Chemical Exfoliation · Resurfacing

Chemical Peel

How this page was made
This page was written with AI assistance and reviewed against the sources listed under References below. It is general information only, not medical advice. See our full disclaimer for how SHEA creates and reviews treatment information.
01

What it is

Chemical peeling involves applying a chemical agent to the skin to create controlled injury at a selected depth. Chemical peels are generally classified as superficial, medium, or deep according to how deeply they affect the skin.

Different peeling agents and concentrations are used depending on the treatment. Commonly described agents include glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, and trichloroacetic acid (TCA).

Peel depth matters. Deeper peels affect deeper tissue and are associated with longer healing times and greater potential for complications.

02

Why people consider it

  • Chemical peels are used for a range of concerns including acne, pigmentation changes, photodamage, and changes in skin texture
  • The type and depth of peel used depend on the skin concern being treated and other individual factors
03

What the experience is like

The experience varies substantially according to the peeling agent, concentration, and depth of treatment.

Superficial peels affect the outer layers of the skin and generally involve less healing time. Medium and deep peels affect deeper tissue and involve progressively more recovery.

04

Limitations & considerations

  • Potential complications increase as peel depth increases
  • Changes in pigmentation, including post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, are an important consideration with chemical peeling
  • Darker skin types have a greater tendency toward post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, making the choice of peeling agent and depth particularly important
  • Current oral isotretinoin use should be disclosed before any chemical peel; recent isotretinoin use is also an important consideration when medium or deep peels are being considered
  • An active infection in the treatment area is a reason to postpone treatment
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding should be discussed with the treating clinician, particularly when a medium or deep peel is being considered
  • A history of cold sores should be disclosed before treatment because chemical peeling can be associated with herpes simplex reactivation
  • Sun protection and limiting direct sun exposure are particularly important before and after treatment
  • The appropriate peeling agent, concentration, and depth depend on the individual treatment plan
Evidence note
Chemical peeling has been studied for multiple skin conditions using different peeling agents and treatment depths. The clinical review cited below describes superficial, medium, and deep peels and emphasizes that both expected effects and potential complications vary with peel depth. A separate review focused specifically on melasma in darker skin types, where post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is an important consideration. That review discusses published evidence for several peeling agents, including glycolic and lactic acid. A current clinical reference covers contraindications and precautions, including active infection, isotretinoin use, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and post-treatment sun care. These findings should not be treated as evidence that every chemical peel is equally appropriate for every skin type or concern.

References

Peer-reviewed literature and a current clinical reference.

1. Rendon MI, Berson DS, Cohen JL, Roberts WE, Starker I, Wang B. Evidence and considerations in the application of chemical peels in skin disorders and aesthetic resurfacing. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2010;3(7):32–43.
Peer-reviewed · Clinical review · Industry-supported educational grant · COI disclosed
2. Sarkar R, Bansal S, Garg VK. Chemical peels for melasma in dark-skinned patients. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, 2012;5(4):247–253.
Peer-reviewed · Review · Darker skin types
3. Samargandy S, Raggio BS. Chemical Peels for Skin Resurfacing. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; updated 2025.
Clinical reference · Updated review · Contraindications & precautions
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