Chemical Peel and Dermabrasion: What to Know

A peel may use acids such as glycolic acid or other clinician-selected agents. Dermabrasion uses a rapidly moving abrasive instrument and is generally more intensive than gentle exfoliation. Both can improve uneven texture, fine lines, some acne marks, and selected pigment changes, but neither is suitable for every scar, active infection, or skin tone without careful assessment.

Skin can be red, tender, tight, swollen, or flaky afterward. Dermabrasion commonly creates a more open healing surface, so wound care and protection from sunlight are especially important. A history of cold sores, raised scars, easy pigment change, eczema, or recent isotretinoin use should be discussed before treatment.

Have a clinician examine the concern and confirm whether a peel, dermabrasion, or another option fits it. Share all medicines, active skincare products, allergies, tanning, and previous procedures. Follow instructions about pausing irritating products and arrive with clean skin if requested.

Afterward, use only the cleanser, dressing, moisturiser, or medicine advised for your procedure. Do not pick peeling skin or scrub the area. Avoid heat, swimming, fragranced products, and direct sun until the surface has healed. A broad-spectrum sunscreen is part of pigment prevention once your clinician says it can be applied. Pages on [Sun-Damaged Skin](/conditions/photoaging/) and [Glycolic Acid](/materials/glycolic-acid/) provide related background.

Contact the treating clinic promptly for worsening pain, spreading redness, increasing swelling, pus, fever, blistering, or a wound that is not healing. Seek urgent care for facial swelling affecting breathing or vision, severe allergic symptoms, or rapidly worsening illness. New or changing pigmented areas should be assessed rather than resurfaced without a diagnosis.

Ask which layer of skin will be treated, why one method suits your concern, how dressings and cleaning will work, when you can return to exercise or work, and how your skin tone or history of pigment change affects the plan.