When you want to iron out deeper lines and acne scars, a medium to deep chemical peel may be a good choice. It is also the most popular method of skin resurfacing. These type of chemical peels have to be done in a doctors office. The doctor will look at your face and determine how strong the peel should be, and it can be between 5 and 40 TCA (trichloroacetic acid), with 40 being the deepest peel. These peels do affect pigmentation, so it is best used on the fair skinned.

Usually before a peel, the doctor prescribes a pre-peel regimen of Retin-A and possibly antibiotics to prevent infection during the peeling stage. At the appointment, your face will be thoroughly cleaned and then the doctor sponges on the TCA solution. The solution stays on for about 15 minutes, penetrating the many layers of the skin. During the peel, the outer layers of the skin will 'frost', or turn white, and when the frosting is optimal, the doctor will remove the peel. For about thirty minutes after the peel, your skin will continue to frost, and then it will turn red. The red will look like a bad sunburn and your skin will be slightly swollen and raw. The doctor spreads a protective gel on your face, gives you a pain pill and sends you home. 

Next comes the healing process. The deeper the peel, the longer it will take your skin to heal. During the healing process you have to keep the skin moist and stay indoors, out of the sun. If you absolutely must go outdoors during the daytime, you will have to slather on a doctor approved SPF 30 sunblock. During the healing process your skin will peel and flake, but after about 10 days your beautiful new skin will emerge. Your face will still be red for about a month, but this slight redness can be covered with makeup.

In the end the results are more than the smooth surface, uniform tone, and overall glow, you will also have firmer skin. This is because the 'damage' to the dermis, from the peel stimulates collagen and elastic growth. Chemical peels are a great, non- surgical way to turn back the clock. They cost between $500 and $1,200 a round, which is money well spent, in my opinion. I feel better when I look better. I know people who swear by these peels and get them done every few years.

Here are some before and after shots of people that had a chemical peel.

http://www.webmd.com/skin-beauty/guide/cosmetic-procedures-chemical-peel-treatments