- Home
- Blog
- Aesthetic Treatments
- Chemical Peels: Superficial, Medium and Deep Peels, Who They...
Chemical Peels: Superficial, Medium and Deep Peels, Who They Suit and Aftercare
What chemical peels are: AHA, BHA and TCA peels, choosing by skin concern, the peeling process, sun protection and who shouldn't have them.
A chemical peel applies acids in a controlled way to speed renewal of the upper layers, helping even tone, smooth texture, minimise pores and soften spots and acne marks.
| Type | Depth | Examples | Healing | General use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very superficial / superficial | Upper epidermis | AHA (glycolic, lactic, mandelic), BHA (salicylic) | Days of light flaking | Glow, tone, pores, mild acne |
| Medium | Epidermis and upper dermis | Medium TCA, combination peels | 5–10 days peeling | Spots, fine lines, superficial scars |
| Deep | Deeper dermis | High-strength agents | Weeks | Special cases; limited use today |
Superficial and medium peels are most common in clinics; deep peels carry more risk.
| Concern | Possible ingredient |
|---|---|
| Oily, blackheads, acne-prone | Salicylic acid |
| Dullness, uneven tone | Glycolic or lactic |
| Sensitive skin | Mandelic, lactic |
| Pigment (sun spots, melasma) | Combination peels, with medical assessment |
| Superficial acne scars | Medium peels or combined methods |
| Fine lines | Glycolic, TCA (suitable candidates) |
Procedure: skin analysis; sometimes weeks of priming products; cleanse and degrease; apply the solution (mild stinging); neutralise or remove; soothe and apply sunscreen.
| Day | Expect (superficial–medium) |
|---|---|
| 1–2 | Redness, tightness |
| 3–5 | Flaking or peeling |
| 5–10 | Peeling ends, fresh skin |
| Following weeks | Brighter, more even tone |
Aftercare: never pick; daily sunscreen, reapplied as needed; no retinol, acids or exfoliants early on; gentle cleanser and moisturiser; avoid sauna, hammam and heavy sweating for a few days; postpone waxing on the area.
Not for: pregnancy and breastfeeding (some peels); isotretinoin within 6 months; active cold sores, infection or wounds; recent sunburn; keloid tendency (medium–deep); ingredient allergy.
Darker skin and pigment-prone skin have higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation; choose ingredient and depth carefully.
Best season: autumn and winter; in summer, strict sun protection is essential.
At our Istanbul clinic peels are planned after examination and skin analysis, matched to your skin and goals; clients from Yalova, Bursa, Kocaeli and Gebze can choose dates around peeling downtime.
