Chemical peels generally are not that painful...

Chemical peels generally are not that painful.

Superficial chemical peels such as those bought 'over the counter' or those administered in spa environments just treat the outer layer of skin and may produce a light burning sensation at worst.

Deeper chemical peels such as TCA peels or phenol peels will be more uncomfortable but these are generally the physician administering the peel will also provide some type of pain medication. For phenol peels, heart monitoring must be done and an IV started. This allows for administration of intravenous sedation at the same time.

After the actual peel is done, pain is usually minimal. The worst part that some patients complain of is itching while the skin is healing, but not in all cases.