Chemical peels use targeted acids to exfoliate the skin at different depths, and the right type depends entirely on what you're trying to treat: glycolic acid works well for general brightening and mild texture, salicylic acid is especially effective for acne and oily skin, and TCA reaches deeper for more significant textural and pigment concerns.
Glycolic acid: the gentle, brightening option
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane, with a small molecular size that allows it to penetrate the skin efficiently. It works primarily on the surface layers of skin, loosening the bonds between dead skin cells to reveal a brighter, more even complexion underneath. Glycolic peels are a good entry point for peel beginners and are well suited to mild dullness, uneven tone, and early fine lines, typically with minimal to no visible peeling and very little downtime.
Salicylic acid: the acne and oily-skin specialist
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), which is oil-soluble rather than water-soluble like AHAs, allowing it to penetrate into oil-clogged pores in a way glycolic acid can't. This makes salicylic acid peels particularly effective for acne, blackheads, and oily or congested skin, since the acid can actually get inside the pore itself to clear debris and calm inflammation, in addition to exfoliating the surface.
TCA: the deeper, more corrective option
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels penetrate more deeply than glycolic or salicylic acid, making them appropriate for more significant concerns: deeper pigmentation, more pronounced texture irregularities, and moderate signs of aging. Because TCA reaches further into the skin, it typically comes with visible peeling over several days and requires more careful aftercare, but it also delivers more dramatic, longer-lasting improvement in a single treatment than a lighter, surface-level peel.
How do you match the peel to your goal?
- Dullness and mild uneven tone: glycolic acid, often as a light, repeatable maintenance treatment
- Acne and oily, congested skin: salicylic acid
- Deeper pigmentation or more visible texture concerns: TCA, typically at a lower frequency given the deeper depth of treatment
- Sensitive or reactive skin: a lighter option or a shorter contact time, adjusted to your tolerance
What to expect from peel depth and downtime?
Lighter peels, like a standard glycolic or salicylic treatment, typically involve little to no visible peeling and allow most patients to return to normal activities immediately. Deeper peels, particularly TCA at higher concentrations, involve visible skin flaking or peeling for several days, along with more significant sun sensitivity during healing, which is why sunscreen and sun avoidance are essential in the days and weeks following any peel, regardless of depth.
How do you build a peel plan around your skin?
Many patients benefit from a series of lighter peels over time rather than a single aggressive treatment, allowing for gradual improvement with minimal disruption to daily life. A consultation with our team can help determine which peel type, strength, and frequency makes the most sense for your specific skin and goals.