What it is
A chemical peel is a controlled application of acid that lifts a defined depth of skin. The body then heals the underlying tissue with new, smoother, more even cells. Depth is the variable that determines what the peel addresses and what the recovery looks like.
- Superficial peels (glycolic, lactic, salicylic at modest concentrations) lift only the outer epidermis. Brightness in days, minimal visible peeling, no real downtime.
- Medium-depth peels (TCA at higher concentrations, Jessner’s combinations) reach into the upper dermis. Visible flaking and pink skin for 5–10 days; significant pigment, texture, and fine-line improvement.
- Deep peels are reserved for specific indications and significant downtime — we typically recommend laser resurfacing instead at that depth.
How we approach it
The clinician matches the peel to your skin and your diagnosis. Pretreatment for two to four weeks with a topical retinoid (and sometimes hydroquinone for pigment-prone patients) primes the skin and reduces post-inflammatory pigment risk.
A series of two to four superficial peels often achieves what a single medium-depth peel would, with less recovery — that is the right call for many patients. Other patients are better served by a single medium-depth peel.
What to expect
The session itself takes thirty to sixty minutes. The peel feels warm or tingling during application; some peels include a frosting or visible color change as a depth marker. Cooling and a hydrating finish follow.
Recovery depends on depth — anywhere from no visible change through one week of visible peeling. Strict sun avoidance and SPF 50+ are mandatory across recovery.
Candidacy
Best for patients with surface dyschromia, texture, fine lines, or acne who can plan around recovery. Not for active herpes outbreak (without prophylaxis), active eczema, open skin in the area, recent isotretinoin, pregnancy, or patients who cannot stay out of the sun.