A chemical peel treatment can be a powerful way to improve skin tone, texture, and overall clarity. But with different formulations and depths available, how do you know which one is right for you?

At Dr. Stephen Baker’s practice in Washington, DC, every peel is selected based on your skin’s unique needs — whether you’re looking to treat acne scars, reduce pigmentation, or soften fine lines. Here’s how the types of chemical peel compare, and what to consider based on your skin concerns.

What Is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel treatment uses a safe, controlled application of acids to exfoliate the top layers of skin. This process removes dull, damaged cells and stimulates collagen renewal, revealing smoother, clearer skin underneath. 

Depending on the strength and ingredients used, peels can be light, medium, or deep, and each level has different benefits and recovery times.

Treating Acne and Acne Scars

Certain chemical peels can improve both clarity and skin texture for patients struggling with breakouts or the marks left behind by past acne.

Salicylic acid peels are often recommended for oily or acne-prone skin. This beta hydroxy acid (BHA) works deep within the pores to remove buildup, reduce inflammation, and prevent future breakouts.

A TCA (trichloroacetic acid) peel offers a more intensive treatment for mild acne scarring or uneven texture. TCA works at a medium depth within the skin to promote collagen production, gradually resurfacing the skin and improving tone with each treatment.

Reducing Hyperpigmentation and Evening Out Skin Tone

Hyperpigmentation — whether caused by sun exposure, melasma, or post-inflammatory discoloration — often responds well to alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) peels.

Glycolic acid peels, derived from sugarcane, promote healthy skin cell turnover and help fade dark spots over time. They are a popular choice for addressing uneven tone while also improving texture.

Lactic acid peels offer a gentler approach for sensitive skin types, delivering brightening benefits without irritation.

When pigmentation is more resistant or extends deeper within the skin, a TCA peel may provide better results by lifting discolored surface layers and revealing clearer, more even-toned skin beneath.

Smoothing Fine Lines and Improving Skin Texture

Many patients seek chemical peel treatments to refresh aging skin or address early signs of sun damage.

High-strength glycolic acid peels can smooth rough texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and support collagen production. A TCA peel provides more visible rejuvenation for moderate signs of aging, improving crepiness and surface wrinkles, particularly around delicate areas like the mouth and eyes.

Addressing Deep Wrinkles and Significant Sun Damage 

A phenol peel may be considered in cases of advanced aging, deeper wrinkles, or extensive sun damage. Phenol is the strongest type of chemical peel available and offers dramatic skin resurfacing results. It penetrates deeply into the skin to smooth pronounced lines, tighten texture, and improve overall skin quality.

Because of its intensity, phenol peels require a longer recovery and are only recommended for carefully selected patients. At Dr. Baker’s practice, phenol peels are performed with close medical supervision to ensure both safety and optimal outcomes.

Your Skin Deserves to Feel Like You Again

Choosing the best chemical peel starts with a personalized evaluation. At Dr. Baker’s practice, peels aren’t generic treatments—they’re selected with precision, based on your goals and your skin’s behavior.

Whether you’re managing acne, correcting discoloration, or restoring a smoother surface, a well-chosen chemical peel treatment can offer visible, long-term improvement—with little to no downtime in many cases.

Schedule a consultation to explore which chemical peel treatment is right for your skin.