Chemical Peel Costs, Types and Benefits for Your Skin

Restoring skin to a smoother and more youthful appearance is the goal of many skin resurfacing treatments, and chemical peels are no exception. These peels use different chemical substances to regenerate the skin without damaging the deeper layers of the dermis.

Chemical peels — non-surgical and non-invasive — can contribute to a rejuvenated appearance and keep skin glowing.

What Is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a skin treatment that accelerates exfoliation using a specialized chemical solution. This process helps improve skin texture, tone and overall appearance by encouraging the regeneration of new, healthier skin cells. The depth of exfoliation varies depending on the strength of the peel, ranging from mild surface treatments to deeper peels that address more significant concerns like wrinkles, scars or hyperpigmentation.

Don’t be alarmed by the word "chemical" in chemical peel; it’s merely a term that refers to the various substances that cause the epidermis to shed skin, known as keratosis, often leaving the remaining skin looking fresher, radiant and more glowing. Not only can they contribute to a more youthful appearance, but they may also improve some medical conditions, such as acne or actinic keratosis (rough, scaly spots or patches on the skin).

Chemical peels use a variety of peeling agents that work slightly differently from one another, but, in a general way, they all have a similar result: They induce keratolysis, coagulation and denaturation of proteins in the dermis and epidermis — in other words, sloughing and peeling of the skin cells.

Face vs. body chemical peels

While chemical peels can be applied to both face and body, they have different formulations and treatment goals. Facial chemical peels are designed to treat signs of aging and sun damage (wrinkles, uneven skin tone) on the face, while a body peel applies to a much wider treatment area, including the neck, chest, back and hands, among others.

A body chemical peel may seek to address some of the same concerns as a facial peel, such as hyperpigmentation and the effects of sun damage, but they also may treat:

• Body acne
• Rough skin texture
• Scarring
• Some skin conditions
• Stretch marks

Because facial skin is more sensitive, the peeling agent used for chemical peels on the face is usually less concentrated and milder. In contrast, areas of the body with thicker skin typically receive a stronger, more concentrated formulation.

As you’ll see below, some types of peeling agents can get into the deeper skin layers, while others are more superficial.

Types of Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are generally broken into three types: light or superficial, medium and deep. Let’s look at the different types and treatments of each kind.

Light or superficial chemical peels

The lightest of the chemical peels are typically performed using alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic acid, which is naturally occurring in fruits and other foods. They might also use a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), such as salicylic acid, which is mildly stronger than an AHA.

Light chemical peels may be recommended in a series of six to eight peels, two to three weeks apart, and are often used to treat:

• Dry skin
• Large pores
• Liver spots
• Sun spots
• Very fine wrinkles

Light peels may not have long-lasting effects, maybe one to two months, depending on the agents used.

Light to medium chemical peels

VI Peels are a popular category of light to medium-depth chemical peels that combine a unique blend of ingredients, including trichloroacetic acid (TCA), retinoic acid, salicylic acid, phenol and vitamin C. These peels are safe for all skin types and tones and are often recommended in a series for best results.

VI Peels can address a wide range of skin concerns, including:

• Enlarged pores and rough skin texture
• Fine lines and early signs of aging
• Melasma and hyperpigmentation
• Mild to moderate acne and acne scarring
• Sun damage and uneven skin tone

Depending on the specific formulation, such as VI Peel Original, VI Peel Precision Plus, VI Peel Purify or VI Peel Advanced, treatment plans can be customized based on individual needs. VI Peels typically require minimal downtime and offer noticeable improvement in skin clarity, texture and brightness within about seven days after treatment.

Medium chemical peels

Medium peels are typically performed with TCA. These peels can penetrate deeper than the epidermis. Because of the greater strength, TCA peels may increase collagen and elastin and can treat more significant skin concerns, such as:

• Deeper acne scars
• Deeper lines and wrinkles
• Hyperpigmentation
• Precancers (actinic keratosis)

Medium peels will last longer than light peels, approximately two to six months, but have a longer recovery time than light peels. You may need a series of sessions, but you’ll work with your skin care professional to determine the frequency.

Deep chemical peels

Deep peels use the strongest peeling agents to penetrate the deepest skin layers (the mid-reticular dermis), which enables them to address more significant issues, such as severe acne scars and deeper wrinkles.

Peeling agents used in deep peels may include TCA plus other agents, such as Jessner’s solution — a combination of resorcinol, lactic acid and salicylic acid — for an intense peeling agent. Additionally, your skin care professional may use a phenol/croton oil solution, though typically only for lighter skin complexions, as this solution may cause pigmentation issues in darker skin types.

Because this more intensive treatment penetrates deeper skin layers, the results have been compared to facelifts in their rejuvenation of skin. However, with the advent of laser resurfacing, these types of chemical peels are being done less frequently.

Deep peels can have benefits that last for years, depending on the peeling agents used, but will also have the most significant recovery time. Due to the intensity of this type of peel, it’s unlikely the average person will get more than one, though you can always discuss this with your skin care professional.

How Much Does a Chemical Peel Cost?

The national average cost* of a chemical peel can range from $192 to $5,174. This wide range can be attributed to a number of factors that can impact the price of treatment, including:¹

• Chemical peel type
• Chemical peel provider
• Consultation fees
• Geographic location
• Recovery expenses

Chemical peel cost by type

One of the biggest influences on the cost of a chemical peel is the type of chemical peel you receive. Below is a breakdown of the average cost* of chemical peels by type. Keep in mind that light and medium chemical peels may require multiple treatments to achieve your desired results.

Calculate the cost of a light chemical peel near you

Light chemical peel pricing by state/district

Your geographic area also impacts the cost of a chemical peel. Here are the average costs* of a light chemical peel for all 50 states and the District of Columbia:¹

Does Insurance Cover Chemical Peels?

