The chemical peel is administered in by a certified and trained cosmetic dermatologist or plastic surgeon. First of all, the patient’s skin is cleansed and, if necessary, a topical anesthetic is applied to the treatment area, followed by the application of the chemical peel solution. This solution is formulated according to each patient’s specific needs and goals. It is common for the patient to feel a tingling or stinging sensation on the application of chemical peel solution. After the skin peel solution has been on the skin for the prescribed amount of time, it is washed off with water. A soothing ointment is then applied; a thick coating of petroleum jelly is often used after deep chemical peels. The instructions are than provided to the patient about aftercare, and the doctor may also prescribe a mild pain reliever for discomfort after the procedure, especially if a deep chemical peel was administered. Depending on the patient’s skin condition and the depth of the chemical peel, multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve the desired results.