Chemical peels are cosmetic treatments that can be applied to the face, hands, and neck. They’re used to improve the appearance or feel of the skin. During this procedure, chemical solutions will be applied to the area being treated, which causes the skin to exfoliate and eventually peel off. Once this happens, the new skin underneath is often smoother, appears less wrinkled, and may have less damage.
There are a number of reasons people may get chemical peels. They may be trying to treat a variety of things, including:
- wrinkles and fine lines
- sun damage
- acne scars
- hyperpigmentation
- scars
- melasma
- uneven skin tone or redness
What type of chemical peels can I get?
There are three different types of chemical peels that you can get. These include:
- Superficial peels, which use mild acids like alpha-hydroxy acid to gently exfoliate. It only penetrates the outermost layer of skin.
- Medium peels, which use trichloroacetic or glycolic acid to reach the middle and outer layer of skills. This makes it more effective for removing damaged skin cells.
- Deep peels, which fully penetrate the middle layer of the skin to remove damaged skin cells; these peels often use phenol or tricholoracetic acid.
How much do chemical peels cost?
Chemical peels are almost always considered a cosmetic procedure, and insurance rarely covers it. You’ll be paying for the procedure out of pocket. Your initial consultation visit, however, may be covered by insurance.
The cost of the procedure will vary depending on factors like location, expertise of the provider, and what type of peel you want to get. Light peels can cost as low as $150, and deep peels can cost $3,000 or more (specifically if it requires anesthesia, or in-patient stays). According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the current average cost of a chemical peel is $673.
How is a chemical peel done?
Chemical peels are typically done in-office; deep peels may be done in an outpatient surgical facility. Before the procedure, they will likely have you tie back your hair. Your face will be cleaned, and eye protection like goggles or gauze may be applied.
Your doctor may numb the area with a topical anesthetic, especially if you’re receiving a deep peel. For deep peels, your doctor may also use a regional anesthetic, which will numb large areas. They are particularly likely to do this if you’re having your face and neck treated. For deep peels, you’ll also be given an IV, and your heart rate will be closely monitored.
Light peel
During a light peel a cotton ball, gauze, or brush will be used to apply a chemical solution like salicylic acid to the area being treated. The skin will start to whiten, and may have a slight stinging sensation. Once complete, the chemical solution will be removed or a neutralizing solution will be added.
Medium peel
During a medium chemical peel, your doctor will use a gauze, special sponge, or a cotton-tipped applicator to apply the chemical solution to your face. This may contain glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid. A blue color may be added to the trichloroacetic acid, commonly known as a blue peel. The skin will begin to whiten, and your doctor will apply a cool compress to the skin. You may feel stinging or burning for up to 20 minutes. No neutralizing solution is needed, though they may give you a hand-held fan to cool your skin. If you’ve had the blue peel you will have a blue coloring of your skin that may last for several days after the peel.
Deep peel
During a deep chemical peel, you will be sedated. The doctor will use a cotton-tipped applicator to apply phenol to your skin. This will turn your skin white or gray. The procedure will be done in 15-minute portions, to limit the skin exposure to the acid.
First aid for a chemical burn
Chemical burns are skin wounds that occur due to a strongly acidic or alkaline substance. Some skin care products or treatments may be acidic enough to cause one.
Anyone who feels any discomfort when using a skin care product should not attempt to leave it on the skin. Burning and pain are not signs that the product is working as it should. Rather, they are signs that it is damaging the skin.
The symptoms of a chemical burn include:
- skin discoloration or inflammation
- a burning sensation
- pain
- numbness
- blistering
- peeling
If any of these symptoms occur after applying a skin care product, a person should immediately remove any contaminated clothing and wash the skin with clean running water for 20 minutes. It is important to avoid contact with the runoff water.
If the product is on the face, a person can do this by tipping their head over a sink, bath, or shower basin before pouring water from a jug. Alternatively, they could use a showerhead.
After washing the skin thoroughly, it is advisable to speak with a doctor. Doctors do not recommendTrusted Source systemic medications, such as antibiotics or steroids, to treat chemical burns. However, they may wish to prescribe a topical antibiotic or low strength steroid cream to prevent infection.
