Superficial Peels:

It primarily target the topmost layers of the epidermis of the skin and are most commonly composed of glycolic or salicylic acids in various concentrations.

Deep Peels:

It typically consist of an ingredient known as phenol. Phenols produce injury within the deeper layers of the skin or the dermis. These stronger peels help in treating moderate to severe cases of photo-aging and wrinkles. Deep peels are capable of offering the greatest level of skin improvement, but they require longer recovery times and carry the highest risk of developing skin complications such as scarring and hyperpigmentation.

Medium-Depth Peels :

A third kind of chemical peel is also available which is the “Medium-Depth Peels”. This is most commonly made up of Trichloracetic acid or TCA in varying concentrations of around 20% to 35% or in the form of combinations such as the Jessner's solution, which consists of 70% glycolic acid, and solid carbon dioxide with 35% TCA. The advantages of this combination medium depth peel is that one can achieve greater penetration with modest concentrations of the TCA, thereby avoiding adverse reactions. Medium depth peels target the deeper layer of the epidermis and the superficial dermis of the skin. With this increased penetration, these peels can result in an impressive improvement in skin texture with a reduction in pigmentation, freckling and some pre-skin cancers. A superficial or moderate peel can be performed in a dermatologist's office without requiring anaesthesia. The treated area may feel warm for about five to 10 minutes, and you may experience some stinging. After the procedure, which lasts for about 30 minutes, the dermatologist applies a to calm the skin. Deep peels are commonly conducted in a surgical centre. Patients are placed under general anaesthesia while the doctor applies the chemical mixture to one small area at a time. Cold compresses are used to soothe the skin, and the treated area is bandaged with surgical dressing.
The duration for healing varies from type to type and also has some mild side-effects. A superficial peel would take about one week to heal completely. The treatment would leave the skin with a little redness for a few days, after which it will begin to flake and peel away. Applying a soothing lotion to the skin during the healing process would help deal with the redness and the flaking.
A medium peel treatment would leave the skin red and swollen for around 48 hours. After that, blisters may form and the skin may become crusty. This crust will fall off in about seven to 14 days. During this time, the area that has undergone treatment needs to be soaked on a daily basis and taking an antiviral medicine is recommended. Staying out of the sun completely until the skin heals is most important to aid the healing process. The deep peel also requires a daily soaking along with ample applications of calming ointments and lotions. Antiviral medication is recommended for up to two weeks and completely avoid the sun for up to six months.