Types Of Chemical Peels – Complete Guide
Exfoliation is an essential step in any skincare routine. It allows new cells to come to the surface and create a radiant glow.
Exfoliating can improve your skin’s texture, elasticity, and even combat signs of aging or reduce dark spots.
Physical exfoliation is the most popular form of exfoliation at home because it typically uses microbeads in a scrub to slough dead skin cells from the surface.
This form of exfoliation may not be as effective as chemical exfoliants or chemical peels.
Chemical peels are a professional procedure performed by a licensed esthetician or dermatologist.
While you can use over-the-counter chemical exfoliants at home, you still risk damaging your skin if you don’t follow a supportive skincare routine.
Chemical peels can treat various skin concerns, such as acne, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles.
There is a chemical peel for almost every skin type, with varying levels of intensity to suit your needs.
So what are the types of chemical peels?
There are three main types of chemical peels, categorized by intensity, that each use a chemical exfoliant to treat the skin. It’s always best to consult with a dermatologist to find the best peel for you.
If you want to understand everything there is to know about chemical peels and the benefits they offer, keep reading!
What Is A Chemical Peel?
Chemical peels are exfoliating services often provided in skincare clinics, spas, or doctors’ offices.
They use a chemical solution or exfoliant to remove dead skin cells, bringing new cells to the skin’s surface to treat various skin concerns.
For example, chemical peels are used to combat signs of aging or treat acne and discoloration. There are three types of chemical peels, each with its own intensity.
These peels are performed by a licensed dermatologist or skin care specialist and executed in a professional setting.
These skincare pros will identify which chemical peel and solution will work the best for you.
Chemical peels can be highly intense, and it’s crucial to follow a supportive skincare routine before and after a chemical peel.
Types Of Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are grouped into three categories: light/superficial, medium, and deep.
The most common peels are light peels because they aren’t as invasive as the other peels and can be performed on almost any skin type.
Medium and deep peels can be a little more aggressive because they treat past the outermost layer of the skin and usually require downtime or recovery.
Because these peels are more extreme, your provider will guide you through proper preparation and aftercare.
Light/Superficial Peels
Light peels have many names. They’re also known as superficial peels or lunchtime peels because they usually require little to no recovery.
They are the most familiar or popular type of peel because they only remove skin from the outermost layer.
Also, light peels can be repeated over time to achieve results. Your licensed skin specialist or dermatologist will determine how often you get a chemical peel.
You’ll need to follow up with a supportive aftercare routine.
Process
What kind of chemical solution is used in a light peel? Again, it will depend on your provider and your skin’s needs.
However, mild exfoliating solutions are used during a light peel. As mentioned earlier, it requires little to no downtime and is less harsh than medium- or deep-peels.
You’ll notice that Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) are commonly used in light peels.
These chemical exfoliants are available over the counter in serums and are produced by many skincare brands.
Pros & Cons
Light peels can combat signs of aging after a few sessions.
In addition, light peels can treat mild signs of aging, such as fine lines, minimal discoloration, and other skin issues.
Also, light peels can regulate oil production or treat mild forms of acne.
Other superficial peels can be paired with a retinoid acid to penetrate deeper. However, this is something to discuss with your provider, who can analyze your skin’s needs in person.
Downtime
We’ve mentioned that a light peel has little to no recovery or downtime.
Usually, it takes anywhere from a few hours to seven days for your skin to return to its normal state. There are no follow-up visits, and you can care for your skin at home after the service.
However, it’s mandatory to apply sunscreen daily because chemical peels make your skin more susceptible to the sun, and unprotected exposure can worsen your concerns.
Medium Peels
Medium peels are more intense than light peels because they exfoliate the skin beyond its outermost layer.
In addition, medium peels are most often used for more severe cases of aging, acne, discoloration, or sun damage.
Medium peels will also require a recovery period, and you may notice symptoms like swelling or redness.
In addition, your provider may even prescribe specific creams to aid the healing process. Medium peels aren’t repeated as often as light peels.
Process
According to Healthline, “medium peels use trichloroacetic or glycolic acid to reach the middle and outer layer of skin. This makes it more effective for removing damaged skin cells.”
Typically, this chemical solution will sit for a few minutes before removal.
Medium peels exfoliate deeper than light peels, typically reaching the upper portion of the middle layer.
Medium peels are ideal for discoloration, wrinkles, scarring, or age spots that are settled deeper into the skin.
Pros & Cons
Medium peels are great to treat extremely uneven skin tones or moderate sun damage. In addition, they can target deep wrinkles or acne scarring.
However, there will be a recovery period, and you may need to avoid the sun at all costs during this time.
Downtime
The average recovery period for a medium peel is one to two weeks. In addition, you’ll most likely have stricter aftercare instructions or topical creams to aid the healing process.
Your provider might even recommend a follow-up appointment.
Deep Peels
Deep peels are the most intense and invasive chemical peels, and they are usually only performed once.
In addition, some deep peels may require sedation and an extensive healing process.
Deep peels address the same concerns as medium or light peels, but for more severe cases.
Process
Healthline States that “deep peels fully penetrate the middle layer of the skin to remove damaged skin cells; these peels often use phenol or trichloroacetic acid.”
The Cleveland Clinic claims deep peels are best “if you have moderate lines and wrinkles, extensive sun-damaged skin, deep acne scars, blotchy skin, and/or precancerous growths called actinic keratosis.”
Pros & Cons
A deep peel is not to be messed with and can be much more serious than medium or light peels. Deep peels can treat extreme cases of aging, scarring, discoloration, and actinic keratosis.
