Types of Chemical Peels: Which Peel Is Right for Me?
Originally published on March 22, 2019. Updated on January 15, 2025
A chemical peel is a dermatological procedure designed to improve the skin’s texture and appearance by applying a chemical solution to the skin. This solution causes the outermost layer of skin to exfoliate and eventually peel off, revealing newer, smoother, and more youthful-looking skin underneath. Chemical peels are highly customizable and can address a wide range of skin concerns, from acne and hyperpigmentation to wrinkles and uneven texture.
But did you know there are many different types of chemical peels? Peels can differ in terms of their strength (ranging from mild to aggressive) as well as which skin issues they can correct. Below is an overview of popular peel options.
Chemical Peel Strengths (Penetration Levels)
Chemical peels vary in strength and penetration level, which determines their effectiveness, benefits, and recovery time. Let us explore the three main categories:
1. Superficial (Light) Peel
- Penetration level: Targets only the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin.
- Common ingredients: Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid.
- Benefits:
- Improves minor imperfections such as dullness and uneven texture.
- Reduces mild acne and light hyperpigmentation.
- Brightens skin for a refreshed look.
- Recovery time: Minimal, with some redness and flaking that resolve within a few days.
2. Medium Peel
- Penetration level: Reaches the upper part of the dermis.
- Common ingredients: Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or a combination of acids.
- Benefits:
- Addresses moderate wrinkles, acne scars, and more pronounced discoloration.
- Provides more dramatic results than superficial peels.
- Recovery time: Around 7 to 10 days with redness, peeling, and swelling.
3. Deep Peel
- Penetration level: Penetrates the mid to lower dermis.
- Common ingredients: High-concentration TCA or phenol.
- Benefits:
- Treats deep wrinkles, extensive sun damage, and severe scarring.
- Results are long-lasting, often requiring only one session.
- Recovery time: Significant downtime, up to several weeks, with potential for swelling and redness lasting longer.
Common Types of Chemical Peels
Lactic Peel
As the name suggests lactic peels are derived from milk (lactose). Lactic peels are great for patients with overly dry or sensitive skin. It’s a good option for people who have had negative experiences with retinol. This peel is relatively easy on the skin, providing a gentle exfoliation that can lighten minor pigmentation or correct minor sun damage.
Glycolic Peel
One of the most popular types of chemical peel, glycolic peels are formulated with glycolic acid which as an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates the skin while promoting the production of collagen on other skin proteins. Glycolic acid has a very small molecular size which is ideal of penetrating the skin. This is why of all types of peels glycolic peels tend to penetrate the deepest. Glycolic peels can also be formulated in different strengths.
Derived from sugarcane, glycolic acid is an AHA that gently exfoliates the skin by breaking down dead skin cells. It is ideal for:
- Brightening dull skin.
- Reducing fine lines and mild pigmentation.
- Improving overall texture.
Beta Hydroxy Peel
A beta hydroxy peel uses salicylic acid (a beta-hydroxy acid or BHA) to address acne while also improving blotchiness, texture issues, and uneven skin tone. It’s a great peel for people with combination, oily, or acne-prone skin that have acne and post acne inflammatory pigmentation issues.
Salicylic acid, the most common BHA, is oil-soluble and penetrates deeper into pores, making it ideal for:
- Treating acne and blackheads.
- Controlling excess oil production.
- Reducing inflammation.
TCA Peel
TCA peels use Trichloroacetic Acid to remove old, dead skin cells from the outer layers of the skin in order to reveal new underlayers of skin that are softer, smoother, brighter, even toned, and more radiant appearance. This peel can treat a variety of skin problems including wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, dullness, rough areas, melasma, and blotchiness. TCA peels are superficial peels and commonly formulated with light to medium strength concentrations, making it a great choice for users with darker skin tones and more sensitive skin.
TCA is versatile and can be formulated as a superficial, medium, or deep peel. It effectively treats:
- Fine lines and wrinkles.
