During the next 1 - 3 days after treatmeent, skin subjected to a mild Jessner's or Glycolic peel can develop a persistent mild red-brown colouration. This may be streaky. For 2 - 3 days, the skin feel like a layer of plastic film has been applied, and then it exfoliates for an additional 2 - 4 days. Normally the skin appears windburned with moderate flaking but actual peeling is rare.

With a stronger peel the exfoliation may last as long as 8 - 10 days. Some significant actual peeling may also be seen with this peel rather than just dry, flaking skin. Crusting and weeping are not typically seen with Glycolic or Jessner's peels.  The depth of a peel is related to the preparation of the skin prior to peeling, the thickness of the stratum corneum, the sensitivity of the skin, the number of coats of solution that are applied and the method of application.