What Is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a skin resurfacing treatment that uses specially formulated acid solutions to remove damaged outer layers of skin, revealing fresher, healthier skin beneath. By accelerating the natural exfoliation process, chemical peels stimulate cell turnover and collagen production, improving skin texture, tone, and overall appearance.

During a chemical peel, a solution containing one or more acids is applied to the skin. The acid dissolves the bonds holding dead and damaged skin cells together, allowing them to shed. As the skin heals, new cells replace the old ones, resulting in smoother, more even-toned skin.

Chemical peels can be customized in strength, from gentle peels that produce subtle brightening with no downtime to deeper peels that create more dramatic improvement but require recovery time. Dr. Daoud will recommend the appropriate peel type and strength based on your skin concerns, skin type, and desired results.

Types of Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are categorized by their depth of penetration.

Superficial (Light) Peels

Superficial peels are the gentlest option, affecting only the outermost layer of skin (epidermis). They typically use mild acids like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic acid or lactic acid, or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid.

Light peels produce subtle improvement in skin brightness, texture, and tone. They’re excellent for maintaining healthy skin, treating mild discoloration, and keeping pores clear. There’s little to no downtime—you may experience slight pinkness or dryness for a day or two.

Light peels can be performed in a series for cumulative improvement and are often part of an ongoing skincare maintenance routine.

Medium Peels

Medium-depth peels penetrate the epidermis and upper dermis. They typically use trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or a combination of acids. Medium peels address more significant concerns like moderate sun damage, fine lines, uneven pigmentation, and acne scarring.

Recovery from a medium peel takes about one to two weeks. You’ll experience visible peeling and redness as the skin sheds and regenerates. The results are more dramatic than light peels, with noticeable improvement in skin texture, tone, and fine lines.

Deep Peels

Deep peels penetrate further into the dermis and produce the most significant results. Phenol peels are the strongest type of chemical peel and are used for more severe sun damage, deeper wrinkles, and significant scarring.

Deep peels require significant downtime—often two to three weeks or longer—and involve more intensive recovery. Because of their strength and risks, deep peels are performed less frequently and require careful patient selection.

At Glo Dermatology, Dr. Daoud offers superficial and medium-depth peels to address a wide range of skin concerns with appropriate recovery times for most patients’ lifestyles.

What Can Chemical Peels Treat?

Chemical peels address numerous skin concerns.

Fine Lines and Wrinkles

By stimulating collagen production and removing surface skin layers, chemical peels can soften fine lines, particularly around the eyes and mouth.

Sun Damage

Years of sun exposure can leave skin with brown spots, uneven pigmentation, and rough texture. Chemical peels remove damaged surface cells and encourage new, healthier skin to emerge.

Uneven Skin Tone and Hyperpigmentation

Dark spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark marks left after acne or injury) can be improved with chemical peels that target excess pigment.

Acne and Acne Scarring

Peels containing salicylic acid or other acne-fighting ingredients help clear pores, reduce breakouts, and improve the appearance of acne scars. Regular peels can be an effective component of acne management.

Rough Skin Texture

If your skin feels rough or looks dull, chemical peels smooth the surface and restore a more refined texture.

Enlarged Pores

While pore size is largely genetic, chemical peels can help minimize the appearance of enlarged pores by keeping them clear and improving overall skin texture.

Dull, Tired-Looking Skin

A chemical peel instantly brightens the complexion by removing the buildup of dead skin cells that make skin look lackluster.

Mild Scarring

Superficial scars from acne, injury, or surgery can be softened with a series of chemical peels.

Popular Chemical Peel Ingredients

Different acids offer different benefits, and Dr. Daoud may recommend specific formulations based on your skin concerns.

Glycolic Acid

Derived from sugarcane, glycolic acid is an AHA with the smallest molecular size, allowing it to penetrate effectively. It’s excellent for addressing fine lines, sun damage, and uneven texture.

Salicylic Acid

This BHA is oil-soluble, making it particularly effective for acne-prone skin. It penetrates into pores to clear congestion and reduce breakouts.

Lactic Acid

A gentler AHA derived from milk, lactic acid is well-suited for sensitive skin. It provides mild exfoliation while helping to hydrate.

TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid)

TCA is used for medium-depth peels that address more significant concerns like moderate sun damage, pigmentation, and fine lines.

Mandelic Acid

This AHA has a larger molecular size, making it gentler and slower to penetrate. It’s often used for sensitive skin or as an introduction to chemical peels.

Jessner’s Solution

A combination of salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol, Jessner’s solution is used for medium-depth peeling and is effective for acne and hyperpigmentation.

The Chemical Peel Treatment Experience

Getting a chemical peel at Glo Dermatology is a straightforward process tailored to your needs.

Your Consultation

Your peel experience begins with a consultation with Dr. Daoud. She’ll examine your skin, discuss your concerns and goals, and recommend the most appropriate type and strength of peel. She’ll also review your medical history, current skincare routine, and any medications that might affect treatment.

In some cases, Dr. Daoud may recommend preparing your skin with specific products for a few weeks before your peel to optimize results and minimize risks.

