Do chemical peels work for tightening skin?

Medium TCA peels such as 25-35% TCA do tighten skin some as well as even out color, gets rid of sun damage and soften wrinkles. The more you do, the more the improvement. They are more affordable and predictable than lasers. Depending on the type of laser, 2 medium peels usually equals 1 laser treatment but with less risks and problems. I recommend at least 1 medium TCA peel a year for the rest of your life.

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

They do not work for skin tightening unless they are very deep peels and those have alot of downtime -- TCA 35%/combination or phenol.  There are better devices with less risk for skin tightening.  I suggest you speak to a laser specialized cosmetic dermatologist.  Best, Dr. Emer.