A chemical peel is a cosmetic procedure where a dermatologist applies an acidic solution to your skin. This solution exfoliates the damaged outer layers, triggering your body's healing response to reveal smoother, brighter, and more evenly textured skin underneath. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Why Get a Chemical Peel?

People typically get peels on their face, neck, or hands to treat a variety of skin concerns: [1, 2]

• Acne & Scars: Helps clear up breakouts and soften the appearance of acne scarring.

• Hyperpigmentation: Fades dark spots, melasma, and uneven skin tone.

• Anti-Aging: Minimizes fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production.

• Sun Damage: Repairs rough, sun-baked skin and actinic keratosis. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]

Types of Peels

Peels range in intensity depending on the type of acid used (such as glycolic, salicylic, or trichloroacetic acid) and how deeply they penetrate the skin: [1]

• Superficial (Light): Uses mild acids (like AHAs) to gently exfoliate the outermost layer. Little to no downtime.

• Medium: Penetrates the outer and middle layers of skin. Expect a few days of redness and peeling.

• Deep: Uses stronger agents (like phenol) to penetrate deep into the middle layer of skin. Yields dramatic results but requires significant recovery time. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]