The Ordinary AHA BHA peel: What to expect before and after

What changes should you expect?

Alpha hydroxy acids, or AHAs, loosen the substances holding surface skin cells together, helping old cells shed. The skin underneath can look more even in colour and texture. Smoother surface skin is a useful goal, even if it makes a less theatrical before and after photo.3

For at home peels generally, smoother skin and fading dark spots can require repeated treatments. AHA peel treatments can gradually improve texture over a few months. Do not use the recovery time or results of a professional peel as the timetable for this bottle: deeper peels reach different skin layers and require different care.23

What should you do before using the peel?

Strong exfoliation is not the best starting point for dry, sensitive or acne prone skin; a mild chemical exfoliator is the gentler option. Oily, thicker skin can tolerate stronger exfoliation better. Avoid strong exfoliation if you have darker skin or develop dark marks after bites, burns or breakouts, because aggressive exfoliation can increase pigmentation.4

Review your existing routine before adding the peel. Prescription retinoids, retinol and benzoyl peroxide can make skin more sensitive or prone to peeling; adding exfoliation can worsen dryness or breakouts. Never exfoliate sunburned skin or skin with open cuts or wounds. If you use prescription skincare, ask your dermatologist whether a strong peel belongs in your routine.4

1. 1Avoid tanning and unnecessary sun exposure for about two weeks before an at home chemical peel.
2. 2Test a small amount on your jawline or behind your ear, following the bottle's directions, and wait a day to check for a reaction.
3. 3On application day, start with freshly washed skin free of makeup and excess oil.
4. 4Follow the current bottle's application method, contact time, rinsing instructions and frequency exactly. Do not leave the peel on longer to chase a faster result.

More aggressive exfoliation needs less frequent use, so do not increase applications just because the first result looks subtle. A peel schedule is not a loyalty programme where extra visits earn better skin.4

What should you do afterwards?

Apply moisturizer immediately after exfoliating. Use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer while skin recovers. If skin flakes, leave it alone: picking delays healing and can cause scarring. AHA products can increase sensitivity to sunlight, so use sunscreen, wear protective clothing and limit sun exposure throughout use and for a week after stopping.2456

When should you stop or get help?

Peels can cause redness, flaking and sensitivity, but burning, itching or swelling warrants stopping and contacting a dermatologist. Do not rub or scratch treated skin. Blistering, a suspected burn or worsening pigmentation also needs medical attention rather than another application.2567

Pregnancy and birth control pills can increase the risk of abnormal pigmentation after chemical peels. A history of cold sores also matters because a peel can trigger an outbreak. Discuss these risks before using a strong peel; pregnancy safety advice about an individual acid should not be treated as approval of this combined product.2