Your Guide To Chemical Peels: The Difference Between Professional And At-Home Ones, Plus The Best To Try Right Now

Three dermatologists weigh in.

Published on Jul 5, 2025

PHOTO: Canva Pro Photo File

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Chemical peels, a type of skincare treatment once exclusive only to a dermatologist’s office, can now be safely performed at home and easily incorporated into your skincare routine. Having tried many at-home versions of professional chemical peels myself—and also having ventured into dermatologists ' offices to try ones that can only be administered in a clinical setting—I can confidently say that chemical peels are game changers when it comes to clear, glowing skin.

Chemical peels are formulated with varying concentrations of exfoliating acids, and depending on those formulations, they can help treat things like dark spots, acne, fine lines, large pores, and uneven skin texture. But with many professional and at-home chemical peels to choose from, it can be hard to narrow it down to just one.

While there are several factors to consider when determining what chemical peel is right for you (at-home, professional, or a healthy combination of both), I spoke to several dermatologists to help break it all down. Ahead, they filled me in on all the basics, the differences between professional and at-home chemical peels, product recommendations, and how to apply a professional peel at home.

What is a chemical peel?

"A chemical peel is a cosmetic treatment that entails the application of a topical chemical solution to exfoliate and remove the top layer of dead skin cells," explains Connie Yang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. Chemical peels can be performed either at home or in a professional medical setting. (The former includes lower concentrations of active ingredients than the latter.) The most common ingredients you will find in chemical peels, often in combination, include alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acid; beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) such as salicylic acid; and polyhydroxy acids such as gluconolactone and lactobionic acid. Some, says Dr. Yang, even contain retinoids and fruit enzymes that offer gentle exfoliation.

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By removing the outermost layer of the epidermis (aka the top layer of your skin), chemical peels help to reveal newer, smoother skin beneath. "This shedding of the outer layer unclogs pores and helps reduce acne breakouts. It also smooths and polishes the skin, decreasing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and evening out the texture," says Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. That newer, fresher layer is ready to welcome and retain hydration, which plumps the skin, making it look younger and healthier. "Over time," Dr. King says, "regular use of a chemical exfoliant can increase cell turnover and stimulate collagen production." Though most commonly used on the face, chemical peels can also be applied to other areas of the body, too.

What is the difference between at-home and professional chemical peels?

The primary difference here is the difference strengths of AHAs and BHAs used, "which correlates to the depth of penetration into the skin," says Terence Keaney, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Washington D.C. "Professional peels tend to be stronger and penetrate deeper, resulting in improved results as well as increased risk and supervision required," he adds. On the other hand, at-home chemical peels are more superficial and typically target the top layer of the skin to remove dead skin cells. "A good at-home peel should be strong enough to be effective but gentle enough to be safe to use at home," says Dr. King.

While you can certainly expect results from both an at-home and professional chemical peel, the results will vary depending on the peel's active ingredients. Most at-home peels will be exfoliating, improve the texture of the skin, and minimize any pigmentation. "You can expect smoother and brighter skin with successive treatments. Oftentimes, you get a temporary glow the following day. For those with acne, they can help reduce clogged pores and minor breakouts with consistent use, says Dr. Yang.

With professional peels, you can generally expect more dramatic results. For this reason, professional chemical peels will likely have some degree of downtime (i.e., redness, peeling, and flaking) post-procedure, while at-home peels have no downtime at all. "Those with melasma, significant sun damage, or deeper wrinkles will likely need a professional strength chemical peel for real results," says Dr. Yang.

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Photo: Canva Pro Photo File

What are the different strengths of chemical peels?

Chemical peels are categorized by the depths they reach in the skin; the higher the concentration of exfoliants in the peel, the stronger the peel will be. Chemical peels are generally mild, medium, or deep.

Mild peels: At-home chemical peels fall within this category, and they tend to be super mild, reaching only the superficial layer of the skin. In-office mild peels contain higher concentrations of chemical exfoliants and exfoliate a little deeper than at-home peels, helping to treat mild acne and pigmentation. You can also expect radiant skin and smoother texture post-peel. These will require a series of treatments for optimal results. Mild chemical peels may have a day or two of downtime or redness, and minimal, if any, peeling may occur.

Medium peels: Medium-depth chemical peels contain higher percentages of AHAs and BHAs, such as salicylic acid, to treat acne-prone skin. Common types of medium-depth peels include trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and Jessner’s solution, which is a popular type of chemical peel that contains a blend of salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol mixed in an ethanol base. Medium-depth chemical peels also reduce the noticeable effects of sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and surface wrinkles. Depending upon your goals, Dr. Yang says that medium-depth chemical peels can be done every few months or in a series. Expect about three to seven days of downtime with visible redness and peeling.

