01Preparing Your Skin
Prepped skin peels more evenly, heals faster, and gets a better result. Skin that hasn't been prepped is more likely to respond unpredictably — patchy peeling, prolonged redness, or post-inflammatory pigmentation. We ask for a minimum of two weeks of consistent prep with Lira Clinical products.
Prep has two jobs: keeping the skin hydrated and barrier-strong, and gently increasing cell turnover so the peel can work safely and effectively.
Preparation Products
Don’t worry, you won’t need to use all of these! We'll choose the combination that fits your skin type, your goals, and how much your skin currently tolerates, and we'll tell you how often to use the exfoliating products - starting slowly and increasing as your skin adjusts.
Hydration & barrier support (as directed: daily, morning and evening)
- Lira Mystiq Cleanser
- Lira Hydra Infusion
- Lira Firming Serum
- Lira PDRN Serum
- Lira Caviar Cream
- Lira Lift Cream
- Lira PDRN Cream
- GlyMed Comfort Cream
- Lira Beauty Oil
- GlyMed CBD Mist
- Lira Hydrating Mist
Exfoliation & cell turnover (as directed)
- Lira Retinal Plus Treatment
- Lira Retinol Creme
- Lira C4 Retinol Serum
- Lira Firming Serum
- Lira PRO Lite Serum
- Lira PRO Brite Serum
- Lira Corrective Pads
If your skin becomes red, raw, or irritated at any point during prep, stop the exfoliating products and call us. Irritated skin cannot be peeled safely, we will just adjust your prep.
02Before Your Treatment
5-7 days before
- Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanning products.
- DO NOT continue retinoids, retinol, AHAs, BHAs (unless we have specifically directed otherwise).
- Discontinue use of Benzoyl Peroxide.
- No waxing, depilatory creams, threading, electrolysis, or laser treatments on the treatment area.
- No other exfoliating treatments, scrubs, or facials.
- Let us know if you take any medication that increases sun sensitivity - some antibiotics, diuretics, and acne medications can affect how your skin responds.
- If you have a history of cold sores, tell us in advance. We may ask you to start a prescription antiviral from your physician before your appointment.
- Do not shave the treatment area within 48 hours of your appointment.
- Let us know about any changes to your health, medications, or skin since booking.
- Plan your calendar with peeling in mind - visible flaking is common through roughly day 7.
03Contraindications
We are unable to perform a chemical peel if any of the following apply. Please tell us in advance so we can reschedule or discuss alternatives:
- Pregnancy or nursing
- Active cold sores, open wounds, or skin infections in the treatment area
- Accutane (isotretinoin) use within the past 6 months to 1 year
- History of keloid or hypertrophic scarring
- Sunburn, windburn, or significant recent sun exposure in the treatment area
- Known allergy to aspirin or salicylates, or to any ingredient in the peel we've selected
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Current chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- Immunosuppressive therapy or an active autoimmune flare
- Recent chemical peel, microneedling, laser treatment, injectables, or facial surgery in the treatment area
04What to Expect Afterward
Your skin may look red, flushed, and feel tight for 24-48 hours, similar to a mild to moderate sunburn. Some heat or tingling during and shortly after the peel is normal.
Around days 2-3, the treated skin may look slightly darker or bronzed before it begins to shed. Peeling and flaking typically start around days 3-5 and can continue through about day 7. How much you peel varies from person to person and from peel to peel - light flaking and heavy sheeting are both normal outcomes, and neither one predicts how well the treatment worked.
05Post-Treatment Care
First 8-12 hours (or until the next morning)
- If we apply SPF, begin your home care routine (below) that evening at the end of the first day, rather than waiting until morning.
- If we do not apply SPF - leave the post-treatment product on your skin and do not wash, cleanse, or apply anything else beyond hydrating products if you are feeling tight and/or dry until the next morning.
- Keep hands off your face.
- If you have a Retinol Sealer Leave on Treatment (we will tell you) - please wash off no later than 8 hours after your treatment.
First 24–48 hours
- No makeup
- No sweating, exercise, or swimming
- No saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, or very hot showers
- Cleanse gently with lukewarm/cool water and your fingertips only — no washcloths, brushes, or scrubbing
First 5–7 days (or until peeling has fully finished)
- No retinoids, exfoliants, acids, or other active ingredients.
- No waxing, laser treatments, shaving of peeling areas, or other facial services.
- Do not pick, pull, scratch, or peel flaking skin — let it shed naturally. Pulling skin that isn't ready can cause scarring and dark spots.
- Keep skin consistently moisturized; dryness makes the urge to pick much stronger.
Ongoing
- Avoid direct sun exposure and wear SPF 30 or higher every day, reapplying as needed. Newly peeled skin burns easily and is prone to discoloration.
- A wide-brimmed hat helps during the first two weeks.
- Sleep on a clean pillowcase.
06Post-Treatment Products
Use only gentle, hydrating products until your skin has fully settled.
Samples included with your home care kit
- Lira Hydra Infusion
- GlyMed Comfort Cream
- Lira Beauty Oil
- Lira Polisher — can use after peeling has completely finished (about 5–7 days)
Recommended for continued home care
- Lira Mystiq Cleanser
- Lira Firming Serum
- Lira PDRN Serum
- Lira PDRN Cream
- Lira Caviar Cream
- Lira Lift Cream
- GlyMed CBD Mist
- Lira Hydrating Mist
If you are already working with your Esthetician you probably already have everything you need at home. However, feel free to ask us which combination is right for your skin - we're happy to build or update your routine with you.
07When to Call Us
Reach out to the spa if you experience
- Redness, swelling, or discomfort that worsens after 48 hours
- Peeling, dryness, or sensitivity that continues well beyond what's described above
- New dark patches or uneven color as your skin settles
- Any question about your aftercare products or routine
- Anything that simply doesn't feel right to you
08When to Contact Your Medical Provider
Some symptoms need medical attention rather than skincare guidance. Please contact your physician or an urgent care provider promptly if you notice:
- Signs of infectionpus or drainage, spreading warmth or redness, or fever
- A cold sore outbreak in or near the treatment area - this typically requires a prescription antiviral
- Blistering, raw or weeping skin, or pain that is severe or worsening
- Skin that turns white, gray, or unusually dark in a defined patch
If you experience difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, seek emergency care or call 911 immediately.
We'd appreciate a call afterward so we can note it in your chart and adjust future treatments.