There are three types of peels: light, medium and deep. A licensed esthetician may only perform a light to moderate chemical peel. Deep peels are only performed by a physician in a medical setting. A light to moderate peel can still provide the same effect as a deeper peel and can do so safely without running the risk of creating permanent damage. A light peel is a combination of Alpha-hydroxy acids and beta- hydroxy acids than can be done without having to take off time from work or life because there is very minimal peeling and flaking. A medium peel is a little bit more aggressive and requires time away from work and life. The skin turns red and becomes crusty and then peels and flakes.
A chemical peel should be done in moderation. Due to the sensitivity of the skin after a peel, it is recommended that you have this procedure done in the fall and winter when you spend less time exposing your face to the sun.