Chemical peels
Chemical peels: Compare providers from our network
A chemical peel removes damaged outer layers of skin to improve tone and texture. The deeper the peel, the bigger the change and the longer the recovery.
Our network
Chemical peels providers from Adoreal's partner network.
Malmö · Sweden
Reformkliniken
Gentle peels without heavy flaking, the ZO Stimulator Peel and PRX-T33, on their own or combined with microneedling.
Malmö · Sweden
Reformkliniken
Gentle peels without heavy flaking, the ZO Stimulator Peel and PRX-T33, on their own or combined with microneedling.
Ready to see who performs chemical peels near you?
Compare ProvidersDecision support
How to choose a chemical peel provider
Board certification is the starting point. The details below are worth weighing carefully when you're choosing the provider who's right for your goals.
Here's what to look for before you decide:
The depth should match the concern, and the person should match the depth.
Light peels are commonly applied by trained nurses or aestheticians. Medium and deep peels involve more risk and are often performed by a doctor or surgeon. Ask who will apply yours.
Your skin tone should shape the choice.
Deeper skin tones carry a higher risk of dark patches, and deep peels may not be suitable at all. A provider who adjusts the formula, preps your skin and explains why is working safely.
Expect questions about your history.
Cold sores, keloids, recent isotretinoin and, for deep peels, heart conditions all change what is safe. A provider who asks before recommending a peel is doing the job properly.
Ask how your skin will be prepared.
Deeper peels usually involve a pre-treatment routine, sometimes for weeks. Preparation helps the peel work evenly and reduces the risk of pigment problems.
Get honest numbers on downtime.
From none for a light peel to about two weeks off work after a deep peel, with redness that can last months. A provider who tells you plainly lets you plan around it.
Before your consultation, prepare this question
“Which peel depth do you recommend for my skin, who will apply it, and what downtime should I plan for?”
Depth decides both result and risk. A provider who matches it to your skin tone and history, not just your goal, is working safely.
Find a Chemical Peels ProviderAbout the treatment
About chemical peels
A chemical peel uses a medical-grade acid solution to remove damaged outer layers of skin. As the treated layer sheds, fresher skin comes through, and the deeper peels also stimulate new collagen.
How it works
Peels come in three depths. Light peels use milder acids such as glycolic, lactic or salicylic acid and treat only the surface. Medium peels, often with trichloroacetic acid (TCA), reach the upper part of the dermis. Deep peels, usually with phenol, go furthest and need the most recovery. Some modern light peels are designed to work without visible peeling.
Peels are used mostly on the face, but also on the neck and hands, for uneven pigmentation, sun damage, fine lines, rough texture, acne and some acne scars.
What to expect from results
What you can expect depends on the depth of the peel:
- Light peels: a subtle glow that builds with repeat treatments, lasting several months
- Medium peels: noticeably smoother, fresher skin, with improvement in pigmentation, fine lines and mild acne scarring
- Deep peels: dramatic results on deeper wrinkles and sun damage that can last up to ten years
- Daily sunscreen and maintenance peels help preserve results
- No peel significantly tightens loose or sagging skin
Peel depth and skin tone
Skin tone and scarring history are the key safety variables. Deeper skin tones carry a higher risk of dark patches after a peel, and deep peels may not be suitable for darker skin types at all. Preparing the skin beforehand and avoiding the sun afterwards help reduce the risk.
Deep peels use phenol, which also carries a particular risk for people with heart disease, so your full medical history matters. A provider should match the depth to your skin, not to the result you would most like to see.
Before, during and after
Consultation. Your provider assesses your skin, tone and history and recommends a depth and formula.
Preparation. A skin-prep routine where advised, sun avoidance, and antivirals if you get cold sores.
Treatment. The solution is applied for a few minutes and then neutralised. Light peels need no anesthesia; deeper peels may use numbing, sedation or general anesthesia.
Aftercare. Keep the skin moisturised and protect it from sun. Makeup once active peeling settles.
Course and review. Light peels can be repeated every four to six weeks; medium peels two to three times a year; a deep peel is usually done once.
Who it suits
Chemical peels suit many people, but which depth is safe depends heavily on your skin and history. A peel may be less suitable, or need a different depth, if you:
- Have a history of keloids, abnormal scarring or poor wound healing
- Have taken isotretinoin for acne in the past year
- Take medication or have a skin condition that makes your skin sensitive to light
- Have an active cold sore or healing wounds on the face
- Have a deeper skin tone or tend to develop dark marks after injury, which rules out some peels
- Have heart disease, which needs discussing before any deep phenol peel
- Have a severe underlying medical condition
Risks and side effects
Peels are generally safe when performed by an experienced provider, with risks that rise with depth:
- Redness, stinging and flaking. Expected after any peel, and lasting longer with deeper ones.
- Darker patches. Hyperpigmentation can follow a peel, particularly in deeper skin tones. Skin prep and strict sun protection reduce the risk.
- Lighter skin. Deep phenol peels can lighten treated skin, which may no longer tan normally.
- Prolonged redness. After medium and deep peels, redness can last weeks to months.
- Cold sore flare. A risk if you have had cold sores before; antiviral medication can reduce it.
- Infection or scarring. Very rare when the peel is performed by an experienced provider and aftercare is followed.
Common questions
Chemical peels questions, answered.
If your question isn't here, ask us directly. A real person answers, and we won't push you toward anything.
Talk to us →What is the difference between light, medium and deep peels?
Light peels treat only the surface and give a gradual glow. Medium peels reach the upper dermis for pigmentation, fine lines and mild acne scars. Deep peels reach furthest, for deeper wrinkles and sun damage, with the longest recovery.
Does it hurt?
Light peels cause warmth, tingling or mild stinging for a few minutes. Medium and deep peels sting or burn more, which is why numbing, sedation or anesthesia may be used.
When will my skin start peeling?
Usually 48 to 72 hours after treatment, lasting up to about a week depending on depth. Some gentle peels are designed to work without visible peeling.
When can I wear makeup?
Once active peeling settles: usually three to five days after a light peel and seven to ten days after a medium peel.
How often can I have a peel?
Light peels can be repeated every four to six weeks, often as a series. Medium peels are typically done two to three times a year. A deep peel is usually a single treatment.
How long do results last?
Light peel results last several months and are maintained with repeat treatments. A deep peel's results can last up to ten years.
Are peels suitable for darker skin tones?
Often, with the right formula and preparation, but the risk of dark patches is higher, and deep peels may not be suitable. Ask about your provider's experience with your skin tone.
Can a peel tighten loose skin?
No. Peels improve the surface of the skin. They cannot significantly tighten loose or sagging skin or remove deep scars.
When can I exercise?
Light exercise is usually fine after 48 hours, but avoid heavy sweating until peeling is complete to prevent irritation.
I get cold sores. Can I still have a peel?
Usually, but tell your provider. A peel can reactivate cold sores, and antiviral medication beforehand can reduce the risk.
