What should you know about facial peels for aging skin?

A peel applies a selected chemical solution to loosen bonds between surface skin cells. This can make roughness, dullness and some uneven pigmentation less noticeable as the skin renews. It cannot restore lost volume or erase every line. Superficial peels generally involve less downtime than deeper treatments, while stronger treatments can cause more redness, peeling and sensitivity. Active sunburn, inflamed skin or conditions such as psoriasis need discussion before treatment.

A clinician should examine your skin tone, sensitivity, pigmentation history, medicines and the area to be treated. Ask which ingredient and depth are proposed, and whether a test area or preparation routine is appropriate. Use gentle cleansing and regular broad-spectrum sun protection afterwards; do not pull peeling skin or add retinoids, scrubs or fragranced products until advised. Keep the skin moisturised and follow the clinic’s timing for restarting active products.

Contact the provider for severe pain, blistering, marked swelling, pus, fever, worsening redness or pigment change. Urgent help is needed if a product enters the eye or causes vision changes. Peeling that persists, becomes painful or resembles a spreading rash should be assessed rather than treated with another peel.

Which peel depth matches my goals and skin history? How much visible peeling should I expect? Which products, medicines or recent sun exposure could increase irritation or pigment change?