A chemical peel is a procedure in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin to remove the top layers.
A chemical peel is a procedure in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin to remove the top layers. The skin that grows back is smoother. With a light or medium peel, you may need to undergo the procedure more than once to get the desired results.
Chemical peels are used to treat wrinkles, discolored skin and scars — usually on the face. They can be done alone or combined with other cosmetic procedures. And they can be done at different depths, from light to deep. Deeper chemical peels offer more-dramatic results but also take longer to recover from.
After a chemical peel, treated skin will be red, dry and mildly irritated — although these effects might be less noticeable with each repeat treatment. You can usually wear makeup the next day if you wish.
Results
A chemical peel improves skin texture and tone and lessens the appearance of fine wrinkles. The results are subtle but increase with repeated treatments. Results may not be permanent. Over time, age and new sun damage can lead to new lines and skin color changes.