If the burn is severe, it is essential to go to the emergency department of the nearest hospital.
Healing a chemical burn from skin care
After a person has received treatment for the burn, they must take steps to let the skin heal. These may involve:
- keeping the skin clean
- avoiding the use of any potentially irritating products
- applying a topical medication
- applying petroleum jelly to keep the affected area moist
- monitoring the wound for signs of infection
- staying out of the sun
It can be helpful to tell a doctor which product caused the burn. If possible, a person can take the product or ingredients label to show the doctor. They will be able to advise on how best to care for the skin until it heals and which products to use or avoid.
Chemical peel post care instructions

- The peeling may take anywhere from 7-10 days on average or longer depending on internal and external factors such as skin type, age, weather, lifestyle, and hormones. Slight redness and skin sensitivity and flaking can occur as your treatment eliminates dead surface skin cells. Each treatment may vary. Other areas of the body will react differently because your skin has a different texture on your face and scalp than on your chest, back, arms, and legs. The healing process may take longer in those areas.
- Your skin may take on a rough, patchy, darkened quality a few days after this treatment. This is normal and expected and it will resolve on its own. The first areas to peel are usually around the nose and mouth, but can begin anywhere. Most people begin peeling on the 3rd or 4th day after treatment. It is also possible to not peel at all. If this occurs, you will still benefit from the treatment because the skin has exfoliated microscopically.
- Possible side effects include but are not limited to: mild to extreme redness, temporary tightness, itching, swelling, and dryness of the skin similar to a sunburn or windburn. This will usually subside in 2-3 days. A prescription of hydrocortisone, or over-the-counter hydrocortisone (Vanicream HCⓇ) may be recommended if the skin is inflamed or irritated.
- You may GENTLY apply a cold compress to the treated area(s) as needed for any burning or irritation associated with your treatment.
- Make sure to avoid excessive heat on the treated area and direct sun exposure of any kind, as well as tanning beds and self-tanners to the treated areas for 4 weeks after treatment.
- Do NOT engage in strenuous exercise for 2-3 days after treatment because it may exacerbate the inflammatory and can cause your skin to become extremely inflamed.
- Sweating excessively after treatment can irritate the skin or cause blistering due to the sweat being unable to escape through the top layer of dead skin. Try to avoid sweating until after you have stopped peeling to avoid lifting the skin prematurely, as this can cause scarring.
- Do NOT use any acidic products such as retinoids or tretinoins, acne medication products such as Retin-AⓇ, TazoracⓇ, RenovaⓇ, AtralinⓇ, ZianaⓇ, VeltinⓇ, DifferinⓇ, the antibiotic Doxycycline, AHAs (lactic, glycolic, tartaric, etc.), BHAs (salicylic), benzoyl peroxide, vitamin C products, lightening agents such as hydroquinone or any exfoliative products including loofahs or coarse sponges to your skin for 2 weeks after your chemical peel, or more if you notice your skin becomes sensitive to application. These medications and products increase your photosensitivity, which can significantly increase the likelihood of complications.
- Do NOT tweeze, pick, rub, exfoliate, wax, use a depilatory, undergo electrolysis, or schedule a facial or cosmetic service such as laser resurfacing, or IPL on a treated area(s) for 4 weeks after your treatment. To reduce the risk of scarring, you do not want to remove the dry, rough, dead skin faster than your body wants to.
- Do NOT get your hair dyed until a week after you have finished peeling, if your treatment was performed on the face or neck. For most people, week 3 post-peel is the best time to have your hair color treated.
- This procedure can stimulate cold sores. If you have an outbreak after your treatment, please call the office to inquire about obtaining a prescription. Please ask to speak with the esthetician, Alli.
Chemical Peel Post Care Night
How do you Care for your Skin After a Chemical Peel?
#1 Don’t Pick at Your Skin
The number one rule of chemical peel healing is to let your skin peel on its own. Though it may be tempting to help speed up the process, removing any dry, dead skin by rubbing or peeling it can damage the newly exposed layer of your skin. Instead, allow your skin to peel on its own and wait until it has fully healed to use any exfoliator.
