Peeling: What is it, what it is for, types, how it is done and risks (2025)

Peeling is an aesthetic procedure indicated for skin rejuvenation, as it softens or eliminates wrinkles and expression lines, clarifies spots or treats scars or stretch marks.

Peeling promotes the controlled exfoliation and peeling of the skin layers, removing damaged cells and promoting the regeneration of the smoother -looking skin and can be done using chemicals or abrasive particles.

Also read: Body exfoliation: what it is, benefits and how to do it at home

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Treatment with chemical or physical peeling should be done by the dermatologist, after evaluation of skin type and treatment objectives, as it has health risks such as burns, infections or damage to the liver, heart or kidney.

So that Serve

Peeling serves to promote controlled damage to the epidermis, which is the most superficial layer of the skin, stimulating collagen production, remodeling and skin regeneration.

Thus, peeling improves the appearance and texture of the skin.

If you would like to peel, make an appointment with the dermatologist in the region closest to you:

When it is indicated

Peeling is suitable for:

• Eliminate or soften wrinkles and expression lines;
• Lighten skin stains caused by the sun, age or freckles;
• Prevent the appearance of blackheads and pimples;
• Treat acne scars;
• Decrease dilated pores;
• Soften stretch marks.

In addition, peeling is suitable for reducing skin oils, especially acne or pimples.

Can black skin make peel?

Black skin can peel, but should be done only by the dermatologist.

The type of peel should be guided by the doctor, and usually deep chemical peel is not recommended due to the higher risk of scars and skin blemishes.

Also read: 7 Skin Types: How to identify and care (with online test)

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How to prepare

Prior to peeling it is recommended to avoid exposing themselves to the sun and performing other aesthetic procedures such as hair removal, epilation, hair whitening, exfoliating or filling to avoid skin injuries and permanent scars.

In addition, the doctor may recommend the use of antivirals to prevent the emergence of lip herpes in people who have this condition.

Depending on the type of peeling, especially in the case of chemical peel, sedation may be required, and it is recommended to have a companion to take the person home after the procedure.

How it is done

Peeling is done by the dermatologist with chemicals or abrasive particles.

1. Chemical peeling

Chemical peel can be done in the doctor’s office or hospital with sedation, which varies with the type of chemical to be used and the depth of the procedure.

Before performing peeling, the doctor should be asepsis of the skin with antiseptic and then apply the chemical, which can be glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid or lactic acid in different concentrations.

This product is then kept on the skin for a while and then washed and neutralized by the doctor.

After performing chemical peel, the person is released home.

Also read: Chemical Peeling: What is it, what it is for, how it is done, types (and care)

tuasaude.com/peeling-quimico

2. Physical peeling

Physical peeling is done using abrasive particle pens that promote physical exfoliation and removal of dead cells and the most superficial layer of the skin.

This type of peel, also called mechanical peeling or microdermabrasion, allows better absorption of creams or skin products.

Also read: Microdermabrasion: What is it, what is it for and how it is done

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Peeling types

The main types of peeling are:

1. Peeling the Diamante

Diamond peeling is a type of chemical peel made using a pen that has a diamond sandpaper at the tip to remove dead cells from the superficial layer of the skin.

Also read: Diamond peeling: what it is, what is it for and how it is done

tuasaude.com/peeling-de-diamante

2. Peeling the Fenol

Phenol peeling is a type of peeling Chemical made by applying phenol to the skin of the face, being able to penetrate deeper layers of the skin.

This type of peel is prohibited by Anvisa for having serious health risks and its effectiveness and safety are not proven.

Also read: Phenol Peeling: What is it, what it is for, how it is done and risks

tuasaude.com/peeling-de-fenol

3. Peeling the Cristal

Crystal peel is another type of physical peel made by the doctor with a device that has aluminum hydroxide crystals on the tip.

This type of peel promotes skin suction, removing the most superficial layer and stimulating collagen production.

Also read: Crystal peel: what it is, what is it for and how it is done

tuasaude.com/peeling-de-cristal

4. Ultrasonic Peeling

Ultrasonic peeling is a type of physical peel performed by the doctor with equipment that has a spatula and emits ultrasonic waves.

