Chemical peeling: How, when, why?

General description Chemical peeling is a procedure frequently used to treat unaesthetic cutaneous alterations such as photoageing, actinic keratosis, chloasma, senile lentigo, and post-acneic scars as well those of a non-strictly aesthetic nature such as seborrhoeic keratosis and flat warts. Several chemical agents are used depending on the depth of peeling to be obtained. The most commonly used agents are: alpha-hydroxy-acids, resorcinol, Jessner's solution, and trichloroacetic acid. In the present study the characteristics of the individual substances, technical procedure, and applications are taken into consideration. Finally, the main risks and side-effects, depending on the depth of peeling, are considered. Learning objective The reader will have learned what a chemical peeling is, what chemical agents are available, and how to perform chemical peeling in the office. The mechanism of action of different chemical agents, expectations from this procedure, potential risks and complications are also reviewed with insight into criteria for selecting patients.