Chemical Peel

Table of contents:

Types of chemical peels

A chemical peel is a solution applied to the face to remove dead skin cells and stimulate the growth of new cells. The aim is to improve the appearance of the skin – for example by reducing age spots and evening skin tone.
In general, 3 types can be distinguished based on penetration level:

  • Phenol peels (deep penetration of the skin layers, usually performed by a doctor)
  • TCA peels (medium penetration of the skin layers, usually performed by an aesthetic practitioner or a doctor)
  • Peels with natural ingredients (superficial penetration of the skin layers, usually performed by an aesthetic doctor or a certified beautician)

Phenol peels and TCA peels are performed in our clinic.

Attention! To achieve the best results, it is very important that you strictly follow all instructions both before and after the treatment.

The phenol peeling (deep)

What is a phenol facial peel?

Compared to natural or superficial peels a phenol peeling works much deeper on the top layer of the skin (papillary dermis). This substance removes damaged and dead skin cells to make way for new skin cells. At the same time, the underlying dermis is stimulated to produce new cells - a real boost for your collagen and elastin production!

Anyone who suffers from skin aging with fine lines, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, blemishes or even small (acne) scars can improve the skin structure with a chemical peel. It often provides a smoothing, lifting and/or tightening effect. This peeling is also often combined with other treatments such as lipofilling or a facelift. 

Procedure - How does a phenol peel work?
  • First there will be one consultation plan drawn up. Your doctor will discuss with you what you specifically want to tackle with this peeling, what the options are, how many sessions you may need and what you can expect.
  • During the treatment your skin will be cleaned first. We recommend not wearing make-up when having your treatment.
  • The liquid is then applied with or without local anesthesia. Depending on the depth of the peeling, one or more layers are applied. You may experience a burning sensation during the first 15 seconds. This feeling slowly disappears. If you experience persistent discomfort, do not hesitate to report this to your doctor during treatment.
  • A session lasts approx 30 to 60 minutes. Normally you can go home straight away and you will be given painkillers.
  • The more superficial the condition, the fewer treatments are needed. With a deep phenol peeling, only one treatment is often required.
  • The final result of this treatment is most visible after 4 months en remains visible for several years.
Benefits of phenol peels

A phenol peel penetrates the barrier where pigment is formed. It therefore addresses the following issues:

  • Pigment spots
  • UV or sun damage
  • Gray complexion
  • A coarse skin structure becomes visibly and noticeably smoother. This makes fine lines or imperfections less visible.
  • Small scars can be smoothed out to a great extent.
  • After a few months you will even notice a lifting and tightening effect. This is due to stimulating collagen and elastin production in the skin.
Before and after results of a phenol peel
Disadvantages or complications
  • Depending on which skin problem you want to address and how deeply you want the peel to work, you may need several sessions.
  • During the treatment you may experience a burning, uncomfortable feeling.
  • After the treatment, your face may peel, which can last up to 10 days.
  • Infection can always occur, as with any treatment or procedure. Therefore, carefully follow the aftercare instructions given to you by your doctor.
  • This treatment can only be performed between October and April (to prevent sun damage during the summer).
What can you expect after a phenol peel?
  • You may experience a burning sensation during the treatment. This decreases during treatment.
  • The first days after the phenol peeling, the skin may be tighter, painful, red or slightly swollen. This depends on how deep the peeling has gone.
  • From day 3 your face will start to peel, which can last up to 10 days. Expect scabs, itching, skin, etc. Try to stay off it and let the skin peel off naturally. Only cleanse your skin 10 to 14 days after the treatment. You will receive appropriate instructions for this. Furthermore, be careful when cleansing your skin and use a soothing and disinfectant cream to moisturize the skin.
  • We recommend avoiding direct sunlight during the first 3 months and using a sunscreen with a high protection factor (e.g. 50).
  • Because your skin will be sensitive to sunlight, we only perform this treatment between October and April to prevent sun damage during the summer.

The TCA peeling (medium)

Radiant skin starts from within. Thanks to a TCA peeling you can blemishes, small scars, fine lines, spots, etc. fade in a medium way andstimulate cell renewal so that your skin starts to shine again.

What is a TCA peel?

Trichloroacetic acid peels (TCA) are a type of chemical peel used to treat a wide range of skin problems, including signs of aging, sun damage, hyperpigmentation and scarring. TCA peels are usually performed at medium strength by an aesthetic practitioner and require some recovery time but provide significant improvements in skin texture.