However, it may take months of aftercare to fully heal from this peel.
Downtime
The AAD Chemical Peels FAQ States the “healing time is 14-21 days, and the area will be bandaged…total sun avoidance for 3-6 months…several follow-up visits are required during the first week.”
Deep peels will require a rigorous recovery period because they treat severe skin issues.
Benefits Of Chemical Peels
Chemical peels can help improve skin texture more effectively than at-home products.
In addition, they offer numerous benefits that create a youthful, radiant, and even skin tone.
We touched earlier that it can treat aging and acne.
You’ll notice a brighter and smoother complexion and fewer fine lines.
In addition, chemical peels can be used to treat melasma, freckles, age spots, rough or sun-damaged skin, acne, and signs of aging.
Chemical peels can also promote a healthy skin barrier, boost radiance, and improve elasticity. However, your results will also depend on your aftercare regimen.
Side Effects Of Chemical Peels
Like any cosmetic service, chemical peels do have risks.
Minor side effects include redness, swelling, or dryness. These side effects can be minimized or treated by applying SPF daily.
In addition, sunscreen will ensure you get the most benefit from your peel.
However, more serious side effects include scarring or changes in skin tone (darkening or lightening).
In addition, any chemical peel can make you more susceptible to the sun, aggravating these side effects.
Which Chemical Peel Is Right For You?
How do you know which chemical peel will suit you the best? The best way to find out is to consult a dermatologist or a licensed skin specialist.
These professionals should be the only people performing chemical peels. Also, applying a peel can hinder the results.
Consultations are crucial before a chemical peel, as your doctor should assess your needs and the current state of your skin.
Multiple factors, such as acne, aging, skin type, skin tone, and more, can determine which peel suits you best.
Skin Type & Needs
Consultations are important because they can help rule out the best chemical peel for you.
For example, if you have minor signs of aging or dry skin, you could benefit from a light AHA peel.
However, if you have acne or scarring, you may opt for a light BHA peel.
In addition, if you and your doctor decide your skin concerns are more severe, they may even offer a medium peel to exfoliate past the skin’s outermost layer.
Skintone
Chemical peels can enhance your skin tone, but results vary from person to person.
Dark complexions may be at risk for discoloration, lightening, or scarring from a chemical peel.
This is another reason why it’s crucial to consult with a dermatologist.
In addition, we mentioned that scarring could also be a side effect of chemical peels.
Therefore, it’s essential to consider your skin tone when choosing the right chemical peel to achieve a radiant, even complexion.
How Often Can You Get A Chemical Peel?
How often you get a chemical peel will determine which type you want or how often it is recommended by your provider.
In addition, light, medium, and deep peels have varying recovery times and procedures that affect how frequently they’re performed.
Light peels are the most gentle and popular type of chemical peel.
Because light or superficial peels only affect the outermost layer of the skin, they can be repeated regularly.
Also, you will need multiple sessions to see results from a light peel.
Medium and Deep peels are usually performed when needed. However, they are more invasive than a light peel.
Deep peels are only performed once. In addition, these peels have a longer recovery and healing process.
When Do You See Results?
Your results are dependent on numerous factors. For example, the type of peel you get, your skincare routine, your provider, and your aftercare regimen can all affect your outcome.
In addition, it can depend on how often you receive a chemical peel.
With superficial peels, you can typically notice results after 3–5 sessions.
Depending on your doctor’s recommendations, these sessions can be scheduled weeks or a month apart. Medium and deep peels will take longer to see results.
Who Should Avoid Chemical Peels?
According to the Mayo Clinic, “a chemical peel isn’t for everyone. Your doctor might caution against a chemical peel if you have taken oral acne medication, a history of ridged areas caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue, or have frequent outbreaks of cold sores.”
If you’re a person of color, you can still benefit from a chemical peel.
However, it’s crucial to work with an experienced dermatologist who understands how to prevent pigmentation concerns or side effects that may arise after a chemical peel.
How To Prepare For A Chemical Peel
Most people know that aftercare is crucial after a chemical peel. However, your skin preparation before a chemical peel is also essential.
In most cases, your dermatologist or licensed skin specialist will advise you on the proper routine to follow before a chemical peel.
According to Healthline, “your doctor may recommend that you take an antiviral medication, use a retinoid cream, stop using depilatory hair removal products, and facial scrubs a week before the peel.”
Of course, these are just general guidelines, but your dermatologist will tailor the steps for your chemical peel journey.
Aftercare
Aftercare is a necessary part of a chemical peel because to see results, you’ll need to maintain your skin long after your treatment.
Chemical peels typically don’t provide long-lasting results, and we’ll need to get a light peel regularly to maintain them.
However, it would help if you had a consistent and supportive skin regimen after a chemical peel to preserve your skin and results.
In addition, doctors may prescribe a special cream to aid the healing process or even create a comprehensive skincare routine.
You’ll want to avoid picking, peeling, or squeezing the skin after your peel. In addition, sunscreen must be applied daily.
Not only is your skin more susceptible to the sun after a peel, but it can also hinder your results and make signs of aging or acne more pronounced.
Final Thoughts
While chemical peels offer numerous benefits for the skin, they also carry risks.
Light peels are performed regularly to combat signs of aging or acne, while medium or deep peels target more severe skin conditions.
If you’re looking to find out if you can benefit from a chemical peel, contact a dermatologist or licensed skin professional for a consultation.
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