Chemical Peels
Also known as TCA peel, glycolic peel, superficial peel
Controlled chemical exfoliation. Superficial peels are a safe routine addition; deep peels are effectively surgery.
Superficial $150–300 per session. Medium $600–1,500. Deep phenol $3,000–6,000.
How it works
An acid solution is applied to cause controlled destruction to a defined depth. Superficial peels (glycolic, salicylic, low-percentage TCA) affect the epidermis. Medium peels (35% TCA) reach the papillary dermis. Deep phenol peels reach the reticular dermis and produce results rivalling laser resurfacing.
How it's used
Superficial peels can be done in series every 2–4 weeks with minimal downtime. Medium and deep peels require a physician, pre-conditioning of the skin and careful aftercare. Never attempt medium or deep peels at home — the at-home TCA market causes real, permanent scarring.
Trade-offs
In favour
- Effective for pigmentation, texture and superficial scarring
- Superficial peels are cheap with minimal downtime
- Deep peels rival laser for photoaging
- No specialised equipment required
Against
- Superficial peels need repeated sessions for modest gains
- Medium and deep peels carry real downtime and risk
- Higher pigmentation risk on deeper skin tones
- Depth control depends entirely on operator skill
Risks and side effects
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Scarring with excessive depth
- Infection and herpes reactivation
- Permanent hypopigmentation and a demarcation line with deep phenol peels
- Cardiac arrhythmia with full-face phenol peels — these require cardiac monitoring
- Chemical burns from unsupervised home use
Recovery
Superficial: 1–3 days of mild flaking. Medium: 5–10 days of visible peeling and redness. Deep: 2–3 weeks of intensive wound care and months of residual pinkness.
How good is the evidence?
Long-established with solid evidence across depths; risk scales directly with depth.
Sources
Sources point to guideline bodies and literature searches rather than single papers, so they stay accurate as the evidence moves.