Deep peels: Deep peels, or phenol peels, are used to address much more serious skin issues—they are not used often and must be done in a medical setting, says Dr. Yang. They come with significant recovery time and have quite dramatic results. "They can improve deep wrinkles, scars, sun damage, and provide tightening of the skin. Deep peels do not come without risks; the most noticeable being cardiac arrhythmias and other heart-related complications. If done incorrectly, they can lead to scarring, hypopigmentation, and infection," she cautions.

girl getting a strong chemical peel at a skin clinic

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Photo: Canva Pro Photo File

Is it safe to do a chemical peel at home?

The short answer is yes. It's safe to do an at-home chemical peel, but since you’re dealing with exfoliating acids, you still need to proceed with care. Even though most at-home peels contain lower concentrations of exfoliants, there is still a risk of irritation or burns if left on the skin for too long or are done too frequently.

"They are safe to do at home if you use superficial peels only, like AHAs or BHAs at low concentrations. Be sure to follow instructions carefully, paying close attention to application time and neutralizing, if needed. Perform a patch test or spot test before applying to your entire face," says Dr. Keaney. He cautions that if you’re going to do a chemical peel at home to avoid using other strong actives, such as retinol or benzoyl peroxide, at or around the time of application. "Do not perform a chemical peel if you are sunburned, irritated, or on acne medications like isotretinoin,” adds Dr. Keaney. If you're unsure whether an at-home chemical peel is right for you, see a dermatologist for guidance.

Which type of at-home chemical peel is best?

The best at-home chemical peels are formulated with acids that are suited to your skin type and concerns. To help you get started, I rounded up six of the best options to try, according to both editors and dermatologists:

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How do you do a chemical peel at home?

No matter the at-home peel you choose, it’s important to be realistic in your expectations of what an at-home product can do in treating your skin concerns. Expect immediate, subtle results after the first time, but with consistent, recommended weekly usage, expect even better results over time.

To start, make sure your skin is clean, dry, and not compromised, meaning you have no active irritation or open wounds on your skin. Next, Dr. Yang recommends applying vaseline or a barrier cream to sensitive areas of the face, such as the corners of your mouth and around the nose, to avoid contact with any chemicals. Making sure to avoid contact with your eyes, begin applying a thin layer, or as directed, with either your fingertips or a brush, and leave it on for the recommended amount of time. Remove the peel with lukewarm water, or as directed, and follow with products that support the skin barrier and protect the skin, helping it to heal. Avoid any products that could potentially be irritating. Use creamy cleansers that wash the skin gently without stripping it and follow with a moisturizer that contains humectants, emollients, and occlusives, says Dr. King. Use the chemical peel the recommended number of times per week according to the packaging, but if you’re super sensitive, Dr. Yang recommends using the at-home peel no more than once a week.

As an avid chemical peel user myself, I tend to use one at least once or twice a week to keep my skin smooth and any melasma-related spots to a minimum. Though I manage my melasma in multiple ways with a combination of products, in-office treatments (both non-ablative and ablative lasers), and oral medication (oral tranexamic acid), I find that using an at-home chemical peel is the cherry on top in helping to keep my skin looking radiant and clear.

One at-home chemical peel that I have been loving lately is UBeauty’s Resurfacing Flash Peel. Though I do love to apply Medik8’s Sleep Glycolic Treatment before bed every so often when I want to wake up with glowing, clear skin, I use UBeauty's Resurfacing Flash Peel once or twice a week when my face really needs a pick-me-up. It’s formulated with retinyl palmitate (a form of retinol), which promotes cellular turnover. I truly love this peel because it delivers clinical-grade results at home, while still being gentle enough not to cause any irritation to my skin. "They use a patented capsule technology that delivers active ingredients in a precise manner that helps minimize irritation. It does a great job of exfoliating without disrupting the skin barrier," says Dr. Yang about the product. After about 15 minutes of use, not only is my face clear of any gunk, but any dark spots and fine lines appear lifted. Plus, my skin is not irritated or red, which admittedly happens with some at-home chemical peels that I have tried.

The takeaway:

Bottom line here is that chemical peels work. Whether you choose to do them at home or in a medical setting, you can expect results, though the results will vary depending on the strength of the peel you decide to use. If your skin concerns are minimal, an at-home peel is a great option to add to your weekly skincare routine. However, if your skin concerns lie deeper below the surface and you need a skin overhaul, an in-office professional peel is a great option and can be tailored to your specific needs.

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This article originally appeared on Cosmopolitan.com. Minor edits have been made by the Cosmo.ph editors.

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Taryn is a beauty writer and editor in digital media with more than 10 years of experience. She has covered the newest and most innovative skincare and beauty products, aesthetic treatments, and plastic surgery trends. Her stories touch on everything from the best products to treat hyperpigmentation to why fat grafting is the better alternative to filler. In addition to Cosmopolitan, she currently contributes to Allure, InStyle, PS (formerly POPSUGAR), Marie Claire, The Zoe Report, and Bustle. In addition to her writing, Taryn directs, produces, and writes short films that have appeared at numerous film festivals around the country. Whenever she has a free moment, you can find her hopping around New York City with her Maltese pup, Bryn, and probably daydreaming about being at the beach.