Chemical peels: what they are, what ASDS says, what to ask

MedSpaGrades editorial teamUpdated 22 Oct 20261 source checkedHow we write

A chemical peel is a treatment in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin to make the top layers peel off. This page says what the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), a society of dermatologists who do surgery, says about it. It does not say whether you should have one.

What it is

ASDS describes a chemical peel as a technique used to improve the appearance of the skin on the face, neck or hands. A chemical solution is applied that causes the skin to exfoliate and eventually peel off. ASDS says the new, regenerated skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin, and that new skin is also temporarily more sensitive to the sun.

The three depths

ASDS describes three basic types.

A superficial peel, also called a lunchtime peel, uses an alpha-hydroxy acid or another mild acid to penetrate only the outer layer of skin. ASDS says it is used for mild skin discoloration and rough skin, and to refresh the face, neck, chest or hands.

A medium peel uses glycolic or trichloroacetic acid to reach the outer and middle layers. ASDS says it is used for age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, freckles and moderate discoloration, and can treat some precancerous growths.

A deep peel uses trichloroacetic acid or phenol to reach the middle layer. ASDS says it removes moderate lines, age spots, freckles and shallow scars, that it is used on the face, and that it can only be performed once.

How long it takes to heal

ASDS says all peels need some follow-up care and gives these healing times. Superficial peels take one to seven days: the skin will be red and may scale, and makeup can usually be worn the next day. Medium peels take seven to 14 days: the skin is red and swollen, swelling worsens for the first 48 hours, eyelids may swell shut, blisters may form, and the skin crusts and peels. Deep peels take 14 to 21 days: the area is bandaged, and ASDS says several follow-up visits are needed.

Risks

ASDS says sun exposure and smoking after a chemical peel must be avoided because they can cause side effects, including infection and scarring. It lists a temporary or permanent change in skin color as a risk, particularly for women on birth control pills, women who become pregnant afterward, and people with a history of brownish facial discoloration. ASDS says a thorough evaluation by a dermatologic surgeon is imperative before a chemical peel.

For the medium and deep peels ASDS describes antiviral medicine taken for 10 to 14 days, and avoiding all sun until healing is complete (for deep peels, for three to six months). Those are ASDS's descriptions of care, not instructions for you. Your provider will tell you what applies.

What we did not find

We did not find a government source, such as the FDA, on chemical peels for this page, and the American Academy of Dermatology page we tried returned an error. So this page rests on one professional society. Treat it as a starting point, and ask your provider for the written information that comes with the specific peel.

Who does it

ASDS says to have a thorough evaluation by a dermatologic surgeon first. Which licensed professionals may perform each depth of peel depends on the state. See our guide to who may inject for how to check, and chemical peel vs microneedling.

What it costs

We do not give prices on this page.