During the Peel

On the day of your treatment, your skin will be cleansed to remove makeup, oil, and debris. Dr. Daoud will then apply the peel solution to your skin using a brush, cotton pad, or other applicator.

You’ll feel sensations during the peel—typically tingling, warmth, or mild stinging—that vary based on the peel’s strength. Light peels may feel like mild tingling, while medium peels produce more noticeable warmth and stinging. Dr. Daoud monitors your skin throughout the process.

The solution remains on your skin for a specific amount of time (anywhere from a few minutes to longer, depending on the peel type) before being neutralized or removed. The entire treatment typically takes 30 to 45 minutes.

After Your Peel

Your skin will likely be pink or red immediately after treatment—similar to a sunburn. Dr. Daoud will apply soothing products and sunscreen and provide detailed aftercare instructions.

What happens in the days following your peel depends on its depth. Light peels may cause minimal visible peeling—perhaps just some dryness and flaking. Medium peels cause more obvious peeling that typically begins a few days after treatment and continues for about a week.

It’s essential to follow aftercare instructions carefully to optimize results and avoid complications.

Recovery and Aftercare

Proper aftercare is crucial for achieving the best results and preventing complications.

General Aftercare Guidelines

Protect your skin from the sun—this is essential. Your skin is particularly vulnerable after a peel, and sun exposure can cause hyperpigmentation and other complications. Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen daily and avoid direct sun exposure.

Keep your skin moisturized with gentle, non-irritating products. Let your skin peel naturally—don’t pick, pull, or scrub at peeling skin, as this can cause scarring or uneven results.

Avoid harsh skincare products (retinoids, acids, vitamin C) until your skin has fully healed. Skip strenuous exercise that causes heavy sweating for a day or two after deeper peels.

Recovery Timeline

Light peels typically have no downtime. You may be slightly pink for a few hours and experience mild flaking for a day or two.

Medium peels involve about one to two weeks of recovery. You’ll experience redness, swelling, and visible peeling. Most people take a few days off work or social activities.

Deep peels require two to three weeks or longer of significant recovery, with potential for prolonged redness.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

The number of treatments depends on your concerns and the type of peel used.

Light peels are often performed in a series of four to six treatments spaced two to four weeks apart for cumulative improvement. They can also be done periodically for maintenance.

Medium peels provide more dramatic results with a single treatment, though some patients opt for additional treatments to maximize improvement.

Dr. Daoud will recommend a treatment plan based on your specific goals and skin condition.

Benefits of Professional Chemical Peels

While over-the-counter peels are available, professional chemical peels offer significant advantages.

Stronger Formulations

Professional peels use higher concentrations of active ingredients than consumer products, delivering more significant results.

Customization

Dr. Daoud customizes your peel type, strength, and application technique based on your unique skin.

Safety

Professional supervision ensures the peel is appropriate for your skin type and that it’s applied and neutralized correctly.

Better Results

The combination of stronger formulations and expert application produces results that home treatments can’t match.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Chemical Peels?

Most people are good candidates for some type of chemical peel. Ideal candidates want to improve skin texture, tone, or clarity, have realistic expectations about results, can commit to proper aftercare including sun protection, and are not pregnant or breastfeeding (for certain peels).

Chemical peels may not be appropriate for those with active skin infections, certain skin conditions like eczema or rosacea (depending on severity), very dark skin (higher risk of pigmentation changes with some peels), or history of keloid scarring.

During your consultation, Dr. Daoud will determine whether a chemical peel is right for you and which type would be most appropriate.

Schedule Your Chemical Peel Consultation Today

Ready to reveal fresher, brighter skin? Dr. Shaza Daoud and the team at Glo Dermatology are here to help you achieve your skin goals with professional chemical peels customized to your needs.

Contact our Parma office today at (216) 351-7700 to schedule your consultation. We welcome patients from throughout Greater Cleveland and Northeast Ohio, including Parma Heights, Brooklyn, Seven Hills, Independence, Middleburg Heights, and surrounding communities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chemical Peels

Do chemical peels hurt?

You’ll feel sensations during the peel—typically tingling, warmth, or mild stinging. Light peels are generally comfortable, while medium peels may cause more noticeable but tolerable discomfort. Any sensation subsides quickly once the peel is neutralized.

How long does the peeling last?

For light peels, you may experience minimal visible peeling—just some dryness and flaking. For medium peels, visible peeling typically begins around day three and continues for about a week.

Can I wear makeup after a chemical peel?

After a light peel, you can usually wear makeup the next day. After a medium peel, you’ll need to wait until the active peeling phase is complete (typically five to seven days) before applying makeup.

How often can I get a chemical peel?

Light peels can be done every two to four weeks. Medium peels are typically done every few months to once or twice a year, depending on your goals.

Are chemical peels safe for dark skin?

Chemical peels can be performed on darker skin tones, but careful selection of peel type and strength is important to minimize the risk of hyperpigmentation. Dr. Daoud will recommend the safest approach for your skin type.

What’s the difference between a chemical peel and microdermabrasion?

Both are exfoliation treatments, but they work differently. Chemical peels use acids to dissolve bonds between skin cells, while microdermabrasion physically removes surface cells with abrasion. Peels typically penetrate deeper and can address more significant concerns.