Health insurance plans may not cover the cost of chemical peels if the health insurer doesn't consider the treatments to be medically necessary. With insurance coverage, out-of-pocket costs for a chemical peel can include deductibles, coinsurance and copays. It's a good idea to contact your insurance company in advance for details about your specific plan and benefits.

How Does a Chemical Peel Work?

Though one peel type may sound right for you, you’ll ultimately decide on the right type by consulting with your skin care professional.

Consultation

Before you decide on a peel, you’ll need a consultation with a skin care professional, such as an esthetician or dermatologist, to determine the appropriate chemical peel for your skin type, goals and health history.

Preparation

While the steps before your peel might vary slightly based on the strength of the peel you choose, you will generally be guided to make sure your skin is well-moisturized and hydrated in the days or weeks leading up to your peel, which helps the exfoliation process. You may be asked to switch out any harsh skin care products or routines for mild ones and may even be given specific products by your skin care professional to use for a set duration before your treatment. Keep your skin protected, as well, with sunblock.

To prep your skin to get the best results from your chemical peel, you may find the following steps helpful:

• Don’t work out before your peel. This can overstimulate your skin and increase circulation, leading to irritation during the treatment and potentially a suboptimal response to the peeling agent.
• Exfoliate per your skin care professional’s guidelines. Listen to the advice you’re given about using skin exfoliants in the weeks leading up to your treatment — most peels
• Hydrate in advance. Dehydration hampers skin health and can make it sensitive, which may affect the peel results.

Procedure

Your skin care professional will begin by cleaning and removing oils from your skin. They might also put protective petroleum jelly on any area you don’t want to receive the treatment. Then, they will brush on the peeling agent.

Light peel. A light peel can cause mild skin tingling or burning for around three to five minutes, which will dissipate once the peel agent is neutralized. You may be given a fan to cool the area during the treatment.

Light to medium peel. A VI Peel treatment typically causes mild to moderate tingling or stinging for the first few minutes after application. Most patients find it very tolerable, and a fan or cooling device may be used if needed. The solution remains on the skin for four to six hours after treatment and is washed off at home following your provider’s instructions.

Medium peel. A medium peel may cause a more intense stinging sensation and for a longer duration, around 15 to 20 minutes. You may get a numbing cream or gel in advance if you are especially sensitive, and an icy cloth or gel may be applied after to cool further.

Deep peel. Because a deep peel is much more intensive than the other two types, you will likely be given both a sedative in advance and a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. The peeling agent will be brushed on and left on for the treatment time. Because a deep peel is essentially a chemical burn, your skin will be treated with a special ointment and possibly a medicated gauze afterward.

Chemical Peel Recovery and Aftercare

Though each peel type will have different aftercare suggestions, general advice for all peel types for a minimum of several days to a week after treatment includes the following tips:

• Avoid makeup (duration will depend upon the peel type).
• Avoid sun exposure or wear sunscreen when exposed. Chemical peels can increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight.
• Don’t pick or scratch skin — let skin peel naturally.
• Expect sensitive, possibly red and irritated skin (duration will depend on the peel type).
• Stay moisturized.

Light. After your light peel, expect some redness that will usually resolve within 12 hours, though sensitive skin can be red for several days. It’s common to experience some skin flaking and for skin to feel a little tight.

Light to medium. Peeling usually begins about three days after the VI Peel application and can continue for up to a week. During recovery, it’s important to avoid sun exposure, moisturize regularly and let the skin naturally shed without picking or peeling. Gentle cleansing and consistent sunscreen use will help protect and support the new skin.

Medium. After a medium peel, the skin needs more recovery time than a light peel. It may feel sunburned and sensitive before it begins sloughing. Recovery time may be more like seven to 14 days.

Deep. Deep peels have the longest recovery time, with a minimum of two weeks before you can return to normal activities but up to eight weeks for full recovery. Expect crusting, skin redness, swelling and sloughing.

The best way to preserve the results of your chemical peel for as long as possible is similar to the pre-peel skin care routine:

• Protect your skin from the sun.
• Stay hydrated.
• Use proper skin care for your skin type.

Possible Side Effects and Complications

While most people can get chemical peels with minimal complications, there are some common side effects and rare but serious complications that can occur. Common side effects include:

• Blistering
• Burning
• Edema (swelling)
• Itching
• Redness

More severe complications include:

• Anaphylaxis (allergic reaction)
• Cardiac arrhythmias
• Pigment changes in people with darker skin tones and a history of hypertrophic scar formation
• Systemic toxicity (Phenol has been linked to liver and kidney toxicity, though rare. Salicylic acid can contribute to a condition called salicylism, which can lead to nausea, vomiting, dizziness, coma and even death in severe, but rare, cases.)

Delayed complications can include infections and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Financing Chemical Peels With the CareCredit Credit Card

When getting chemical peels or another cosmetic procedure, the CareCredit credit card can help you pay for costs not covered by insurance.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic specialist near you that accepts CareCredit. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to cosmetic procedures, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, pet care, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Expert Reviewer

Dr. Eugene Nowak, M.D.

Dr. Eugene Nowak is a board-certified dermatologist practicing at Nowak Aesthetics in Chula Vista, California. He specializes in dermatological procedures, cosmetic surgery and skin rejuvenation techniques. Dr. Nowak is known for his role in pioneering the ThermaLipo procedure, a new advancement in body contouring.

Author Bio

Jordan Rosenfeld has been freelance writing for 21 years about finances, health, education and more. Her work has appeared in The Atlantic, The Billfold, Good Magazine, GOBanking Rates, Daily Worth, Quartz, Medical Economics, The New York Times, PayPal, The Washington Post and more.