JEANA’S 2026 GUIDE
Prep • Peel • Recover
There is a very specific kind of confidence that comes from skin that glows on its own, no filter needed. That is what a good peel gives me every single season, and it is why this at-home peel routine has become one of my favorite rituals of the year.
After more than 20 years in skincare, I have learned that more resurfacing is not the goal. Smarter resurfacing is. So for 2026, I am simplifying this guide into two easy days you can follow on repeat: Peel Day and Recovery Day.
Why I Love a Good Peel
Used correctly, an at-home peel routine is one of the easiest ways to soften rough texture, brighten dullness, even out tone, and keep skin renewal moving in the right direction. You do not need dramatic peeling or irritation to see results. In fact, that is not what we are going for at all.
How the 2026 Program Works
This program alternates every other day between two simple steps:
- Peel Day: resurface
- Recovery Day: replenish and support the barrier
Repeat this rhythm according to your skin's tolerance. If your skin ever looks or feels irritated, stay on Recovery Day a little longer before your next Peel Day.
Choosing Your Peel Strength
Stronger is not automatically better, and part of a smart at-home peel routine is choosing the peel that matches where your skin actually is today, not where you wish it were.
- iS Clinical Active Peel System — my go-to for regular at-home resurfacing when your goals are smoother texture, brighter skin, and a more even tone.
- iS Clinical Extra Strength Active Peel Brightening System — the step up for experienced peel users whose skin is already comfortable with corrective acids and who are ready for more advanced resurfacing and brightening.
The rule I live by: do not choose the strongest peel, choose the right peel.
Peel Day, Step by Step
- Double cleanse. Start with a thorough double cleanse. No additional exfoliating step needed here, we want the skin clean, not stripped.
- Work in Peel Pad One. Massage Peel Pad One thoroughly into the skin for a full 3 minutes. Do not rinse.
- Apply Peel Pad Two. Follow immediately with Peel Pad Two per your system's instructions.
- Retinol, for advanced clients only. If you are an advanced peel client, you may follow with iS Clinical Retinol+ Emulsion in .3% or 1%, whichever strength you have been using. If you are new to this peel system, hold off on the retinol emulsion until after your third peel day, so we can see how your skin responds first.
- Moisturize. Finish with Senté Dermal Repair Ultra-Nourish to support the skin through the resurfacing process.
Recovery Day, Step by Step
- Cleanse. Start with the Senté Daily soothing Cleanser.
- Regenerative serum. Choose a regenerative serum that features an advanced regenerative technology such as growth factors, stem cell conditioned media, exosomes, or platelet-derived technology. This is where we support the skin's natural renewal process after resurfacing.
- ALASTIN Regenerating Skin Nectar with TriHex Technology®. This is one of our post-procedure essentials. TriHex Technology® helps support the skin's natural process of clearing away damaged collagen and elastin, while also supporting the production of new, healthy collagen and elastin.
- Finish with Senté Dermal Repair Ultra-Nourish.
Choosing a Regenerative Serum
Not all regenerative serums work the same way, so here is a quick way to think through your Recovery Day options:
- Growth factors signal skin cells to get back to work, supporting renewal after resurfacing. My pick: Le Mieux EGF-DNA Serum.
- Stem cell conditioned media delivers the beneficial compounds stem cells produce, without using the stem cells themselves, to support the skin's own repair process. My pick: FactorFive Regenerative Serum.
- Exosomes and platelet-derived technology can be combined into one step. My pick: ( plated )™ Skin Science CALM Serum.
Any of these can be a wonderful choice on Recovery Day. Pick the technology that feels right for you, or reach out to one of our estheticians via live chat to see which one is best for your skin.
Want to go deeper on how these regenerative technologies actually work? Read our full guide to regenerative skincare.
If You Flake, Don't Pick
Some light flaking after a peel is normal, and it is tempting to help it along. Please resist.
- Do not pick.
- Do not scrub.
- Do not decide this is the moment for another exfoliating step.
If you do experience flaking, apply Sorella Apothecary Salving Grace Ointment to gently occlude the fresh, new skin underneath and glue the flaking skin back down until your next gentle cleanse. Let your skin finish the process on its own.
If the flaking sticks around, it is perfectly fine to skip a peel day or two. Stay on your Recovery Day routine until the flaking fully subsides, then pick your peel schedule back up. Your skin will tell you when it is ready.
How Often Should You Peel?
Think of your at-home peel routine as a seasonal reset rather than a year-round requirement.
- The full 30 day peel program is best done once per season, about 3 to 4 times a year.
- Prefer a lighter touch? Many clients like to use the peel pad system once a week, or twice a month, whatever fits their skin and their schedule.
- Fall is one of our favorite times to peel. It is the perfect opportunity to address the dullness, uneven tone, rough texture, and visible sun exposure that builds up over the summer months.
Esthetician tip: this peel pad system also works beautifully on the back of the hands and arms, two areas that show sun exposure just as much as the face.