Who is a suitable candidate for a TCA peel?

Anyone who suffers from the following:

  • Acne (not active) and other scars
  • Discoloration of the skin
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Sun damage
  • age spots
  • Melasma
  • Very fine lines
  • Coarse pores
  • Dull and sallow skin

The strength of the peel depends on the condition you want to treat. A light peel can remove the top layer of skin to treat sun damage and age spots. Treating moderate wrinkles and deep scars may require a stronger peel to remove more layers of skin.

We do not recommend a TCA peeling in the following cases:

  • If you have a history of abnormal scarring on the skin.
  • If you have a naturally dark complexion or skin color.
  • If you suffer from extra pigmentation with scars
  • If you have used certain acne treatments in the past year.
  • Skin conditions or medications that make the skin more sensitive than normal.

Before a treatment is started, you will receive an extensive consultation from our aesthetic doctor. Treatment can only be started after a consultation.

How does a TCA peeling work?

For the treatment

First you will receive an extensive consultation from the aesthetic doctor. You will be informed about the effect, composition and what you can expect after the treatment. In addition, the possible complications and aftercare are discussed, which must be followed very carefully. This is the only way you will achieve the best results.

  • If a cold sore occurs on the day of treatment, the appointment must be rescheduled.
  • When using Botox and/or fillers, there must be at least 2 weeks between these treatments.
  • When using acne medication (e.g. Roaccutane), no treatment may take place for at least 6 months.
  • Stop using retinol cream or serum / vitamin A acid cream 5 days before treatment.
  • For men it is advisable not to shave their face within 24 hours of the treatment.
  • The treatment should not take place on sun-tanned skin; make sure there is at least 4 weeks in between.
  • Treatment should not take place during pregnancy and/or breastfeeding.
During the treatment

During your session, the aesthetic doctor will apply TCA solution to your skin. The acid then penetrates the upper layers of your skin to remove dead skin cells. This then stimulates the growth of new, healthy skin cells and collagen.

  • You will experience a tingling sensation. If you experience pain, inform the treating physician immediately.
  • Once your peeling is complete, we will clean your skin and apply a moisturizer to intensely nourish your skin.
  • Most treatments last about 30 minutes, but individual cases may vary depending on the skin problem you want to address.
After treatment
  • You will receive the necessary aftercare instructions and tips to take optimal care of your skin.
  • Your skin may look red or slightly swollen after the treatment. This may take several days. Daily activities can be continued after treatment.
  • From days 3 to 5-6 the skin will exfoliate and be extra vulnerable. Allow the skin to naturally loosen and tighten did not on the loose skins because this can cause scars.
  • Be careful when wearing face masks.
  • Take care of your skin with moisturizers, both day and night.
  • Protect your skin from the sun with sunscreen.
  • Avoid using make-up, direct sunlight, tanning beds, strenuous (sports) activities or swimming pools for 6 weeks. Wait until your skin has completely shed.
TCA peel

Benefits of a TCA peel

  • It's possible fine lines such as minimizing crow's feet and expression lines.
  • It evens out one coarser skin texture (e.g. large pores).
  • It's possible sun damage manufacture.
  • It is a good treatment for acne scars.
  • Effective against melasma.
  • It fades pigment spots, age spots or freckles.
  • Suitable for most skin types, provided the correct proportions of the TCA peeling. Dark skin types may react more sensitively.

Possible disadvantages, complications or side effects

  • Redness, scabs and swelling for several weeks. Normal healing from a chemical peel is accompanied by redness of the treated skin. After a medium or deep chemical peel, redness can last for several months.
  • Scar formation. In rare cases, a chemical peel can cause scarring – usually in the lower part of the face. Antibiotics and steroid medications can be used to soften the appearance of these scars.
  • Changes in skin color. A chemical peel can cause the treated skin to become darker than normal (hyperpigmentation) or lighter than normal (hypopigmentation). Hyperpigmentation is more common after superficial peels, while hypopigmentation is more common after a deep peel. These problems are more common in people with skin of color and can sometimes be permanent.
  • Infection. A chemical peel can lead to a bacterial, fungal or viral infection, such as a flare-up of the herpes virus – the virus that causes cold sores.

How long does the result last?

  • The results of TCA chemical peels last approximately six months to two years.
  • Deeper skin problems may require multiple sessions.
  • If you take good care of your skin and use anti-aging products regularly, you can extend the duration of the results.
  • It is not recommended to peel too much and remove the protective layer of skin.