Chemical peels promise smoother skin, but what should you know first?

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Chemical peels have become a popular option for people looking to improve the appearance of acne scars, sun damage, uneven skin tone and fine lines. But while the name may sound simple, the treatment can range from a relatively mild surface treatment to a much deeper procedure that requires significant recovery.

A chemical peel uses a chemical solution to remove controlled layers of skin. As the treated skin heals, new skin grows back, often leaving the surface looking smoother and more even.

The key is understanding how deep the peel goes and whether that level of treatment is appropriate for your skin.

Not All Chemical Peels Are the Same

Dermatologists generally divide chemical peels into three categories: light, medium and deep.

A light peel affects the outermost layer of skin and may be used for fine wrinkles, acne, uneven tone and dryness. Ingredients can include glycolic acid or salicylic acid.

A medium peel reaches deeper into the skin and may be used for wrinkles, acne scars and uneven pigmentation. Trichloroacetic acid is one chemical commonly used for this type of treatment.

A deep peel penetrates even further and can produce more dramatic changes. Because of the increased intensity and potential risks, deep peels require significantly more medical oversight and recovery time.

What Can Chemical Peels Improve?

Depending on the type of peel and a person's skin, treatments may help improve texture, discoloration, fine lines and some types of scarring.

For people with acne scars, chemical peels can make certain scars less noticeable by removing damaged surface skin. Mild and medium peels may be repeated, while deep peels are generally performed only once.

But expectations matter. A chemical peel cannot remove every type of scar, erase deep wrinkles or tighten significantly sagging skin.

The Deeper the Peel, the Bigger the Recovery

One of the biggest differences between chemical peels is recovery.

After a light peel, skin may be red, dry or mildly irritated, with healing generally taking about one to seven days.

Medium peels can cause more substantial redness, swelling, stinging and peeling. Healing typically takes about seven to 14 days, although redness can last considerably longer.

Deep peels require the most recovery. Patients can experience significant redness, swelling and discomfort, and the treated skin may take about two weeks to regrow. Redness can remain for months.

There Are Real Risks

Chemical peels are not risk-free.

Potential complications include infection, scarring and changes in skin color. Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation can sometimes be long-lasting or permanent. Mayo Clinic notes that pigment changes can be more common in people with brown or Black skin.

Deep peels using phenol carry additional risks because the chemical can affect the heart, kidneys and liver. For that reason, these procedures require careful medical monitoring.

Why Your Skin Type Matters

The same peel does not necessarily produce the same result for everyone.

Skin tone, thickness, medical history and previous treatments can all affect the risk of complications. People who are prone to keloids, have frequent cold sores, are pregnant or have recently taken certain acne medications may need to avoid particular types of chemical peels.

People with darker skin should also discuss the risk of pigmentation changes with a qualified professional before treatment.

Choosing the Right Provider

Experts recommend discussing a chemical peel with a dermatologist or dermatologic surgeon who can evaluate the condition of your skin and determine which treatment, if any, makes sense.

A proper consultation should cover your medical history, medications, previous cosmetic procedures, expected results and recovery time. The provider should also explain how to care for your skin before and after the treatment.

After a peel, protecting the new skin from the sun is particularly important because treated skin is more sensitive to sunlight during the healing process.

Smoother Skin Starts With Knowing the Risks

Chemical peels can be an effective tool for improving the appearance of certain skin concerns, but they are not simply a matter of applying a product and waiting for the skin to peel.

The strength of the treatment, the condition of the skin and the expertise of the person performing it can all make a difference.

Before booking a peel, a professional skin evaluation can help determine whether the potential benefits are worth the risks — and which approach is safest for your particular skin.

Source: WPLG Local 10