Jeana's Resurfacing Rule
Prep well. Resurface wisely. Recover beautifully.
You do not have to make your skin angry to change it. Follow your at-home peel routine on Peel Day, replenish fully on Recovery Day, and give your skin the seasonal rhythm it is asking for.
If you are wondering whether your skin is ready for this peel system, or which strength is right for you, start a complimentary consultation with one of our licensed estheticians.
Peel Master Class: Frequently Asked Questions
Are at-home chemical peels safe?
Yes — when you’re using professionally formulated peels and following proper instructions. The peels I recommend are designed specifically for safe at-home use and include built-in neutralizing and calming steps. Safety comes from education, preparation, and respecting your skin’s limits.
How often should I do an at-home peel?
An at-home peel routine works best as a seasonal reset rather than a year-round habit. Run the full 30 day program once per season, about 3 to 4 times a year, and use the peel pads on their own once a week or twice a month for maintenance in between, depending on how your skin responds.
Is it normal for my skin to flake after a peel?
Yes, light flaking is a normal part of an at-home peel routine and simply means surface cells are shedding. Do not pick or scrub. Apply Sorella Apothecary Salving Grace to hold the fresh skin in place until your next gentle cleanse, and skip a peel day or two on Recovery Day until the flaking fully subsides.
Can I use a peel if I have sensitive skin?
Yes — but the peel choice and prep matter. Sensitive skin often does best with gentler acids and strict adherence to pre- and post-peel care. If your skin is reactive, inflamed, or compromised, it’s best to wait or consult with an AOS esthetician first.
Can I use retinol on the same day as my peel?
Advanced peel clients can follow their peel with iS Clinical Retinol+ Emulsion the same night. If you are new to this at-home peel routine, wait until after your third peel day before introducing retinol, so your skin has time to build tolerance to the peel first.
Can peels help with acne and congestion?
Absolutely. When used correctly, peels can help clear dead skin buildup, reduce congestion, and improve the appearance of breakouts. Salicylic-based peels and boosters are especially effective for acne-prone skin.
Can peels help with pigmentation and uneven tone?
Yes, peels are one of the most effective tools for improving discoloration — when paired with proper prep and strict sun protection. Pigmentation-inhibiting serums before and after peels are key to success.
What should I avoid after a peel?
After a peel, avoid:
Retinol and exfoliating acids
Scrubs or aggressive treatments
Heat (hot yoga, saunas, steam)
Direct sun exposure
Focus on hydration, barrier repair, and SPF.
Do I need to use SPF after a peel?
Yes — daily SPF is non-negotiable after peels. Freshly renewed skin is more vulnerable to UV damage, and protecting it is essential for maintaining results and preventing pigmentation.
Can I use LED light therapy after a peel?
Yes. LED therapy can be very beneficial post-peel. It helps calm redness, reduce inflammation, and support the skin’s healing process. It’s not required, but it’s an excellent complement to peels.
How do I know which peel is right for me?
Choosing the right peel depends on your skin type, concerns, and experience level. If you’re unsure, I always recommend reaching out for guidance. Our AOS estheticians can help you select the best option for your skin and goals.
When will I see results?
Many people notice brighter, smoother skin after the first peel, but the most noticeable results come with consistency. Peels work best as part of a routine, not a one-time treatment.
Do I need to rinse off my peel pad?
No. After working Peel Pad One into the skin for a full 3 minutes, do not rinse before applying Peel Pad Two. Rinsing in between removes the peel pads from doing their job, so let each step of your at-home peel routine sit as directed.
Can I use this peel system anywhere besides my face?
Yes. This at-home peel routine also works well on the back of the hands and arms, areas that often show just as much sun exposure and texture change as the face over time.
What should I put on my skin after a chemical peel?
On Recovery Day, cleanse gently, apply a regenerative serum with growth factors, stem cell conditioned media, exosomes, or platelet-derived technology, follow with ALASTIN Regenerating Skin Nectar with TriHex Technology®, and finish with Senté Ultra-Nourish to fully support the skin barrier.
Do I need to use SPF after a peel?
Yes, SPF is essential after any at-home peel routine. Freshly resurfaced skin is more vulnerable to sun exposure and pigmentation, so apply a broad spectrum sunscreen every morning, including on Recovery Day, and reapply if you are outdoors. Skipping SPF after a peel can undo the very results you worked for. Need help picking one? Here is our guide to choosing the right sunscreen.
Author
Jeana LeClerc
Jeana LeClerc is a licensed esthetician, Certified Acne Specialist, and the founder and CEO of Art of Skin Care. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in regenerative, science-backed skincare as a holistic alternative to invasive anti-aging treatments. Jeana is passionate about helping clients achieve lasting skin transformation through personalized routines, professional-grade products, and expert guidance. Through her blog and consultations, she empowers clients to achieve radiant, resilient skin at every stage of life.