Chemical Peel
A controlled application of a chemical exfoliant to the skin to remove damaged superficial layers and stimulate regeneration, classified by depth as superficial, medium, or deep.
Full Definition
A chemical peel involves the topical application of one or more chemical agents—such as glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), or phenol—to the skin surface to induce a controlled injury and exfoliation. The procedure is classified by the depth of tissue penetration: superficial peels affect the epidermis only, medium-depth peels reach the papillary dermis, and deep peels extend into the reticular dermis. Indications include acne, dyspigmentation, photoageing, and mild rhytides. Editors should be aware that 'peel' is the accepted short form in clinical use, but the full phrase 'chemical peel' is preferred in formal documents. The hyphen is not used: 'chemical peel' is the standard two-word form without hyphenation as a noun.
Usage
Usage note: No hyphen in 'chemical peel' as a noun. When used as a compound modifier before a noun, retain two words without a hyphen (e.g., 'chemical peel procedure'). Do not use 'peel' alone in formal clinical documents.
In Context
- "A medium-depth chemical peel using 35% TCA was applied to the full face under topical anaesthesia." — Procedure report
- "The patient information leaflet must distinguish between superficial and deep chemical peels, as aftercare and downtime differ significantly." — Patient education document