What to stop, and when?
Before laser treatments and chemical peels, it's essential to pause active ingredients for a set period. Active acids and retinoids speed up epidermal turnover. This thins the protective layer of skin — which raises the risk of irritation, thermal reactions and hyperpigmentation after laser.
After the treatment — what to use, and what to avoid?
Aftercare matters just as much as preparation. What you use in the first few days can either strengthen your results or trigger unnecessary reactions.
After chemical peels
How soon you can return to your active skincare routine depends on the depth of the peel.
- Superficial peels (BHA, Ferulac, PRX-T33): hydration and SPF only for 3–7 days; after 7 days you can gradually return to your routine.
- Deeper peels (Cosmelan, TCA): gentle care only for 2–4 weeks; retinol resumes no earlier than 4–6 weeks after the treatment — always follow your specialist's recommendations.
After injections (Botox, fillers)
Can you use retinol in the evening and have a treatment the next morning?
This depends on the type of treatment.
- Botox / fillers: yes — retinol has no effect on injection results.
- Laser / peels: no — retinol applied the night before actively prepares the skin, thins the epidermis and raises the risk of complications. You need at least 5 retinol-free nights before laser.
When can you resume your routine after a treatment?
Below are approximate timeframes for reintroducing specific active ingredients.
The gold standard after any treatment with downtime
Whatever the treatment, three elements of aftercare are absolutely essential in the first few days afterwards.
- Cleansing: very gentle — micellar water or a cleansing milk
- Hydration: ceramides and panthenol
- Mineral SPF 50+: every day for at least 2 weeks
