Chemical peel results: what each depth treats, how long healing takes and how long results last

Chemical peel results depend on the depth of the peel. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says healing runs from 1 day for a light peel to 14 days or longer for a deep one, and that the results appear once your skin has healed.¹

Here is what each depth is used for, what the AAD says about sessions and healing, how long results last, and what a 2025 pooled analysis found on adding microneedling. Whether to have a peel is for you and a clinician.

What each depth is used for

The ASDS describes three basic types of peel.³

A deep peel is done on the face and can only be done once.³ The AAD says a deep peel is performed in a surgical setting under general anesthesia, takes 14 to 21 days to heal and needs recovery at home for 2 to 3 weeks.¹

How many peels, how far apart

For a light, refreshing peel the AAD says 3 to 5 peels may be needed to get the results you want, repeated every 2 to 5 weeks.¹ Mild and medium peels can be repeated to maintain results, and your dermatologist can tell you how often. A person can have only one deep peel.¹

Some patients follow a pre-peel skin care plan for 2 to 4 weeks, which the AAD says can improve results and reduce side effects. Your dermatologist will tell you whether you need one.¹

How long results last

The AAD says most results are not permanent because our skin continues to age. If you have a lot of sun-damaged skin or precancerous growths, you will likely continue to see new spots and growths.¹ Daily sunscreen after the skin heals helps you maintain results.¹

Combining a peel with microneedling

A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis pooled nine studies with 566 patients with atrophic acne scars. Combining chemical peeling with microneedling outperformed either alone on clinical improvement, and patient satisfaction and quality-of-life scores also favored the combination.⁴ The AAD says that combining treatments can give better, longer-lasting results.² Our microneedling results page covers the other half.

Side effects and who does it

In the hands of a doctor experienced with peels, the AAD says side effects tend to be mild. They include persistent redness that may last for months, temporary darkening of the skin, lighter skin color with medium and deep peels, and, very rarely when a dermatologist does it, scarring.¹

The AAD says infection and scarring risks rise dramatically if you don't protect your skin from the sun, don't care for it as instructed, scratch it or pick off a scab, put on makeup before it has healed or use a tanning bed.¹

The AAD says results depend largely on the skill of the person doing the peel, and recommends a dermatologist or dermatologic surgeon.¹ That is a dermatologists' society recommending its own members, so weigh it accordingly. It also says people with skin of color can have a peel, but should see a dermatologist with expertise in peeling darker skin, because without it they can develop permanent pigment problems.¹

Which licensed professionals may do a peel depends on your state. See our guide to who may inject.

Here is what to bring to a consultation.

Common questions

Not sure where to start?

Look at clinics in your state, or read what to ask first.

• Find a clinic near you
• Questions to ask before you book