What is a chemical peel?
A chemical peel is a treatment that applies a controlled acid solution to the skin to produce a regulated exfoliation: the most superficial, damaged layers are removed and the renewal of new, more even skin —in tone and texture— is stimulated. It is a non-invasive procedure, with no surgery or incisions, performed in the office.
Depending on the concentration and type of acid, a peel can be superficial, medium or —in very selected cases— deep. That depth determines what it treats, how much peeling it produces and how many days of recovery it involves. Not all peels are the same, and choosing the wrong depth for a darker phototype is the most common cause of a poor result: instead of lightening a spot, it can darken it.
Techniques used by Dr. Arístides Arellano
- Superficial peel (alpha and beta hydroxy acids): glycolic, mandelic or salicylic acid at low concentration. It works on the epidermis to improve radiance, fine texture, pores and mild acne. It is the safest option in darker skin and is usually applied in spaced series.
- Medium peel (trichloroacetic acid or Jessner solution): it reaches the more superficial dermis to treat more marked spots, fine lines and superficial acne scars. It produces visible peeling for several days and demands strict photoprotection.
- Deep peel: reserved for very selected cases with marked wrinkles; it requires a careful assessment because it carries greater risk, especially in higher phototypes, and is not always the right option.
- Selection by phototype: the clinical decision is not only which acid to use, but at what concentration and how often, according to the Fitzpatrick scale of each patient, to renew the skin without triggering a new spot.
How is it performed?
The procedure is performed in the office and does not require general anaesthesia. First the skin is cleansed and degreased; then the acid solution is applied for a few minutes, controlling the contact time and watching the skin reaction; finally it is neutralised or removed depending on the type of peel. A session usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes.
During application it is normal to feel passing stinging, warmth or itching. After a superficial peel the skin stays reddened and tight for a few hours; with a medium peel, peeling or fine crusting appears over the following days and must not be picked off. The number of sessions depends on the goal: superficial peels are usually indicated in series, while a medium peel may require fewer, more spaced sessions.
Every medical treatment —topicals, peels and energy-based devices included— carries risk and requires a prior assessment. In darker skin (Fitzpatrick IV–VI, the most common phototypes in Mexico) a poorly indicated procedure can darken the patch instead of lightening it. Results may vary according to each patient, their phototype and their individual triggers.
Who is a good candidate?
- People with dark spots, dull tone, uneven texture, enlarged pores or superficial acne scars who want to improve skin quality without surgery.
- Patients willing to keep strict photoprotection (SPF 50+) before and after treatment; without it, a peel can worsen the spots.
- Skin with no active infections, no cold-sore outbreak and no open wounds in the area to be treated.
- Those not using photosensitising medication or recent oral retinoids, which is reviewed at the assessment.
- People with realistic expectations: a peel improves and renews the skin progressively, it does not transform it in a single session.
- It is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding without medical clearance, nor in skin prone to keloid scarring without prior assessment.
Recommended post-treatment care
After the peel the skin needs intense hydration, repair of the skin barrier and daily photoprotection; Dr. Arístides Arellano prescribes the topical routine suited to your phototype and, when appropriate, complementary treatments to consolidate the result. See the full guide: Post-surgical recovery and care.
Before and after
Most patients want to see before-and-after photographs before deciding. Out of respect for each person’s privacy, Dr. Arístides Arellano shows real cases —always with documented consent— during your in-person consultation, where you can review results from patients with a starting point similar to yours. Results may vary from patient to patient.
Approximate price
Reference prices: peeling ligero from $1,500 MXN and pH Formula from $2,500 MXN, approximate, depending on the protocol indicated for your skin and the number of sessions. Approximate price — the definitive cost is set at your private consultation with Dr. Arístides Arellano.
About Dr. Arístides Arellano
Dr. Arístides Arellano is a plastic surgeon holding a specialty licence: he practises under a Mexican medical licence (D.G.P. 1125959) and a specialty licence in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (0002008), both issued by the Directorate General of Professions (DGP), which reissued his certificate of professional standing in 2025. His career began before Mexico’s present-day specialty-board system existed: he belongs to the founding generation of plastic surgery in Puebla, the second generation of a surgical tradition started in 1971 by Dr. Francisco Arellano Ocampo. Trust is verified, not promised: both licences are public and anyone can look them up in the DGP’s National Registry of Professionals.
Related patient guide
Before choosing where and with whom to be treated, read our guide how to choose your plastic surgeon in Puebla — with the criteria to verify credentials and make an informed decision.
Trust is verified, not promised. All 210 scanned documents —degree, licences, diplomas, publications and certificates, from 1977 to 2025— are open in Dr. Arístides Arellano’s credential archive, alongside an explanation of the difference between a specialty licence and a board certification.
Recovery · step by step
- Day 0Redness and a tight sensation, similar to a mild sunburn; moisturiser and strict sun protection are applied.
- Days 1–3Fine peeling or, with medium peels, superficial crusting may appear; the skin must not be picked off.
- Days 3–7Peeling completes and new skin emerges; SPF 50+ photoprotection remains mandatory.
- Weeks 2–4Skin tone becomes more even; topical actives are reintroduced gradually as directed.
- MaintenanceSuperficial peels are usually repeated in spaced series; the plan is defined by your goal.
Frequently asked questions
What is a chemical peel?
A chemical peel is the application of a controlled acid solution to the skin to exfoliate the superficial layers and stimulate new, more even skin in tone and texture. It is non-invasive and performed in the office, at a superficial, medium or deep depth depending on the case.
Does a chemical peel hurt?
During application it is normal to feel passing stinging, warmth or itching, which is usually tolerable and lasts a few minutes. It does not require general anaesthesia; for deeper peels, comfort measures can be used. The sensation to expect is discussed at your consultation.
What is a chemical peel used for?
It is used to improve dark spots, dull tone, uneven texture, enlarged pores, fine lines and superficial acne scars. The depth and type of acid are chosen according to the goal, because not every skin problem is treated the same way.
Is a peel safe on darker skin?
Yes, provided the depth and concentration are chosen well. In phototypes IV to VI —the most common in Mexico— a peel that is too aggressive can darken a spot instead of lightening it, so the selection is matched to your phototype and paired with strict photoprotection.
How many sessions do I need?
It depends on the goal and the depth. Superficial peels are usually indicated in spaced series, while a medium peel may require fewer sessions. The exact number is defined at your consultation with a written plan.
How much does a chemical peel cost in Puebla?
There is no single catalogue price: it depends on the type of acid, the depth and the number of sessions. The cost is defined at your in-person consultation, with no sessions that are not indicated. You can review the price list for the rest of the procedures. Results may vary.
When will I see results?
Superficial peels give a more luminous look within a few days, and spot and texture improvements build over the series. With medium peels the result is seen once peeling is complete and the skin has recovered. Results may vary from patient to patient.
Can I have a peel in summer?
You can, but it demands a greater commitment to photoprotection, because freshly treated skin is more sensitive to light. In melasma and pigmentation, unprotected sun exposure can reactivate the problem, so the timing and type of peel are planned at the assessment. Results may vary.
Every case is different. Discuss yours in a personal consultation.
Book a consultation on WhatsAppEvery figure published on this site is approximate and is not a quote. Any procedure or treatment first requires a private assessment consultation with Dr. Arístides Arellano —$800 MXN, charged separately— and it is at that consultation that the definitive cost of your case is determined.
Educational content; it does not replace a medical consultation. Results may vary from person to person.