently and build tolerance over time.What aftercare should I follow if I use retinol and AHA peels in my routine?
Apply daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ to protect against sensitivity
Use a nourishing moisturiser to support the skin barrier
Avoid additional strong actives (like salicylic acid or scrubs) during recovery
Reintroduce retinol gradually, starting every other night
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No. Stop using retinoids, strong active treatments, or prescription creams for several days before a peel, unless your doctor has advised otherwise. These products can make your skin more sensitive and heighten irritation from the peel.
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Retinoids is the umbrella term for all vitamin A–derived skincare ingredients. They work by increasing cell turnover, stimulating collagen, and improving skin texture, tone, and clarity. Retinoids include both prescription-strength and over-the-counter forms.
Retinol is a specific type of retinoid. It is the most common form found in non-prescription skincare products. Retinol is gentler than prescription retinoids because it must be converted by the skin into the active form (retinoic acid) before it works.
Key Differences:
Strength:
Prescription retinoids (like tretinoin, adapalene, isotretinoin) are stronger, act more quickly, and are usually used under medical supervision.
Retinol is weaker, slower-acting, but more widely tolerated, making it suitable for at-home use.
Availability:
Retinoids: Prescription-only in higher strengths.
Retinol: Readily available in over-the-counter skincare products.
Speed of results:
Retinoids: Faster improvements in acne, fine lines, and pigmentation.
Retinol: Gradual results, often over 3–6 months, but with a lower risk of irritation.
Irritation risk:
Retinoids: More likely to cause dryness, redness, and peeling, especially at the start.
Retinol: Milder and easier to tolerate, making it suitable for beginners or sensitive skin.
In short: All retinol is a retinoid, but not all retinoids are retinol. Retinoids range from mild (retinol) to strong (tretinoin and isotretinoin).
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Can I have IPL or laser treatments while using AHA peels?
No. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and laser treatments should not be carried out while you are actively using AHA peels. Both treatments increase skin sensitivity, and combining them can lead to a higher risk of burns, pigmentation changes, or irritation.How long should I wait between an AHA peel and an IPL or laser session?
You should allow a minimum of 2 weeks after an AHA peel before undergoing IPL or laser treatments. For stronger or professional-strength peels (above 20%), a longer interval of 4–6 weeks may be advised. Always follow the guidance of your skincare professional.Why do I need to wait before having laser or IPL after peels?
AHA peels exfoliate the outer skin layers, temporarily weakening your skin’s barrier and increasing photosensitivity. IPL and laser deliver concentrated light and heat to the skin. If performed too soon after a peel, your skin will be more vulnerable, raising the risk of adverse effects such as hyperpigmentation, scarring, or excessive redness.Can I use AHA peels straight after an IPL or laser session?
No. Your skin will already be sensitive and in a healing phase after laser or IPL. You should wait at least 2–4 weeks before reintroducing AHA peels, depending on the intensity of the laser or IPL treatment.Are there gentler options if I want both peels and laser/IPL?
Yes. Some people alternate treatments, spacing them out with safe intervals and adjusting peel strength. Others use milder at-home exfoliants in between professional sessions. A consultation with a qualified skin professional is essential to plan a safe routine.What should I do if I have a course of IPL or laser booked?
Pause your AHA peels well in advance and inform your practitioner about your peel use. They may adjust your treatment plan, reschedule sessions, or provide aftercare tailored to your skin’s needs.What aftercare is important when combining these treatments (with the right intervals)?
Daily use of broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is essential
Avoid sun exposure and tanning throughout your treatment plan
Keep skin well moisturised and protected
Do not use other strong actives (retinoids, exfoliating acids) unless approved by your practitioner
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It is not recommended to combine electrolysis and AHA peels too closely together. Both treatments exfoliate or disrupt the skin barrier, and doing them back-to-back can increase the risk of irritation, scabbing, or pigmentation changes.
How long should I wait between electrolysis and an AHA peel?
After an AHA peel, wait at least 7–10 days before electrolysis, or until your skin has fully healed and no longer feels sensitive.
After electrolysis, wait at least 7 days before applying an AHA peel, to give the treated follicles and surrounding skin time to recover.
Why do I need to wait?
Electrolysis creates a controlled wound in the skin at the hair follicle, while AHA peels temporarily thin and exfoliate the epidermis. Performing them too close together may lead to prolonged redness, scarring, or hyperpigmentation.Can I use at-home AHA peels between my electrolysis sessions?
Mild, low-strength at-home peels may be tolerated if spaced out carefully, but always avoid applying them directly before or after electrolysis. Start with patch tests and consult your electrologist or skincare professional before introducing them.What should I avoid after electrolysis if I’m also using AHA peels?
Do not use peels, scrubs, or strong exfoliants for at least 7 days
Avoid retinoids and other resurfacing treatments until your skin feels calm
Protect skin from heat, saunas, and UV exposure
What aftercare is important when combining peels and electrolysis?
Use gentle, non-active cleansers and soothing moisturisers
Always apply SPF 30+ daily to prevent pigmentation
Keep the area hydrated and avoid picking or scratching
Resume peels only when your skin feels fully comfortable again
Can electrolysis make my skin more sensitive to peels?
Yes, temporarily. The treated areas may sting more than usual if exposed to acids too soon. With the correct spacing and aftercare, both treatments can be used safely in a long-term skincare plan. -
Yes. Red light therapy is generally considered safe to combine with AHA peels, as it is non-invasive, does not heat the skin, and works by stimulating skin cells with specific light wavelengths rather than exfoliating.
Should I use red light therapy before or after an AHA peel?
It is usually best to use red light therapy after the initial healing period of a peel, once redness and sensitivity have calmed (typically 24–48 hours for mild peels). This helps soothe inflammation and support repair.Does red light therapy make my skin more sensitive to AHA peels?
No. Red light therapy does not thin the skin or increase photosensitivity. In fact, it can reduce inflammation and enhance skin recovery, making it a useful complement to peel routines when used at the correct time.Can red light therapy improve results from AHA peels?
Yes. Red light therapy may:Support collagen production
Help reduce redness and irritation
Promote faster healing
Improve overall skin tone and texture when used alongside a peel programme
Are there times I should avoid combining the two?
Yes. Avoid using red light therapy immediately after applying an AHA peel when your skin is still actively exfoliating and highly sensitive. Always wait until any stinging or redness has settled.How often can I use red light therapy if I’m also doing peels?
Red light therapy can typically be used several times per week, but frequency should be reduced in the days directly after a peel to allow your skin barrier to recover. Always listen to your skin and scale back if you notice increased sensitivity.What aftercare is important when combining red light therapy and AHA peels?
Apply daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+
Keep skin hydrated with a gentle, non-active moisturiser
Avoid additional harsh exfoliants or actives unless advised by a professional
Space out treatments if your skin feels tender or reactive