Chemical Peels: Light, Medium, and Deep Explained
What each depth treats, recovery time, and how to choose safely.
6 min read
Light (superficial) — AHAs, BHAs; brightens, smooths texture. No downtime. Series of 4–6 every 2–4 weeks.
Medium — TCA-based; treats fine lines, sun damage, deeper pigmentation. 5–7 days of peeling. Done by trained esthetician or physician.
Deep — phenol-based; surgical-grade results, anesthesia required. Weeks of recovery. Physician only.
Pre-peel rules
Stop retinoids 5–7 days prior, avoid the sun for 1 week before and after, and never DIY medium-or-deeper at home.