TCA Peels

TCA Peels

Some skin concerns sit too deep for a surface peel to reach. Acne scarring, established pigmentation, sun damage from decades of summers — these need a treatment that works below the epidermis.

A TCA peel does exactly that. It's a medium-depth resurfacing treatment, and it asks something of you in return: a period of preparation beforehand and around a week of visible downtime afterwards. In exchange, it delivers a step-change rather than a subtle improvement.

At [Clinic Name] every TCA peel is assessed, prescribed and performed by a medically qualified practitioner.

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What is a TCA peel?

TCA stands for trichloroacetic acid. Applied in controlled concentrations, it removes damaged skin in a measured, predictable way and prompts the skin beneath to rebuild — generating fresh collagen as it heals.

Concentration determines depth. We work across a range from around 15% up to 35%, selected according to your skin, your concern and how much downtime you can accommodate. Depth is also influenced by how the skin has been prepared, the technique of application and the number of layers applied — which is why the same percentage can produce very different results in different hands.

This is a medical treatment. Any TCA peel above 10% is medical grade and should only ever be performed by a trained doctor or nurse in a clinical setting. It is not a facial.

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What it treats

• Acne scarring — particularly shallow boxcar and rolling scars

• Pigmentation, melasma and sun damage

• Fine lines and early wrinkles

• Uneven skin tone and texture

• Age spots and sun spots

• Enlarged pores and dull, thickened skin

• Sun-damaged skin on the neck, décolletage and hands

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Preparation matters

Most people are surprised by how much happens before the peel itself.

For two to four weeks beforehand we prime your skin with prescribed products — typically a retinoid, and often a pigment inhibitor. This isn't optional. Priming makes the peel penetrate more evenly, speeds healing and substantially reduces the risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation, which is the main thing that can go wrong with a medium-depth peel.

If you have a history of cold sores, we'll prescribe antiviral medication to take before and after treatment.

We'll also ask you to avoid sun exposure and stop certain products in the run-up. Your practitioner will give you a written protocol at consultation.

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The treatment

The peel itself takes 30 to 45 minutes.

Your skin is cleansed and degreased, then the solution is applied in layers. You'll feel a strong stinging or burning sensation that builds and then settles — most people describe it as intense but manageable, and we use cool air throughout to keep you comfortable.

As the acid works, your skin develops a white frosting. This is expected, and it tells your practitioner how deeply the peel has penetrated. The pattern and speed of frosting is how depth is judged in real time.

 

Recovery, day by day

Days 1–2. Skin looks red, tight and slightly bronzed, rather like a strong sunburn. Some swelling, particularly around the eyes, is normal.

Days 3–5. Peeling begins, usually starting around the mouth and spreading outwards. It can be substantial — sheets rather than flakes. Do not pull or pick at it.

Days 5–7. Most peeling is complete. New skin underneath appears pink and feels tender.

Weeks 2–4. Pinkness fades. Texture and tone continue to improve as new collagen forms.

Plan around it. Most people take a week away from work or social commitments, or arrange to work from home. Daily SPF 50 is essential for at least three months afterwards — without it, you risk undoing the result.

 

Results

You'll see brighter, smoother, more even skin within two to three weeks. The collagen response continues quietly for three to six months, so the full result builds over time.

Superficial pigmentation and mild photoageing often respond well to a single treatment. Acne scarring and more established damage typically need a course of two to four peels, spaced six to twelve weeks apart.

Results last well — often a year or more — provided you protect your skin from the sun and maintain it with appropriate homecare.

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Pricing

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TCA Peel — face £275

TCA Peel — face and neck £345

TCA Peel — face, neck and décolletage £425

TCA Peel — targeted area (hands, perioral, periorbital) £175

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Course of three (face) £725

Skin consultation and assessment £50

The consultation fee is redeemable in full against any treatment booked on the day.

Prescribed priming products are charged separately and will be quoted at consultation.

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Is it right for me?

TCA peels suit most skin types, but they demand careful assessment. Deeper skin tones can be treated successfully with proper preparation, though the risk of pigmentation change is higher and we'll discuss this frankly with you.

We may postpone or recommend something else if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding

• Have taken isotretinoin (Roaccutane) within the last six to twelve months

• Have an active skin infection, cold sore or open wound in the treatment area

• Have a history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring

• Have recently had laser treatment, waxing or significant sun exposure

• Cannot commit to strict sun protection afterwards

Not everyone who wants a TCA peel should have one.

If we think a gentler option would serve you better, we'll tell you.

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Frequently asked questions

Does it hurt?

There's a strong stinging sensation during application that peaks after a minute or two and then eases. It's uncomfortable rather than unbearable, and it's short-lived. We use cool air throughout.

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How much will I actually peel?

More than you might expect. Medium-depth peels produce visible sheet peeling from around day three. This is the treatment working, but it's why we ask you to plan your diary around it.

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Can I wear make-up while I'm peeling?

We'd rather you didn't for the first five days. Once peeling is complete, mineral make-up is usually fine.

 

How is this different from a Obagi Blue Peel Radiance?

Blue Peel Radiance is superficial — bright skin, minimal downtime, no real recovery.

A TCA peel works considerably deeper and addresses concerns a superficial peel cannot touch. The trade-off is a week of visible healing.

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Will it get rid of my acne scars completely?

It will improve them, often significantly, but rarely erases them.

Shallow scars respond best.

For deeper ice-pick scarring we may recommend combining peels with other modalities, which we'll discuss at consultation.

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How soon can I have another?

A minimum of six weeks, and often longer.

Your skin needs to fully recover before it's treated again.

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Book your consultation

Every TCA peel begins with a full assessment and a written treatment plan.

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TCA peels are medical treatments performed by qualified practitioners and are subject to consultation and suitability assessment. Individual results vary.