- Hyperpigmentation and sun damage.
- Acne scars and uneven skin tone.
Why Professional Peels Are Better Than At-Home Peels
While at-home peels may be cost-effective and convenient, but professional peels offer several advantages:
- Stronger formulations: Professional peels use higher concentrations of active ingredients for more dramatic and lasting results.
- Customizable treatments: Dermatologists and estheticians can tailor the peel to your specific skin type and concerns.
- Reduced risk: Professionals ensure the correct application and minimize the risk of burns, scarring, or uneven results.
- Comprehensive aftercare: Guidance on proper post-peel care enhances results and reduces complications.
The Best Peels for Every Need
- Best peel for acne: BHA peel (salicylic acid) for its ability to penetrate pores and reduce inflammation.
- Best peel for acne scarring: Medium TCA peel to resurface skin and improve scar texture.
- Best peel for resurfacing: Deep TCA or phenol peels for significant texture improvement.
- Best peel for dark spots: Glycolic acid peel to lighten discoloration and even out skin tone.
- Best peel for hyperpigmentation: Combination peels featuring glycolic acid and TCA for multi-layered correction.
- Best peel for lines & wrinkles: Medium to deep TCA peel for collagen stimulation and skin tightening.
- Best peel for stretch marks: TCA peel to improve texture and stimulate new skin growth.
- Best peel for reducing pore size: BHA peel to clean and tighten pores.
- Best peel for uneven skin tone: Glycolic acid or TCA peel to smooth and brighten.
- Best peel for uneven skin texture: Medium TCA peel for comprehensive resurfacing.
Chemical Peels vs. Other Similar In-Office Options
Chemical Peel vs. Microdermabrasion
- Chemical peel: Uses acids to exfoliate chemically.
- Microdermabrasion: Uses physical exfoliation via a device.
- Best for: Chemical peels are more effective for addressing pigmentation and deeper concerns.
Chemical Peel vs. Laser Resurfacing
- Chemical peel: Non-energy-based exfoliation using acids.
- Laser resurfacing: Uses laser energy to remove skin layers or stimulate collagen.
- Best for: Laser resurfacing is more precise and effective for severe wrinkles and scars.
Chemical Peel vs. Microneedling
- Chemical peel: Removes the outer skin layer.
- Microneedling: Uses needles to create micro-injuries, promoting collagen.
- Best for: Chemical peels are better for surface-level concerns, while microneedling addresses deeper skin layers.
Selecting the right chemical peel depends on your specific skin concerns, goals, and tolerance for downtime. Always consult with a licensed professional to ensure optimal results and safety. Whether you are targeting acne, wrinkles, or uneven texture, there is a peel perfectly suited to your needs.
Which Peel Should I Choose?
Everyone is unique in both the characteristics of their skin and the issues they seek to correct. Fortunately, chemical peels are highly customizable and can be tailored to meet the needs of each individual patient. The best person to determine the right peel for you is a licensed skin care professional. A skilled aesthetician or dermatologist will be able to properly asses your needs and formulate the best chemical peel for your needs and desired end result.
Laura Scott, MSc, MPAS, PA-C, is a certified physician assistant with special interest in the evaluation, treatment and prevention of skin cancers. She also prides herself on her ability to help patients reach their aesthetic goals through a combination of personalized skin regimens and nonsurgical alternatives to facial rejuvenation and revitalization procedures including lasers, peels, Botox, and dermal fillers. She is certified by the National Commission of Certification of Physician Assistants and is licensed through the Texas medical Board. Laura is a member of the Texas Association of Physician Assistants, and is a diplomate fellow of the Society for Dermatology Physician Assistants.
Thanks for pointing out that of all types of chemical peels glycolic peels tend to penetrate the deepest. I am thinking about getting a chemical peel done because I think that it would really help my skin look better and clear up a little bit more. I think that a glycolic peel would be nice because since it penetrates deeper I think it would help my skin feel the best that it could. Thanks for detailing the different types of chemical peels.