Chemical peels with retinoids are widely used for photoaging of face and neck skin. However, these chemical compositions are constantly being improved and require scientific justification for their administration. Aim — to analyze the effect of chemical peels with retinoids on photoaging of skin. Material and methods. Four patients underwent peeling procedures with 5% retinoic acid and 5% retinol 14 and 7 days before elective abdominoplasty and local scar excision. Ki-67, Bcl-2, EGFR receptor and Col IV expression was analyzed in these specimens by using of immunohistochemical examination. Results. The effect of peeling with retinol is enhanced epidermal cell proliferation within 14 days. Peeling with retinoic acid is followed by advanced epidermal and partially dermal cell proliferation for more than 14 days, decrease of cell differentiation and activation of basement membrane restructuring. Conclusion. Peeling with retinoic acid is more effective for skin recovery compared with retinol.