This allows you to remove dead cells from the most superficial layers from the skin.

5. The cróton Page .

Croton peeling is a chemical peel made with the application of crotonic acid or croton oil reaching the superficial and medium layers of the skin.

This type of peel is quite aggressive for the skin and can be performed with general anesthesia, and is usually suitable for deep wrinkles or scars on the skin.

Also read: Croton Peeling: What is it, what it is for, how it is done and risks

tuasaude.com/peeling-de-croton

6. Retinoic peeling

Retinoic peeling is a superficial chemical peel made with the application of retinoic acid reaching the outer and superficial layer of the skin.

This type of peel helps increase collagen production through the skin, as well as stimulate cellular regeneration.

Also read: Retinoic Peeling: What is it, what it is for, how it is done (and care)

tuasaude.com/peeling-retinoico

7. Peeling ATA

Peeling ATA is a chemical peel made with trichloroacetic acid in different concentrations to remove the outer and/or average layer of the skin.

Thus, 10 to 30% trichloroacetic acid removes the most superficial layer of the skin, while at 35% concentration reaches medium skin layers.

Trichloroacetic acid at 50% or more, reaches deeper layers of the skin.

The concentration of trichloroacetic acid should be indicated by the dermatologist, according to the purpose of treatment.

8. Peeling the Alga

Algae peel is a type of chemical peel that uses different extracts of concentrated microalgae to promote skin exfoliation.

This type of peeling should be done by the dermatologist for skin rejuvenation.

Recovery after peeling

Recovery after peeling varies according to the type of peeling performed, and it is common for the skin to be reddish in the early days and then peel.

In the case of medium or deep chemical peeling, in addition to redness, the skin may become swollen and bubbles can appear on the skin, crusts, burning, pain or discomfort.

Care after peeling

After peeling some precautions are important for recovery, such as:

• Wash the face or skin treated with cold water and mild soap;
• Dry the skin gently with a clean, dry and smooth towel, without rubbing and shaving the face;
• Apply the moisturizing creams indicated by the dermatologist;
• Drink at least 2 liters of water a day to keep the skin hydrated;
• Apply sunscreen, as at least SPF 30, daily, even on cloudy days;
• Avoid exposure so sun;
• Do not rub or exfoliate the skin;
• Avoid playing, rubbing, poking the skin or pulling the skin that is peeling or removing crusts.

In addition, it is recommended to avoid physical activities for the time recommended by the doctor, according to the type of peel performed.

Can you apply ice compresses?

For medium and deep chemical peel, it is recommended to apply ice compresses to the face for 10 minutes every hour for 1 to 2 days.

For deep chemical peeling, the dermatologist may recommend applying to sterile gauze moistened gauze in a solution of 1 teaspoon white vinegar and 2 cups of bottled water for 10 minutes every 1 to 2 hours to avoid infections.

Peel before and after

The before and after peeling varies according to the peeling type performed.

Before peeling, usually, the person has wrinkles, expression lines, spots or scars on the skin, and after peeling the skin is more rejuvenated, without blemishes or less visible scars.

To compare the before and after peeling, the doctor usually takes some photos, being possible to evaluate the result.

Also read: Rejuvenation: what is, treatments and daily care

tuasaude.com/rejuvenescimento

Possible risks

Peeling can cause complications such as swelling on the skin, burning sensation, itching, skin bubbles, scars or infections.

In the case of chemical peeling, severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis, cardiac arrhythmia or liver or kidney damage may also occur. Learn to identify the symptoms of anaphylaxis.

Therefore, chemical peeling should be done by the dermatologist in the office or hospital, with appliances and medicines that may reverse serious complications immediately.

Who should not do

Peeling is not indicated in some situations, being the main ones:

• Children or adolescents;
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• Skin with burns, active herpes or bacterial or fungal infection;
• Skin healing problems;
• Uncontrolled diabetes;
• Treatments for acne with isotretinoin in the last 6 months;
• Immunological problems.

In addition, people with heart problems, liver and/or kidneys, or allergy to the chemicals used, should not do chemical peel due to the higher risk of serious complications.

Chemical peel should be avoided in cases of very sensitive, inflamed or severe acne, rosacea or impetigo, for example.