ABSTRACT
Chemical peels are controlled skin-resurfacing procedures using standardized chemical reagents, leading to the regeneration of the skin and improvement of surface abnormalities. They are ranked among the top five minimally invasive aesthetic procedures worldwide because they are relatively easy to perform, have low downtime, are cost-effective, and require few pieces of equipment. Acne, pigmentary disorders like melasma, skin rejuvenation, photoaging, and scars are being treated with chemical peels. The choice of the peel depends on the pathology and skin type. Superficial peels are safe for all skin types, including skin of color, whereas medium-depth and deep peels require expertise to avoid complications. Pre-peel and post-peel care are important to enhance results and reduce the incidence of complications, particularly post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in skin of color. Traditional peeling agents like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and trichloroacetic acid are being used, but newer combination peels are preferred due to a higher safety margin.
