Chemical peels by depth: what each one treats, what recovery involves and what it costs.
A glycolic acid peel is a superficial chemical peel that uses glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid derived from sugarcane, to exfoliate the outermost layer of skin and reveal a brighter, smoother complexion beneath.
A phenol peel is the deepest type of chemical peel available, reaching farther into the skin than any other peel to soften deep wrinkles, sun damage, and scarring in a single treatment. Because it works so deeply, it is a medical procedure performed by a physician under sedation and heart monitoring, not a facial or an at-home product. This guide explains what a phenol peel is, what it treats, how the procedure works, who is a candidate, what recovery looks like day by day, and how it compares with lighter peels.
Glycolic, lactic and mandelic acid are the three AHAs behind most professional peels, and the one a provider chooses changes how the treatment feels and who it suits.
An azelaic acid peel is a superficial peel applied by a provider, and it is a different product from azelaic acid cream, gel or foam. This guide keeps the evidence for the two apart.
BioRePeel is a branded in-office peel whose maker says it contains trichloroacetic acid, but PubMed lists no study of it by name. Here is how it compares with other TCA peels, what is unknown, and what to ask.
Peel depth, not the name of the acid, is what decides your downtime, your results and your risk.
A Cosmelan peel is a dual-phase program its maker, mesoestetic, says is designed to visibly reduce the appearance of discoloration, such as melasma. Learn how it works, recovery, cost, and safety.
Dermamelan and Cosmelan are two in-office depigmentation masks from the same manufacturer. We found no PubMed study comparing them directly, so the choice rests on diagnosis, supervision, and months of home care.
Enzyme peels and acid peels exfoliate in different ways. This guide compares how each works, downtime, safety and cost.
Jessner's solution is a fixed three-ingredient blend controlled by coats, while TCA is a single acid controlled by strength. Here is how the two compare for depth, downtime and results.
A Jessner’s peel combines salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol to treat acne, pigment, and texture. See results, downtime, cost, and aftercare tips.
A lactic acid peel gently exfoliates and hydrates for brighter, smoother skin. Learn benefits, results, cost, and safety, then find a qualified provider.
A mandelic acid peel is a superficial alpha hydroxy acid peel. Learn benefits, results, cost, and safety, then find a provider.
The Obagi Blue Peel is a physician applied TCA peel for wrinkles, texture, and pigment. Learn results, recovery, cost, and how it compares to Blue Radiance.
A branded, provider-applied medium depth peel marketed for pigment and tone.
PRX-T33 is often called a no-peel peel because it works beneath the surface without the frosting or flaking of a classic peel. Here is what it treats, what it costs, and who it suits.
An oil-loving alpha keto acid peel that clinicians use for congested, acne-prone and sun-damaged skin.
A retinol peel works at the cell receptor level, not by dissolving skin. Learn why peeling starts on day 2 to 4, who it suits, and what a series costs.
A salicylic acid peel uses a beta hydroxy acid that StatPearls calls an excellent option for acne treatment. Learn benefits, cost, and results, then find a provider.
A TCA peel is a medium-depth chemical peel for sun damage, wrinkles, and acne scars. Learn uses, recovery, results, and cost, then find a qualified provider.
A VI Peel is a blended medium depth chemical peel for dark spots, acne, and fine lines. Learn how it works, results, recovery, and what it costs per session.
Search Chicago-area clinics that offer chemical peels, nearest first, then contact the practice to book.
