Think Chemical Peels Are Harsh? Think Again — Understanding Depths, Downtime & Smart Choices

What is a Chemical Peel?

Chemical peels gently remove layers of skin. During the procedure, a specially formulated chemical solution is applied to your skin, causing a controlled reaction that stimulates the natural process of shedding old skin. This prompts the body to generate fresh, healthy skin cells in their place. The result is smoother, brighter, and more rejuvenated skin that looks and feels renewed.

Key Benefits of Chemical Peels:

• Softens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Enhances skin texture and promotes a more even tone
• Diminishes the look of acne scars and blemishes
• Stimulates collagen for firmer, more youthful skin
• Reduces hyperpigmentation and sun damage
• Refines and minimizes the appearance of pores

The effectiveness of a chemical peel depends on several factors, including your skin type, specific concerns, and the formulation used. A professional evaluation is essential to determine the ideal peel strength and treatment plan for your unique skin needs. At Bel Viso Medical Spa, our experienced providers assess your skin in detail and customize each peel to deliver safe, effective, and radiant results.

The Different Types of Peels:

Superficial (Light) Peels:

What They Do: Superficial peels are the gentlest form of chemical exfoliation, targeting only the outermost layer of skin (the epidermis). They use mild acids such as glycolic or salicylic acid to refine texture, even skin tone, and address mild acne, dullness, and early signs of aging.
Typical Downtime: Minimal; most patients experience slight redness or flaking for 24–48 hours. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), healing time ranges from 1 to 7 days for light peels.
What to Expect: A subtle “frosting” effect may occur, followed by light flaking that reveals brighter, smoother skin within 3–4 days. The treatment takes about 30 minutes, making it ideal for those seeking visible refreshment with little to no interruption to their routine.
Best For: Clients looking for gentle maintenance, a quick skin boost, or those new to chemical peels who want to start conservatively.

Medium Depth Peels:

What They Do: Medium chemical peels penetrate deeper than superficial treatments, reaching the middle layer of the skin (the dermis) to correct more advanced concerns. These peels typically use trichloroacetic acid (TCA) at concentrations between 15% and 35% to improve texture, reduce pigmentation, and minimize fine lines and scarring.
Typical Downtime: Moderate. Redness and swelling may occur for 48–72 hours, followed by visible peeling that begins around day 3–4. Most patients complete the shedding process within 5–7 days, revealing fresh, renewed skin.
What to Expect: Results are noticeable after one treatment, though optimal improvement may develop over several weeks as collagen production increases. Skin may appear pink or slightly sensitive during the healing phase, requiring careful post-peel care.
Best For: Clients seeking to address deeper wrinkles, sun damage, uneven tone, melasma, moderate acne scarring, or age spots.

Medium peels are typically performed every 3–9 months, depending on skin type, goals, and lifestyle. Results often last 6–12 months with consistent sun protection and a professional skincare routine.

Deep Peels:

What They Do: Deep chemical peels are the most intensive form of exfoliation, reaching the lower layers of the dermis to address advanced skin concerns. These treatments use phenol or high-concentration trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to dramatically improve deep wrinkles, severe sun damage, and significant scarring. Because of their strength, deep peels are considered medical procedures and require strict professional oversight.
Typical Downtime: Substantial. The treatment typically lasts 2–3 hours and requires sedation or anesthesia. Recovery can take 2–3 weeks, with redness, swelling, and crusting common during healing. Skin gradually regenerates, revealing smoother, firmer, and more even-toned results that can last up to 10 years with proper care.
What to Expect: Deep peels produce the most dramatic transformation, but also require significant recovery time and follow-up care. Patients must be prepared for an extended healing process and commit to close medical supervision throughout treatment and recovery.
Best For: Individuals with severe wrinkles, extensive sun damage, pronounced acne scarring, precancerous lesions, or advanced pigmentation concerns.



Deep peels penetrate profoundly, so they are not suitable for everyone. They are generally avoided in darker skin tones, sensitive skin types, individuals with heart conditions, or those who have recently undergone facial surgery. Comprehensive pre-treatment screening and medical clearance are required. A consultation at Bel Viso Medical Spa will help determine if a deep peel is the right option for your skin goals, ensuring safety, proper preparation, and the most effective treatment plan for long-lasting results.

Why Does Depth Matter?

Results vs. Recovery: Deeper peels deliver the most dramatic transformations, significantly improving wrinkles, scarring, and pigmentation,  but they also require a greater recovery commitment. Superficial peels offer a quick, refreshing boost with little to no downtime, making them ideal for routine maintenance or event prep. The right choice depends on how quickly you wish to see results and how much downtime your schedule allows.

Skin Type & Goals: Every skin type and concern responds differently to each level of peel. Lighter peels are ideal for those new to chemical exfoliation, clients managing acne or minor texture issues, and professionals seeking subtle, consistent maintenance. At Bel Viso, each treatment is personalized to align with your goals, skin condition, and comfort level.

Aftercare & Risk: Proper aftercare is essential to ensure both safety and optimal results, especially with deeper peels. Superficial and medium peels generally require gentle cleansing, daily moisturizer, and strict use of SPF 30 or higher to protect new skin cells. Deep peels demand more advanced care, including prescription ointments, consistent hydration, and avoidance of sun exposure and strenuous activity during recovery. Our team here at Bel Viso provides comprehensive post-peel care instructions and support to promote healthy healing and long-term skin rejuvenation.

Choosing the Right Peel Here At Bel Viso

At Bel Viso Medical Spa, our approach is to tailor the peel depth to match your skin goals, lifestyle, and downtime comfort level. Here’s how we guide you:

• Consultation First: We assess your skin history, current condition, goals, and downtime preference.
• Match Depth to Intent: If you want a subtle refresh before an event, a superficial peel is ideal. If you’re focused on sun damage or aging changes and can support a week of downtime, a medium peel may be optimal. For major resurfacing and correction, we may consider deeper options, but only with the appropriate setting and expectations.
• Supportive Aftercare: Proper aftercare makes all the difference. Sun protection, hydration, gentle skincare, and avoiding harsh products help you heal smoothly and maximize results. 

Chemical peels are not one-size-fits-all, and they’re far more versatile than the “harsh peel” stereotype suggests. Whether you’re looking for a quick glow, a more significant refresh, or a major transformation, there’s a peel depth suited to you, with corresponding downtime and results. The key is choosing with intention and partnering with experienced professionals.

At Bel Viso, we provide that expertise and guide you toward the right depth for your skin’s needs and your schedule. Want to learn more about how we apply this approach with specific treatment options? Reach out to schedule a consult and we’ll map out the best path for your skin!