Skin resurfacing includes a variety of techniques to change the surface texture and appearance of the skin. Common skin resurfacing techniques include chemical peels, dermabrasion, and laser resurfacing.

Skin resurfacing may be used for cosmetic reasons, such as erasing wrinkles around the mouth or eyes. It also may be done as a medical treatment, such as removing precancerous lesions. Doctors sometimes combine techniques, using dermabrasion or laser resurfacing on some areas of the face, while performing a chemical peel on other areas.

In a chemical peel, the doctor paints on a variety of caustic chemicals to destroy several layers of skin, allowing new, fresh skin to grow. After the skin heals, discoloration, wrinkles, and other surface irregularities are often eliminated. Chemical peels are divided into three types: superficial, medium-depth, and deep. The type of peel depends on the strength of the chemical used, and on how...