'Chemical peel' is one of those terms that covers wildly different treatments. A superficial glycolic peel and a deep TCA peel are as different from each other as a manicure and hand surgery. Getting the right one for your skin matters enormously — the wrong peel can cause exactly the pigmentation and scarring you were trying to treat.
Superficial peels use mild acids (glycolic, lactic, salicylic) at low concentrations to exfoliate the outermost layer of skin. They brighten dull skin, unclog pores, and improve minor texture issues. Recovery: none to minimal — some flaking possibly over 2–3 days. Best for regular maintenance and mild concerns.
Medium-depth peels use higher concentrations of TCA (trichloroacetic acid) or Jessner's solution to penetrate the middle skin layer. They address moderate pigmentation, acne scarring, fine lines, and sun damage. Recovery: 5–7 days of visible peeling, followed by fresh, clearer skin underneath. Not a treatment to book the week before an event.
Deep peels penetrate further and are used only for specific severe indications — deep scarring, significant sun damage, pre-cancerous changes. They require substantial recovery time and are performed less often than the other two.
The critical variable is your skin type — specifically your Fitzpatrick skin type. Darker skin types are more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from peels that are too aggressive. This means an approach that works beautifully on light skin can leave darker skin worse than it started. This is why we assess every patient's skin type, sensitivity, and history before recommending a specific peel.
Aftercare is not optional. The days following a peel require specific sun protection, gentle cleansing, and avoidance of certain actives. We provide detailed aftercare at every session — and our reviews specifically mention how thoroughly this is done.
Not sure which peel your skin needs? That's exactly what the consultation is for.