What happens when a peel is part of a facial?
Most combined visits follow a simple order, with cleansing first, then a light acid peel in place of a scrub, then soothing products and sunscreen. Skipping extra exfoliation matters most, because doubling up can leave skin raw and sensitive for days.
Steps such as extractions are usually done carefully or left out. Ask what the visit includes so you know which steps have been removed.
When is combining them a bad idea?
Combining is usually unwise if your skin is sunburned, broken, irritated or in a flare of eczema, rosacea or cold sores. Recent waxing, retinoid use or a recent stronger procedure on the area can also make a same-visit peel too harsh.
Medium and deep peels should stand alone. Talk to your doctor first if you are pregnant, use acne medication or have a history of slow healing or dark marks.
Which should come first if you book them separately?
A plain facial usually comes first when the two are booked apart, because cleansing and hydration can prepare skin, and a peel needs calm skin on the day. Allow time for any redness from extractions to settle before the peel.
Your provider may suggest a different order for acne-prone or sensitive skin, so bring your goals and product list.
How should you care for skin after a combined visit?
Gentle cleanser, plain moisturizer and daily broad-spectrum sunscreen are the basics after a combined visit, since freshly exfoliated skin burns and irritates more easily. Avoid retinoids, scrubs and strong actives until your provider says your skin has settled.
Let flaking skin come off on its own. Our chemical peel page covers aftercare in more detail, and our face treatments page lists other facial options.