Chemical peel: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What chemical peel is

A skin professional applies a chemical solution to the face or body to exfoliate the outer layer of skin. The strength of the peel and the plan depend on your skin type, your history and your goals, so the first step is a skin check.

Signs you need it

  • Your skin looks dull, uneven or rough and you want a targeted refresh
  • You have sun spots, fine lines or uneven tone that a peel may help address
  • You have acne-prone skin and want a plan to help keep pores clear
  • You want a glow before a wedding or event and have time for a prep plan
  • You want a professional to guide a peel that suits your skin type

What the pro does

  • Reviews your skin history, current products, medications and any recent treatments
  • Cleanses the skin and checks it for any irritation, open areas or active conditions
  • Applies the peel solution in thin layers for the time the plan calls for
  • Neutralizes or removes the solution and checks the skin during the process
  • Applies soothing products and sun protection after the peel
  • Gives you a written aftercare plan and a schedule for follow-up visits

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • The type and strength of the peel, which depends on your skin and goals
  • How many layers or areas are treated, such as the face, neck or hands
  • Whether a consultation or patch test is included before the first peel
  • The number of sessions needed to reach the result you want
  • Whether extra steps such as extractions, masks or aftercare products are included
  • The skill and experience of the provider and the setting where the peel is done

What a written quote should spell out

  • The peel type and the areas treated
  • Whether a skin consultation and patch test are included
  • The number of sessions in the plan and how far apart they are
  • The aftercare products and whether they are part of the service
  • The cancellation and reschedule terms, including any rule about sun exposure

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What type of peel do you recommend for my skin, and why?
  • Do you need to see my medication list or any recent treatments first?
  • How much peeling should I expect, and when will it start?
  • What aftercare do I need to follow, such as sun protection and products to avoid?
  • What should I do if my skin burns, stings or swells more than expected?
  • Who is supervising the peel, and what training do they have?
  • How many sessions will I need, and how soon can I come back?

Red flags

  • Recommends a deep peel without a skin consultation or a history check
  • Applies a peel to skin that is broken, infected or sunburned
  • Promises to remove scars, deep wrinkles or a skin condition in one visit
  • Will not give you aftercare instructions in writing
  • Cannot say who is supervising the treatment or what training they have

What you can do yourself

You can prepare your skin in the weeks before a peel with daily sunscreen and gentle cleansing, and stop any harsh exfoliants before the appointment. Do not use strong acid products at home on the same areas as a professional peel, since the combined effect can cause burns. Hire a trained professional for any chemical peel, and see a doctor first if you have an active skin condition, a history of scarring, or a medication that affects your skin.

Licenses and permits

Chemical peels are commonly covered by state esthetics, cosmetology or medical rules, and deeper peels may require medical supervision in some places. Check with your state's licensing boards before you book, and ask the provider what license and supervision apply to the peel you want.

Chemical peel questions

How long does recovery take after a peel?

It depends on the depth of the peel and your skin. Light peels may cause mild redness and flaking for a few days, and deeper peels take longer. Ask the provider what to expect for your plan.

Can I wear makeup after a peel?

Ask the provider first. Many people wait until the skin has stopped peeling and has been protected by sunscreen. Use mineral sunscreen daily and avoid picking at any flaking skin.

Are peels safe during pregnancy?

Ask your doctor before any peel if you are pregnant or planning to be. Tell the provider about pregnancy so they can recommend a suitable option or wait.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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