A chemical peel facial is a cosmetic procedure in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin to remove the top layers, resulting in smoother skin that grows back. Chemical peels can be done alone or combined with other cosmetic procedures, and they can be done at different depths, from light to deep. The procedure is used to treat wrinkles, discolored skin, scars, certain types of acne, age spots, freckles, and uneven skin coloring, among other things. However, chemical peels cannot remove deep scars or wrinkles or tighten sagging skin. The depth of the chemical peel depends on the issues being addressed with the procedure. There are three basic types of chemical peels: superficial, medium, and deep. Superficial peels use mild acids to gently exfoliate the outermost layer of skin, while deep peels offer more dramatic results but also take longer to recover from. Chemical peels are typically done in an office or outpatient surgical facility and can cause various side effects, including redness, irritation, and increased sensitivity to the sun. Pain relief is typically not needed for a light chemical peel, but for a medium or deep peel, a sedative, painkiller, or something to numb the treatment area may be given. After the procedure, follow-up care is required, and sun exposure and smoking must be avoided to prevent unwanted side effects.