Last updated: October 21, 2026
Yes. Chemical peels are one of the safest cosmetic treatments when a dermatologist chooses the right peel for your skin. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that dermatologists have performed chemical peels for more than 50 years with an excellent safety record, and that results depend largely on the skill of the person doing the peel.
How safe a peel is depends mostly on how deep it goes. This guide explains the types of peels, which is gentlest, the possible side effects, how long healing takes and what to expect at Trillium. If you have Black, brown or Asian skin, see our guide to the best chemical peels for skin of color.
Quick answers
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| Are chemical peels safe? | Yes, when performed by a dermatologist or under a dermatologist’s supervision |
| What is the safest chemical peel? | A superficial (“lunchtime”) peel, such as a glycolic, lactic or salicylic acid peel |
| How long does healing take? | 1–7 days for a light peel, 7–14 days for a medium peel |
| Can I go back to work? | Usually right away after a light peel |
| Most common side effects? | Redness, tightness, flaking and temporary darkening |
| How many peels will I need? | Light peels usually work best as a series |
Types of chemical peels
| Superficial (“lunchtime”) peel | Medium peel | Deep peel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common acids | Glycolic, lactic, salicylic, other AHAs | Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) | Phenol |
| Treats | Dullness, rough texture, mild discoloration, acne | Age spots, fine lines, freckles, moderate discoloration | Deeper lines and shallow scars |
| Healing time | 1–7 days | 7–14 days | 14–21 days |
| Makeup | Usually right away or the next day | After 5–7 days | After at least 14 days |
| How often | 3–5 peels, every 2–5 weeks | Can be repeated | Only once in a lifetime |
| Setting | Office visit | Office visit, with follow-up | Surgical setting, under general anesthesia |
Source: AAD Chemical peels: FAQs.
What is the safest chemical peel?
Superficial peels are the gentlest and safest. They exfoliate only the top layer of skin, with little or no downtime, and they suit most skin types. Trillium offers mild-to-moderate peels only, including glycolic, lactic and other AHA peels, brightening glutathione and kojic acid peels, and VI Peel.
Possible side effects
The AAD notes that side effects tend to be mild when an experienced doctor performs the peel. They can include:
- Redness, which can last for months in some people
- Temporary darkening of the skin
- Lighter skin color (after medium and deep peels)
- Scarring, which is very rare when a dermatologist performs the peel
The risk of infection or scarring rises sharply if you skip sun protection, scratch or pick the treated skin, wear makeup before the skin heals, or use a tanning bed.
Who should not get a chemical peel?
Trillium doesn’t recommend peels for people with:
- Very sensitive skin
- Active cold sores
- Undiagnosed skin lesions
- Diabetes
- Autoimmune disorders, including lupus
- Eczema, dermatitis or psoriasis
Source: Trillium Chemical Peels.
What to expect at Trillium
- Consultation. Your skin type, concerns and history are reviewed, and the peel is chosen to match.
- Application. The solution goes on the thicker areas first (chin, nose and cheeks) and then the thinner skin around the eyes and mouth. It stays on for about 2–15 minutes, depending on the peel.
- During the peel. Most people feel a tingling or warm flushing.
- Afterward. Skin may be pink for several hours and feel tight for a few days. Most people go back to work right away.
- Peeling. Light to medium flaking may start 2–3 days later and can last up to 5–6 days. Some people barely peel at all.
Trillium uses a step-up approach, starting with a superficial peel and increasing gradually. In general, 4–8 peels spaced about 10–14 days apart give the best results. Peels aren’t effective on their own for medium or deep acne scars; laser resurfacing may suit those better.
Aftercare tips
- Keep your skin moisturized so it doesn’t dry and crack
- Don’t scratch, pick or peel flaking skin
- Avoid tanning beds
- Wear sunscreen every day once your skin heals
- Call your dermatologist if your skin burns, itches or swells
After a VI Peel, Trillium’s instructions say to put nothing on the skin, including sunscreen, for 4 hours, then use the supplied products and SPF. Full aftercare is on our Treatment Instructions page.
Chemical peels in Chapel Hill, Smithfield and Burlington
“I drove an hour and forty five minutes and it is worth it to me.”
— Megon H., Trillium Clinic patient (read more reviews)
Trillium’s consultations are available at all three offices, serving patients from Chapel Hill, Durham, Raleigh, Smithfield, Burlington and the surrounding areas. Peels can also be combined with fillers, Botox or AviClear for acne. Schedule a consultation online or call 919-710-8100, or visit our Chapel Hill, Smithfield or Burlington office.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Dermatologists have performed chemical peels for more than 50 years with an excellent safety record. Side effects tend to be mild when an experienced provider chooses the peel.
A superficial or "lunchtime" peel, such as glycolic, lactic or salicylic acid. It treats only the top layer of skin and has little or no downtime.
A light peel heals in about 1–7 days, a medium peel in 7–14 days and a deep peel in 14–21 days.
After a light peel, most people return to work right away. You may be pink for a few hours and have some flaking a few days later.
It depends on your skin and goals. Light peels work best as a series; at Trillium, 4–8 peels spaced about 10–14 days apart is typical.
People with very sensitive skin, active cold sores, undiagnosed lesions, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or eczema, dermatitis or psoriasis are usually not good candidates.
About Dr. Weiss
Stefan C. Weiss, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist, the medical director of Trillium Clinic and an adjunct professor of dermatology at Brown University. He trained at Duke University School of Medicine and Stanford University Medical Center, has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed abstracts, posters and manuscripts, and has over two decades of experience in medical and cosmetic dermatology.
References
- American Academy of Dermatology. Chemical peels: FAQs.
- American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Chemical Peels and Microdermabrasion for Skin of Color.
- Trillium Clinic. Chemical Peels.
- Trillium Clinic. Treatment Instructions.
This article is for general education and isn’t a substitute for personal medical advice. A board-certified dermatologist can tell you whether a chemical peel is right for you.
