When clients ask about chemical peels, the follow-up is almost always: "but which one do I need?" It is a great question, because a chemical peel is not one treatment — it is a whole family of them, each using a different acid at a different strength to solve a different problem. Here is a clear guide to the main types and who each one suits.
Peels by depth: light, medium, and deep
Before the specific acids, understand depth — it determines your downtime and your results:
- Light (superficial) peels — work on the outermost layer. Minimal to no visible peeling, a day of light glow or mild redness. Great for maintenance, brightening, and building up gradually.
- Medium-depth peels — reach deeper for more dramatic resurfacing of pigmentation, texture, and fine lines. Expect five to seven days of visible flaking.
- Deep peels — reserved for medical settings under a physician; we do not perform these in an esthetics studio.
The main peel acids and what they do
Glycolic acid (AHA)
The most well-known peel. A small molecule that penetrates well to brighten, smooth fine lines, and even out tone. Best for dull, sun-damaged, or aging skin. Not ideal for very sensitive skin at higher strengths.
Salicylic acid (BHA)
Oil-soluble, so it gets inside the pore. The top choice for acne, blackheads, congestion, and oily skin. It also has a calming, anti-inflammatory quality that acne-prone skin appreciates.
Lactic acid (AHA)
The gentlest AHA, and hydrating rather than drying. Perfect for sensitive, dry, or first-time peel skin that still wants brightening and a bit of exfoliation.
Mandelic acid (AHA)
A larger molecule that works slowly and evenly, making it especially safe and effective for pigmentation on deeper skin tones and for melasma-prone skin. Also good for acne.
Blended and enzyme options
Many of the best results come from blended peels or enzyme treatments customized to your skin and built into a progressive series, rather than a single off-the-shelf acid.
So which peel is right for you?
The honest answer: it depends on your skin type, your concern, your tone, and your schedule — and it often changes over a treatment series as your skin improves. That is why every peel at the studio is selected after a skin analysis rather than picked from a menu. If you are new to peels, we usually start light and build, so you get results without surprises.
