According to the International Peeling Society, "A chemical peel is a procedure in which a chemical solution is applied directly to your skin. Peels are used for a variety of problems. They are used to fade dark marks or blemishes, even skin tone, smooth the rough texture of the skin, lessen wrinkling, improve acne and razor bumps, exfoliate plugged pores, reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and smooth depressed scars. They are typically performed on the face, but are also appropriate for any area of the body that may need help in diminishing these imperfections.

Chemical peels work by removing the damaged outer layers of the skin. They peel away the superficial layers of the skin, the stratum corneum or uppermost epidermis. They may also stimulate the production of collagen in the skin’s dermal layer. The depth of the peel procedure depends on the chemical used, the length of time the chemical is allowed to remain on the skin, and how vigorously the solution is applied."