A chemical peel is a procedure where a chemical solution is applied to the skin to remove the top layers. The skin that grows back always remains smooth. Either using a light or medium peel, a person may need to undergo more than once to get the desired results. Chemical peels are often used to treat wrinkles, discolored skin and scars on the face. They can be done alone or in combination with other cosmetic procedures. They can also be done at different depths from light to deep. Deeper chemical peels provide good results but also have a longer recovery time.