When the concerns run deeper
There are skin concerns that a surface peel cannot reach. Sun damage that has built up over years. Pigmentation that sits deeper in the skin. Textural changes that go beyond mild roughness. These are the concerns that bring people to TCA peels — a treatment that reaches further and renews more.
TCA (trichloroacetic acid) peels work at a deeper level than AHA peels. They are not a gentle reset. They are a more pronounced renewal, and they come with a correspondingly different expectation around preparation, aftercare, and recovery.
What TCA peels are
TCA peels use trichloroacetic acid, a solution that penetrates more deeply into the skin than the alpha-hydroxy acids used in light peels. By reaching into the deeper layers of the epidermis — and sometimes into the upper dermis — TCA peels can address concerns that surface peels cannot.
They are used for sun damage, pigmentation, more established textural concerns, and in some cases fine lines that are too deep for AHA peels to address effectively. The deeper penetration means more pronounced renewal — but also more downtime and a more careful aftercare process.
How they work
The TCA solution is applied to clean skin in controlled layers. As it penetrates, it causes the skin to undergo a more significant exfoliation and renewal process. Over the following days, the skin will darken, tighten, and then peel — sometimes in visible sheets — before revealing fresher, renewed skin beneath.
This process is more involved than a light peel, and it requires a longer recovery period. The results, however, can address concerns that surface treatments cannot reach.
Preparation matters
Because TCA peels go deeper, preparation is important. In the weeks before your peel, Sarah may recommend a skincare routine to prepare your skin — priming it so the peel is more even, the recovery is smoother, and the risk of complications is reduced.
This preparation phase is part of the treatment, not an optional extra. We will discuss this with you at your initial consultation and provide clear guidance on what to use and what to avoid in the lead-up to your peel.
What happens at your consultation
Suitability for a TCA peel is assessed thoroughly. Sarah will examine your skin, take a full medical history, and discuss your concerns in detail. Not everyone is a candidate for a TCA peel — certain skin types, conditions, and medications may mean a different approach is more appropriate.
She will be completely open with you about the recovery process — how long the peeling lasts, what your skin will look like at each stage, and what you will need to do to care for it. If you are not ready for the commitment a TCA peel requires, or if your concerns would be better addressed by a different treatment, she will tell you.
Aftercare and downtime
After a TCA peel, your skin will go through a clear progression. In the first day or two, it may look and feel as though it has been sunburned. Around day three, the skin will begin to darken and tighten. Peeling typically begins around day four to five and can last for up to a week.
During this time, your skin will need specific care — gentle cleansing, barrier-repair products, and strict sun avoidance. We will provide detailed aftercare guidance and be available to support you through the recovery process. Most people take a week off social plans, and some prefer to take time off work depending on their environment.