The Chemical Peel Procedure – Step-by-Step

One of the biggest fears around chemical peels is not knowing what actually happens during the procedure. Many people imagine extreme burning, uncontrolled peeling, or skin damage. In reality, a professional chemical peel is a controlled, methodical medical-grade process, not a random application of acid.

We will break down the exact step-by-step procedure, so you understand what and why happens exactly.

Step 1: Skin Assessment (Before Anything Touches Your Skin)

Chemical peel should begin with a thorough skin evaluation.

A trained professional assesses:

• Skin type (oily, dry, sensitive, combination)
• Fitzpatrick skin type (important for pigmentation risk)
• Active acne, infections, or inflammation
• History of melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
• Recent treatments (laser, waxing, retinoids, isotretinoin)
• Current skincare routine and sun exposure

This assessment determines:

• Which peel is safe
• What strength is appropriate
• How many layers can be applied
• Whether the peel should be delayed

This is where professional peels differ completely from at-home peels — the peel is chosen for the skin, not the other way around.

Step 2: Skin Cleansing & Degreasing (Very Important but Often Ignored)

Wash your face before a chemical peel with a gentle cleanser — no exfoliation. The skin must be:

• Completely clean
• Oil-free
• Free of makeup, sunscreen, and residue

A pre-peel cleanser or degreasing solution is used to:

• Remove excess sebum
• Ensure even acid penetration
• Prevent patchy or unpredictable results

Why this matters:

• Oil can block acid penetration
• Uneven penetration leads to uneven peeling
• Proper degreasing ensures predictable depth

This step alone can make the difference between a safe peel and a problematic one.

Step 3: Peel Selection & Preparation

At this stage, the professional finalizes:

• Type of peel (glycolic, lactic, mandelic, salicylic, Jessner’s, TCA, etc.)
• Strength or concentration
• Gel vs liquid formulation
• Whether layering will be done

For example:

• Superficial brightening → glycolic or lactic peel
• Active acne or oily skin → salicylic or Jessner’s peel
• Pigmentation or scars → TCA or combination peels
• Resistant discoloration → targeted approaches like TCA CROSS

Professional formulations (such as gel-based peels or buffered solutions) allow:

• Slower penetration
• Better control
• Reduced risk of burns

Step 4: Application of the Chemical Peel

The peel is applied using:

• Gauze
• Fan brush
• Cotton applicator

The application follows a specific sequence:

1. Forehead
2. Cheeks
3. Chin
4. Nose
5. Perioral area (last and carefully)

Why sequence matters:

• Different facial areas absorb acid differently
• Sensitive areas are treated cautiously
• Timing is controlled per zone

During application, you may feel:

• Tingling
• Mild to moderate burning
• Warmth or stinging

This sensation is expected and monitored, not ignored.

Step 5: Monitoring Skin Response (The Most Important Part)

A professional does not “wait and hope.” They actively watch for:

• Redness intensity
• Frosting (especially with TCA peels)
• Patchy reactions
• you discomfort

Frosting is not due to burning. It is the white appearance caused by protein coagulation in the skin, it shows the peel is working.

• Light frosting → superficial effect
• Medium frosting → medium-depth action
• Heavy frosting → deeper penetration

This frosting tells the professional exactly how deep the peel is going.

Step 6: Layering (When and Why It’s Done)

Some chemical peels are applied in multiple layers, especially:

• TCA peels
• Combination peels
• Scar-focused treatments

Layering allows:

• Gradual depth increase
• Precision targeting
• Reduced risk compared to one aggressive application

Each layer is applied only after assessing:

• Skin tolerance
• Frosting pattern
• you comfort

This is a skill-based step, not a formula.

Step 7: Neutralization (Stopping the Chemical Action)

Not all peels self-neutralize.

For peels like:

• Glycolic acid
• Lactic acid
• Certain combination peels

A neutralizing solution is applied to:

• Immediately stop acid activity
• Prevent over-penetration
• Reduce irritation

This step is non-negotiable in professional settings.

Failure to neutralize properly is one of the main reasons at-home peels cause burns.

Step 8: Post-Peel Soothing & Barrier Support

Immediately after neutralization:

• Cooling compresses may be applied
• Calming serums or gels are used
• Barrier-repair products are applied

The goal here is:

• Reduce inflammation
• Support healing
• Prevent excessive dryness or irritation

At this stage, the skin is highly receptive but also vulnerable, so only post-peel safe formulations are used.

Step 9: Immediate Aftercare Instructions

Before leaving, you are instructed on:

• What sensations are normal
• When peeling may start
• What to avoid (sun, heat, active ingredients)
• How often to moisturize
• When to cleanse again
• Sunscreen importance (critical)

Clear instructions reduce:

• Anxiety
• Complications
• Post-inflammatory pigmentation risk

What a Professional Peel Is NOT: Myths vs. Facts

Let’s be very clear that a professional chemical peel is NOT:

• Myth: A professional chemical peel is random acid application
  Fact: It is controlled, precise, and performed with clinical protocols
• Myth: Stronger peels always give better results
  Fact: Peels are customized based on skin type, concern, and tolerance
• Myth: One peel works the same for everyone
  Fact: Treatment plans are individualized, not one-size-fits-all
• Myth: One session delivers miracle results
  Fact: Results are progressive and science-driven, achieved over multiple sessions

Key Takeaway

A chemical peel is not about how strong the acid is —
it’s about control, assessment, timing, and aftercare.

When performed correctly, the procedure is:

• Predictable
• Safe
• Highly effective

And this is why professional chemical peels deliver results that at-home peels simply cannot replicate.