There are three main types of chemical peels: superficial, medium and deep. The type of skin condition to be treated will determine which of the peels will be used.

• Superficial peels. Most often performed using alpha hydroxyacids (AHAs), which are naturally occurring acids found in fruits and other foods. They are effective in treating dry skin, acne and fine facial wrinkles. They can also decrease pore size and improve skin texture. Superficial peels are typically performed as a series of six to eight peels, with each peel taking place two or three weeks apart. Superficial peels are cosmetic procedures. The peeling agent can also be mixed with skin lighteners to improve the skin tone.
  
  
• Medium peels. Most often performed using trichloroacetic acid (TCA), sometimes in combination with other chemicals. They have the same benefits as superficial peels, but their deeper level of penetration also allows them to help remove larger wrinkles and precancerous skin lesions. Medium peels cause more discomfort and greater reddening of the skin than superficial peels, and patients must stay out of the sun for a period of about seven days, after which sunblock use might be recommended for several months. Medium peels are performed once every couple of years.
  
  
• Deep peels. Stronger solutions, such as phenol, are used in this type of chemical peel, which can improve deeper wrinkles, correct blotches, remove pre-cancerous lesions and in some cases may be as effective as a facelift. Deep peels can be performed only on the face because they may cause scarring when used in other areas. This type of peel has an extended recovery time of as long as two months. In addition, deep peels may pose risks for patients with heart problems. Deep peels are performed less frequently now that physicians have the option of laser resurfacing, which uses a light beam to change the texture and appearance of the skin, achieving some of the same results as deep chemical peels with fewer complications.