Skin treatments: treatment guide
Chemical peels: types, what to expect, side effects and cost
What is a chemical peel?
A chemical peel uses a chemical solution to improve the texture and tone of the skin by removing the damaged outer layers.[5] It is used mostly on the face, but also on the neck and hands.[5][4] Peels come in light, medium and deep strengths, and the deeper the peel, the longer the healing time.[4][2]
Chemical peel quick facts
| What it is | A chemical solution applied to the skin that removes damaged outer layers. Also called chemexfoliation or derma peeling[5][1] |
|---|---|
| Peel depths | Light (also called refreshing or lunchtime), medium and deep[4][2] |
| Common uses | Fine lines, sun damage, age spots, freckles, uneven skin tone, melasma, rough skin and some types of acne[1] |
| Where on the body | Most often the face, neck or hands; dermatologists also treat the chest[4][1] |
| Healing time | From 1 to 7 days for a light peel to 14 to 21 days for a deep peel[2] |
| Number of sessions | Light peels: often 3 to 5, repeated every 2 to 5 weeks. A deep peel can be done only once[2] |
| Where it is done | In a doctor's office or a surgery center, as an outpatient procedure. A deep peel needs general anesthesia and a surgical setting[4][2] |
| Cost | Varies by clinic and area. Depends on the provider's expertise, the type of peel, the time it takes and the location.[6] |
| Insurance | Cosmetic chemical peels are usually not covered[1][4] |
How a chemical peel works
A chemical solution is applied to the skin and causes a controlled injury to its layers. The damaged layers then peel off, and the new skin underneath is usually smoother, with fewer lines and a more even, brighter tone.[4]
Different chemicals reach different depths. Solutions commonly used include glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid and carbolic acid (phenol). The choice depends on your goal and is made with your dermatologist.[4]
Light, medium and deep peels
- Light peel. Removes the outermost layer of skin and gives subtle improvement over time, often in a series. It may suit fine wrinkling, acne, uneven color or dry, rough, sun-damaged skin.[4]
- Medium peel. Removes the outer layer and the upper part of the middle layer of skin. It may suit moderate discoloration, age spots, acne scarring or fine to moderate wrinkles.[4]
- Deep peel. Reaches the lower middle layer of skin and gives the most dramatic results, with the longest recovery. It may suit moderate lines and wrinkles, extensive sun damage, deep acne scars, blotchy skin or precancerous growths called actinic keratoses.[4]
What a chemical peel cannot do
Chemical peels do not treat deep facial lines, do not significantly tighten loose or sagging skin and do not remove deep scars.[5] For sagging, deep scars or severe wrinkles, other options may be better choices.[4] See our guides to CO2 laser resurfacing and dermal fillers.
The results you see depend largely on the skill of the person doing the peel, which is why seeing a dermatologist or dermatologic surgeon is advised.[2]
What to expect from a chemical peel
Before the peel
A consultation comes first. Some people follow a pre-peel skin care plan for 2 to 4 weeks to improve results and reduce side effects.[2] Preparing the skin before a peel is considered essential.[4]
Common instructions before a peel include:[4]
- Avoid tanning and protect your skin from the sun before each treatment[4]
- Ask your doctor whether to stop products containing retinoids, such as tretinoin, before the peel[4]
- If you have had cold sores, start any prescribed antiviral medicine before the peel as your doctor directs[4]
- Make sure the area is free of open sores, lesions or skin infections[4]
Tell your dermatologist if you take or have ever taken isotretinoin, about all medicines (including aspirin and acne medicines), herbs and supplements, past surgeries and cosmetic treatments, and whether you get cold sores or scar easily.[3]
During the peel
Your skin is cleansed thoroughly and your hair is pulled back. The solution is applied, and you may feel burning or stinging; a cooling fan can ease it. The chemical is then washed off or neutralized.[4] With a deep peel you receive general anesthesia, and the skin is treated one small section at a time.[2]
Recovery by peel depth
- Light peel: healing takes 1 to 7 days. Skin is red, and scaling may follow for 3 to 7 days. Makeup is usually fine right away or the next day.[2]
- Medium peel: healing takes 7 to 14 days. Skin is red and swollen, swelling worsens for 48 hours, blisters can form, and skin crusts and peels. Camouflaging makeup after 5 to 7 days.[2]
- Deep peel: healing takes 14 to 21 days, the area is bandaged, and recovery at home takes 2 to 3 weeks. Makeup only after at least 14 days.[2]
You see results once your skin heals.[2] Most results are not permanent, because skin continues to age.[2]
Side effects and who should avoid a chemical peel
Possible side effects
When a doctor experienced with chemical peels does the treatment, side effects tend to be mild. Some people develop:[2]
- Persistent redness that may last for months[2]
- Temporary darkening of the skin[2]
- Lighter skin color, after medium and deep peels[2]
- Scarring, which is very rare when a dermatologist does the peel[2]
- Reactivation of cold sores in people with a history of herpes outbreaks; your dermatologist can prescribe medicine to lower the chance[4]
- Infection, which is rare but possible[4]
A tendency toward skin darkening after irritation may raise the risk of abnormal pigmentation.[4] The risk of infection or scarring rises sharply if you do not protect your skin from the sun, do not care for the wound as instructed, scratch or pick the skin, wear makeup before healing, or use a tanning bed.[2]
Who may not be a good candidate
Chemical peeling may not be recommended if you:[4]
- Have a history of abnormal scarring or keloids[4]
- Tend to develop dark marks after skin injury or inflammation[4]
- Have skin conditions or take medicines that make your skin more sensitive[4]
- Cannot stay out of the sun during the healing period[4]
Darker skin tones
Superficial peels can generally be used on all skin types, but darker skin has a greater risk of darkening after treatment (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation).[4] People with skin of color can safely have a chemical peel, but should see a dermatologist with expertise in treating darker skin tones; without it, permanent pigment problems can develop.[2]
At-home peels
Some chemical peels sold for home use have caused serious injuries, and the FDA advises buying and using a chemical peel only under the supervision of a licensed, trained provider such as a dermatologist.[1]
Chemical peel aftercare
Every peel done by a dermatologist needs some care at home. What that involves depends on the depth of the peel.[2]
- Light peel: apply lotion or cream until the skin heals, then use sunscreen daily[2]
- Medium peel: daily soaks with ointment after each, an antiviral medicine for 10 to 14 days, and total sun avoidance until healed[2]
- Deep peel: 4 to 6 daily soaks with ointment for 14 days, then a thick moisturizer, an antiviral medicine for 10 to 14 days, and total sun avoidance for 3 to 6 months[2]
- Use moisturizer as directed: if treated skin dries and cracks, it can scar[2]
- Do not rub or scratch treated skin, which can cause infection[2]
- Protect your skin from the sun while it heals[4]
- After your skin heals, apply sunscreen every day[2]
- If your skin burns, itches or swells, contact your doctor[2]
Light vs medium vs deep chemical peel
The depth of a peel changes what it can treat, how long recovery takes and how often it can be repeated.[4][2]
Swipe sideways to see all three peel depths.
