Chemical peel: which peel for which skin?
Fruit acid, salicylic acid or trichloroacetic acid: how the peel depths differ and what each one achieves.
„Peel“ is an umbrella term for very different treatments. What matters is the active ingredient, concentration and contact time.
How it works
A matched acid solution dissolves the bonds between dead horny cells. The upper skin layers come away, revealing fresher, more even skin beneath. At the same time, cell renewal is stimulated.
The active ingredients at a glance
- Fruit acids (AHA) – superficial, good for dull skin and fine lines
- Salicylic acid (BHA) – fat-soluble, penetrates the pores, proven for blemished skin and acne
- Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) – acts more deeply, for pigment spots and more pronounced lines
Procedure
We first assess skin type and condition and select the active ingredient and concentration. After thorough cleansing the peel is applied and left to act in a controlled way – a burning or tingling sensation is normal. It is then neutralised and the skin is soothed.
Afterwards
Depending on the depth, the skin is reddened for a few days and flakes slightly. Please do not pick at the skin – this can leave marks. Sun protection with a high SPF is essential during this phase.
Often as a series
Superficial peels work best in a series of several sessions a few weeks apart.
Caution with darker skin types
With darker skin there is a higher risk of pigment shifts. The active ingredient and depth are then chosen particularly carefully – and sometimes we advise a different method.