Chemical or mechanical peel

     A peel is a technique of skin abrasion with acids, sanding or laser. Its aim is to renew the skin by promoting desquamation of superficial layers (epidermis and/or upper dermis). With such desquamation, the skin is renewed from the deeper layers, taking a rejuvenated appearance - with less spots, wrinkles, and with better turgor. The deepness of the peel depends on the type of acid or technique applied. The more aggressive the acid, the deeper will be the peel, with consequently better results and higher risk of complications.

     Superficial peels (for example, with glycolic or retinoic acids) promote a mild desquamation, removing only the most superficial lesions of the epidermis. As it is less aggressive, it does not require any rest or recovery period, and the patient may resume normal activities on the same day.

     Intermediate peels (for example, with trichloroacetic acid) lead to intense desquamation, and require 7 to 14 days for recovery. They are more aggressive and effective than superficial peels, removing spots and medium depth wrinkles.
Deep peels (for example, with phenol or CO2 laser) cause crusts to develop, and these will take up to 21 days to be eliminated. These are the most aggressive peels, requiring anesthesia for their performance. As they reach the deeper skin layers, they yield the best results, but also have higher risk of complications.

     As for dermabrasion (skin sanding), the specialist controls the depth of the peel, which may vary from superficial to deep.