| Light peel | Medium peel | Deep peel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How deep it goes | Outermost layer of skin[4] | Outer layer and upper part of the middle layer[4] | Down to the lower middle layer[4] |
| May suit | Fine wrinkling, acne, uneven color, dry rough sun-damaged skin[4] | Moderate discoloration, age spots, acne scarring, fine to moderate wrinkles[4] | Moderate lines and wrinkles, extensive sun damage, deep acne scars, actinic keratoses[4] |
| Downtime | Little to no downtime[4] | Some downtime; recovery may take a week or more[4] | Significant downtime, with 2 to 3 weeks of recovery at home[4][2] |
| Healing time | 1 to 7 days[2] | 7 to 14 days[2] | 14 to 21 days[2] |
| Makeup | Usually right away or the next day[2] | Camouflaging makeup after 5 to 7 days[2] | After at least 14 days[2] |
| Repeating it | Often 3 to 5 peels, every 2 to 5 weeks[2] | May be repeated at 6 to 12 month intervals if needed[4] | Only once on the face[4][2] |
Chemical peels are one of several ways to resurface skin. Lasers such as Fraxel and erbium resurfacing, and microneedling, are other options a provider may discuss.
Which peel, if any, suits your skin is a decision to make with a licensed provider.
Frequently asked questions about chemical peels
What does a chemical peel treat?
Dermatologists use chemical peels for some types of acne, age spots, discoloration and uneven skin tone, dull complexion, fine lines (especially under the eyes and around the mouth), freckles, melasma, rough skin and sun-damaged skin.[1]
Does a chemical peel hurt?
During the peel you may feel a warm to somewhat hot sensation for a few minutes, followed by stinging. A cool compress can ease the sting. For a deep peel you are put to sleep with general anesthesia.[4]
How long does it take to heal?
Healing ranges from 1 to 7 days for a light peel, 7 to 14 days for a medium peel and 14 to 21 days for a deep peel.[2]
When will I see results?
You see the results once your skin heals. To get the results you want from a light peel, you may need 3 to 5 peels.[2]
How long do results last?
Most results are not permanent, because skin continues to age. If you have a lot of sun damage or precancerous growths called actinic keratoses, new spots and growths are likely to keep appearing.[2]
How often can I have a chemical peel?
Light 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.[2]
Can people with darker skin get a chemical peel?
Yes, but with care. Darker skin carries a greater risk of darkening after a peel.[4] See a dermatologist with expertise in using chemical peels on darker skin tones to avoid permanent pigment problems.[2]
Can I do a chemical peel at home?
Some peels sold for home use have caused serious injuries. The FDA advises buying and using a chemical peel only under the supervision of a licensed, trained provider such as a dermatologist.[1]
What should I ask at my consultation?
Ask whether a board-certified dermatologist will do the peel, how many peels the doctor has done on people with your skin coloring, what to do before and after, what results to expect, the possible side effects, whether you have a higher risk of complications, the downtime, whether you can see before-and-after photos, and the cost.[3] See also how to choose a provider.
SkinSync AI: Aesthetic Care
Find a clinic and book a consultation in the SkinSync AI app.
Chemical peel is not part of the SkinSync AI simulator. In the app you can see simulations of neurotoxin and dermal filler treatments today (laser and energy-based treatments are coming soon), find participating clinics and providers with their availability and pricing, and book a consultation.
Treatments you can simulate today:
- Neurotoxins (Botox)
- Dermal fillers
- Scan your face and see an illustrative neurotoxin or filler simulation from the front and both sides
- Find participating clinics and providers, with availability and pricing
- Book a consultation, in person or virtual, or a treatment in the app
- Save your scans and get reminders and aftercare guidance
Simulations are illustrative and do not predict results. The app does not give medical advice; a licensed provider determines appropriate treatment.
Sources
Every medical fact on this page is linked to one of these sources. Reviewed October 30, 2026.
- American Academy of Dermatology: Chemical peels, overview
- American Academy of Dermatology: Chemical peels, FAQs
- American Academy of Dermatology: Chemical peels, preparation
- The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology: A Practical Approach to Chemical Peels: A Review of Fundamentals and Step-by-step Algorithmic Protocol for Treatment (2018); Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology: Standard guidelines of care for chemical peels (2008)
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons: Chemical peel
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons: Chemical peel cost
Related guides
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