http://abramsderm.com/ Rachel Soucy, a licensed esthetician, works with Abrams Dermatology in Sarasota, Florida. A chemical peel is simply applying a safe but effective chemical solution to cause chemical exfoliation of the epidermis, or outer layer of the skin. The result is a smoother more even complexion. Most chemical peels can be performed in less than one hour, some in as little time as half an hour.