What is chemical skin peeling?
Chemical skin peeling is the process of applying chemical agents to the face in order to renew the skin surface and improve overall skin quality.

What chemicals are used in skin peeling procedures?
Different concentrations of various chemical agents can be used to reach the desired depth of the skin. The most commonly preferred chemicals include glycolic acid and salicylic acid for mild (superficial) peels; Jessner’s solution and 10–25% TCA (trichloroacetic acid) for mild-to-moderate peels; and 35% TCA for medium-depth peels.

What are the effects of chemical skin peeling?
Chemical peeling reduces fine wrinkles and pigmentation on the face. Medium and deeper peels can also tighten collagen beneath the skin, resulting in overall skin tightening and facial rejuvenation.

How is chemical skin peeling performed?
Except for deep peels, most procedures do not require anesthesia.

After cleansing the face, the chemical agent is applied to the skin and may be layered several times depending on the desired depth. The entire procedure usually takes about 10–15 minutes. After chemical peeling, a short-lasting burning sensation may occur depending on the depth of the treatment. Patients can usually return home immediately after the procedure.

What should I expect after the procedure?
Depending on the depth of the peel, some redness and crusting may occur on the face. After superficial peeling, mild redness lasting 1–2 days is common. After medium-depth peels, redness may last about 2–3 days, followed by peeling and flaking of the skin between days 3–7. Once the peeling process is complete, the skin appears more vibrant, smoother, and more evenly toned.

What should I pay attention to after the procedure?
Patients who undergo medium or deep chemical peels should avoid sun exposure for at least six months and use sunscreen regularly. Especially in individuals with darker skin tones or those who are not adequately protected from the sun, pigmentation changes may occur after peeling procedures. For this reason, medium and deep peels are generally recommended for relatively fair-skinned patients and preferably performed during the winter months.