Cosmetic Procedures
Chemical Peeling

Other Uses: A chemical peel may be applied after a laser treatment to diminish lines that show where the laser treatment stopped.

Chemical peeling also is popular with younger people. Some people in their 20s and 30s opt for a mild chemical peel to prevent signs of aging from appearing too early. Acne sufferers may find that chemical peeling helps keep their skin clear.

When See Results from a Chemical Peel
Once the skin heals, the effects of the peel will be seen. This ranges from 1 day of healing for a superficial peel to 14 days or more for a deep peel.

Effectiveness
Chemical peels effectively remove damage in the top and middle layers of the skin. Depending on the depth of the peel, a peel can remove wrinkles, age spots, and freckles. Some can diminish mild scarring, improve skin tone, eliminate blotchiness, and clear acne. Most results are not permanent. When a superficial peel is recommended, about 3 to 5 peels are needed to see the desired results.

Possible Side Effects
Chemical peels have been used for more than 50 years and have an excellent safety record. Persistent redness that may last for months is possible. Some people with darker skin may see temporary darkening of the skin following a peel. The risk of scarring is low in the hands of a dermatologist who has performed numerous chemical peels.

Probably the greatest risk of side effects comes from not following your dermatologist’s instructions. Sun exposure, forgetting to care for the wound, scratching the treated skin, and using makeup before the skin heals can cause unwanted side effects ranging from infection to scarring. If you have any questions, be sure to ask.

How Long Results Last
The results are not permanent, as a chemical peel cannot stop the skin from continuing to age. Because sun exposure accelerates signs of aging, protecting the skin from sun exposure will lengthen the amount of time that the results are seen. Protecting the skin from the sun also can prevent some signs of aging from re-appearing such as blotchy skin and dark patches.

Related Links
10 Questions to Ask Before a Cosmetic Procedure
Chemical Peeling (AAD pamphlet)
The Lunchtime Peel: What It Can Do for You

References:
Bernstein EF. “Chemical Peels.” In: Kaminer MS, Dover JS, Arndt KA, editors. Atlas of Cosmetic Surgery. United States of America, W. B. Saunders Company; 2002. p. 311-27.

Hirsch RJ. “Chemical Peels.” In: Sadick N, Lawrence N, Moy R, et al. Concise Manual of Dermatologic Surgery. China, McGraw-Hill Companies; 2008. p. 31-6.

Monheit GD and Chastain MA. “Chemical and Mechanical Skin Resurfacing.” In: Bolognia JL, Jorizzo JL, Rapini RP et al, editors. Dermatology. 2^nd edition. Spain, Mosby Elsevier; 2008. p. 2313-27.

Tanzi EL and Alster TS. “Skin Resurfacing: Ablative Lasers, Chemical Peels, and Dermabrasion.” In: Wolff K, Goldsmith LA, Katz SI et al, editors. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine. 7^th edition. United States of America, McGraw Hill Medical; 2008. p. 2369-70.