A chemical peel is a body treatment technique used to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin using a chemical solution that causes the dead skin to slough off and eventually peel off over 1 to 14 days, depending on how deeply the chemical penetrated the skin. This procedure destroys parts of the skin in a controlled way so that new skin can grow in its place. The regenerated skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin. Thus the term chemical peel is derived.

Some types of chemical peels can be purchased and administered without a medical license, however we strongly advise you to seek professional help from a dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or otolaryngologist on a specific type of chemical peel before a procedure is performed.

The types of chemical peels differ based on how deeply the chemical penetrates and what type of chemical solution is used. Factors that may affect the depth of a peel include the acid concentration in the peeling agent, the number of coats that are applied, and the amount of time allowed before the acid is neutralized. Deeper peels result in more dramatic effects as well as higher risks, increased pain, and longer healing time. There are three basic types of peels:

• Superficial peels are the mildest type of chemical peel and can be used on all skin types. Superficial peels usually use liquid containing a mild (dilute) acid, most often glycolic acid. Dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) is sometimes used.

• Medium peels penetrate the skin more deeply than superficial peels and cause a second-degree burn of the skin. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is the main peeling agent used for medium peels, though the peel may also be done in several steps using a different chemical solution followed by TCA.

• Deep peels penetrate several layers of skin and cause a second-degree burn of the skin. They are used only on the face. A chemical called phenol is usually used for a deep peel. Deep peels may not be used on darker skin types because they tend to bleach the skin (hypopigmentation). Even in lighter-skinned people, phenol peels-or any type of deep resurfacing-may bleach the skin. A deep peel can be done only once in most cases.

Superficial chemical peels peels are usually done in dermatologists’ or plastic surgeons' offices. There is minimal discomfort so usually no anesthetic is given because the patient feels only a slight stinging when the solution is applied. If a patient were to request something for pain, an oral pain pill like Tylenol with codeine would be appropriate.

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