How Long Does a Chemical Peel Last?

Chemical peels have been used since ancient Egyptian times to improve skin tone and texture.  However, the practice has come a long way since then.  It’s a safe and simple cosmetic procedure that removes dead skin and promotes the growth of new skin cells.  If you’re looking to reduce the appearance of age spots, clear up sun damaged skin or mellow the appearance of wrinkles and scars, a chemical peel might be something to consider.  You might ask, “How long does a chemical peel last?”  Read more to find out.

What Is A Chemical Peel?

Chemical peels use an acid to break down and remove layers of skin cells.  They’re done with different intensities that reach to different depths of the skin.  These different intensities are known as superficial, medium and deep treatments.  Superficial and medium peels are temporary and are usually performed in series with treatments occurring every couple of weeks or months.  Deep treatments are permanent and are only performed once.  

How Long Does A Chemical Peel Last?

Depending on the procedure you undergo, a chemical peel can last anywhere from a month to permanently.  

Superficial treatments affect only the top layer of your skin, known as the epidermis.  These are used to treat acne, skin tone variations, shallow wrinkles and dryness.  Superficial treatments will last for a month or two.

Medium peels affect the epidermis as well as the layer directly beneath it, known as the upper dermis.  Medium peels can help with deeper wrinkles, scars and hyperpigmentation of the skin.  Medium peels can last from two to six months.  

Deep peels reach as far as the mid to lower dermis.  They’re most often used for serious skin issues such as precancerous growths, scars and deep wrinkling.  Deep peels can have permanent results for scars and precancerous growths, but they will not permanently eliminate wrinkles.  

How Long Does Your Skin Peel?

The results will differ for everyone and will depend on the depth of the procedure.  Superficial treatments might result in very little skin peeling.  Medium peels may cause the skin to redden and start peeling about two or three days after the treatment.  This could last anywhere from a few days to as long as six weeks.  Deep peels may result in even longer downtime.