#2 Wait to Resume Your Skincare Regimen
Refrain from using too many products on your face. While moisturizers and sunscreen are advised, putting too much product on your healing skin could lengthen your recovery time and irritate it in the process. Once your skin feels fully recovered, resume your usual skincare routine.
#3 Wash your Face with Cool Water
When washing your face after a peel, wash it with cool or warm water. Using hot water can irritate or damage the treated area of skin and cause further irritation. Using cool water will not only feel better on your skin, but it can also help calm irritation and provide relief. Sensitive skin cleansers like our Goat Milk Moisturizing Cleanser will help cleanse and soothe your face without causing tightness or irritation.
#4 Avoid Heavy Workouts
After your chemical peel, you’ll want to avoid strenuous workouts for up to four days. Heavy workouts can increase blood circulation to the face and intensify your post-peel symptoms. In addition to exercising, you should also avoid saunas and steam rooms directly after a chemical peel.
#5 Keep Skin Moisturized
After a chemical peel, the natural protective barrier of your skin will be a bit weaker than usual. While your skin is repairing itself, it’s important to reinforce that barrier by applying a lightweight moisturizer like DeliKate® Recovery Cream. Expertly formulated to provide long-lasting relief, the recovery cream will help visibly reduce redness while improving your skin’s natural protective barrier [1]. Staying hydrated by drinking at least eight glasses of water a day can help hydrate your skin from the inside out and avoid dehydration.
#6 Don’t Over-Exfoliate
Chemical peels are exfoliants themselves, which means you won’t have to use a separate exfoliant within the first week of getting a peel. Even light exfoliators like scrubs, brushes, and cleansers can be harsh on your skin and cause redness and sensitivity. Before using an at-home exfoliator, give your skin time to recover and wait until it feels fully healed.
#7 Apply Sunscreen Regularly
After getting a chemical peel, your skin will be more sensitive than usual. Because of this, it’s important to incorporate skincare products with SPF as part of your post-treatment aftercare. While harsh UV rays can damage your skin at any time, without its natural protective barrier, they are even more damaging after a peel [2]. Our Skin Health Experts recommend avoiding direct sun exposure and regularly applying sunscreen with SPF 30 or more. Using sun protection like the Daily Deflector™ Mineral Sunscreen is essential even if you’re not in direct sunlight, as skin damage can occur from UV rays that enter the house through windows, doors, and shaded areas.
#8 Make Time for Self-Care
A chemical peel is a great option for maintaining healthy-looking skin. While your skin is recovering, be sure to make time for self-care, and don’t worry about your skin for a few days. Reading a book, getting a manicure, or enjoying a bubble bath will help soothe your senses and allow your skin to heal in its own time.
How To Treat Breakouts After Chemical Peel
Whether you’re using an at-home peel or getting a professional peel, you can minimize your skin’s downtime afterward by practicing these expert tips:
Wash your face with cool water. Warm or hot water might not feel as good as cool or cold water, which can help soothe post-peel sensations.
Moisturize and hydrate. Since peels can temporarily compromise your skin’s protective barrier, it’s important to reinforce that barrier with a medium-to-thick moisturizer. Also, drink more water to help avoid dehydration, which could make your skin feel tight.
Apply sunscreen with SPF30 or more. Your skin is more delicate after a peel, so avoid direct sun exposure, which can lead to even more visible signs of skin aging. If you must be exposed, use a Broad Spectrum physical sunscreen.
Avoid strenuous workouts, dry saunas and steam rooms. Increased blood circulation to the face can intensify warming, tingling, itching, redness or other uncomfortable side effects on freshly peeled skin. Skip such activities on the day you use a peel.
Don’t over-exfoliate. Peels are maximum-strength exfoliants, so you don’t need to use a separate exfoliant (like a scrub, brush or exfoliating cleanser) within 3-4 days of your peel. Over-exfoliating can lead to more redness or sensitivity, so wait until your skin feels up to it.
Once your skin feels “back to normal” after a peel, it’s generally considered OK to resume your normal skin care regimen. For more personalized advice, ask your professional skin therapist how to incorporate peels into your lifestyle.
Liquid Peelfoliant is a professional-grade at-home peel that helps unclog pores to help reveal brighter, healthier skin.