Chemical peel near me, choosing the right depth

What a chemical peel is

A chemical peel is a solution applied to the skin that loosens and removes cells at a chosen depth. As the skin heals, new cells replace them, which can improve tone, texture and the look of fine lines. The depth of the peel matters more than anything else, because it decides both the results and the recovery.

The three depths

• Light peels. Often made with alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic or lactic acid, or beta hydroxy acids such as salicylic acid. They refresh the surface with little downtime and are often done as a series.
• Medium peels. Commonly made with trichloroacetic acid. They reach deeper, help with sun damage, uneven pigment and some fine lines, and bring several days of peeling.
• Deep peels. Reach the deepest layers and are done in a medical setting with careful preparation. Recovery is long, and they are chosen for specific concerns.

Rules on who can perform which depth differ by state. Light peels are often offered by licensed estheticians, while medium and deep peels are performed by licensed medical professionals.

What people use it for

• Dullness and uneven texture
• Sun spots and uneven pigment
• Fine lines around the eyes and mouth
• Some types of acne and mild acne scarring

Comparing options? Read microneedling vs chemical peel and the microneedling guide.

How the appointment usually goes

A consultation comes first. The provider looks at your skin type, your concern, your history with sun and pigment, and the products you use. Some peels need a short preparation period with specific skincare beforehand.

On the day, the skin is cleansed and the solution is applied for a timed period. Many people feel warmth, tingling or stinging, which increases with depth. The provider then neutralizes or removes the solution and applies a soothing product and sun protection.

Session length and how many sessions

A light peel often takes 20 to 45 minutes. Light peels are commonly done as a series of several sessions a few weeks apart. Medium peels take a little longer and are repeated less often, sometimes months apart. A deep peel is a longer procedure that is usually done once.

Recovery and aftercare in general terms

Recovery follows depth. After a light peel, many people have mild redness and light flaking for a few days. After a medium peel, skin often tightens, darkens and peels over about a week. Deep peels involve a much longer healing period with close follow-up from the provider.

Providers usually ask you not to pick or pull at peeling skin, to keep skincare gentle and to protect the skin carefully from sun, since new skin is more sensitive. Follow the instructions your own provider gives. Read chemical peel recovery stages for a day-by-day picture.

How long results usually last

Light peels give a refreshed look that many people maintain with regular sessions. Medium peels can improve pigment and texture for longer, often many months. Deep peels can bring longer-lasting change. In every case, sun exposure and aging continue, and results vary from person to person. Daily sun protection makes a large difference to how long improvements hold.

Reasons a provider may say no or ask you to wait

A careful provider screens before treating and may decline or suggest waiting in cases such as:

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Recent sun exposure, a sunburn or a fresh tan
• An active skin infection, rash, cold sore or open wound in the area
• Certain medications, such as recent isotretinoin
• A history of keloid scarring or of dark marks after skin injury
• Active eczema, psoriasis or rosacea flares in the area

Ask a licensed provider.

What it costs

Price varies by clinic, ask for a quote. The depth of the peel has the biggest effect on price.

What moves the price

• Light, medium or deep peel
• The acid and brand used
• The number of sessions in your plan
• Preparation and aftercare products
• The provider's training
• Your city

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons publishes national average fees each year in its procedural statistics report, and those averages exclude facility costs. Read the full chemical peel cost guide.

Questions to ask at the consultation

• Who will perform my peel, and what is their license and training?
• Which depth and which acid do you recommend for my skin, and why?
• Is this peel suited to my skin tone?
• Do I need to prepare my skin beforehand?
• How many days of peeling should I plan for?
• How many sessions will I need?
• What aftercare products are included?

Find a chemical peel near you

Search the directory for chemical peels to see clinics and med spas near you that list them, then request an appointment in a few steps. You can also browse every med spa near me by city.

Chemical peel questions