This chemical peel is usually done in an office or an outpatient procedure. Before starting the procedure, the doctor will clean the face, protect the hair and cover eyes with ointment, gauze or tape or goggles. Pain relief is not necessary in case of light chemical peel. If a person is advised for medium chemical peel, he or she might receive a sedative and painkiller. In case of deep peel, that person might need a sedative and fluids are delivered through the vein.
- Light Chemical Peel - The doctor will use a brush, cotton ball, sponge or gauze to apply the chemical solution having glycolic acid or salicylic acid. The treated skin will begin to whiten. A mild stinging feeling can be experienced on the skin. The doctor will apply a neutralizing agent to remove the chemical solution from the treated area.
- Medium Chemical Peel - The doctor uses a cotton tipped applicator or gauze to apply a chemical solution with trichloroacetic acid, sometimes with glycolic acid. The treated skin will begin to whiten. After a few minutes, the doctor will apply cold compresses to soothe the treated skin.
- Deep Chemical Peel - The patient is given with intravenous fluids and heart rate is monitored often. The doctor uses a cotton tipped applicator to apply carbolic acid to the skin. Treated skin will begin to turn to gray or white. This procedure is done once in a 15 minutes interval to limit the exposure to phenol. The total time taken to complete this procedure is 90 minutes.