A History of the Advances in Chemical Peeling in Dermatologic Surgery Since 2000

Chemical peels are a safe and effective method to treat a wide range of both medical and cosmetic indications originating with acne scarring, pigmentary dyschromias, rhytides, and actinic keratoses. Over the past 2 decades, growing evidence has supported their continued use, while new techniques and innovative indications have broadened their applications in both medical and aesthetic dermatology.

To review the scientific and clinical advances of chemical peeling within dermatologic surgery.

Since 2000, chemical peels have undergone significant advancements in formulation, in technique, and in application, offering a wider range of treatments for additional medical and cosmetic conditions.​ This progress is driven by enhanced research efforts spearheaded by the International Peeling Society(IPS-USA,) which has been dedicated to publishing these developments and actively promoting education with new techniques.

Chemical peeling remains a cost-effective and easily accessible option in the 21st century for addressing a wide range of skin disorders across lighter and darker skin types.