Book excerpt: Chemical peeling is a technique used to improve the appearance of the skin that is typically performed on the face, neck or hands. In this treatment, a chemical solution is applied to the skin that causes it to "blister" and eventually peel off. The new, regenerated skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin (American Society for Dermatologic Surgery). This second edition is a step by step guide to chemical peels. Beginning with an introduction to the procedure, an overview of the different types of peels and advice on getting started, each of the following chapters provides more in depth information on different peels and their appropriate use with different types of skin. The final chapters discuss complications, case studies and offer ‘ten golden rules for perfect peeling’. The new edition has been fully revised to provide the most recent advances in chemical peeling and three new chapters have been added covering acne and acne scars, facial melanoses, and periocular peels. This comprehensive atlas includes more than 170 clinical images and tables, as well as a DVD demonstrating procedures. Key points Fully revised, second edition providing step by step guide to chemical peels Includes case studies and ‘ten golden rules for perfect peeling’ Includes DVD demonstrating procedures Previous edition published in 2010