Professional Chemical Peel

Professional peels are categorized by depth. Superficial (Jessner, 20–30% salicylic, mandelic): penetrate only the epidermis — minimal downtime, suitable for regular maintenance. Medium depth (TCA 20–35%, glycolic 50–70%): penetrate into the papillary dermis — 5–7 days peeling, significant improvement in pigmentation and early scarring. Deep (phenol, TCA 50%+): reach the reticular dermis — requires sedation, weeks of recovery, powerful results for severe scarring. Korean clinics typically specialize in superficial-to-medium peels for the Korean skin texture/tone aesthetic goal.

Pre-treatment: 2–4 weeks of skin prep (retinol or AHA use, plus hydroquinone for hyperpigmentation cases). Day of: no active skincare. Cleanse, apply pre-peel degreaser. Peel is applied, left for a controlled time (depending on type and depth), then neutralized. You will feel stinging/burning (intensity depends on peel type). Post-peel: strict sun avoidance, gentle cleansing, heavy moisturization. Do NOT peel or pick — let skin shed naturally. Social downtime: 3–7 days for medium peels.

Chemical peels have been performed in dermatology since the 1880s (phenol peels). Korean dermatology clinics have refined the application of peels for Asian skin, which is more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) from aggressive peeling. The modified Jessner's peel and low-concentration TCA are workhorses of Korean clinic protocols. The "Monday peel" or "lunch peel" concept (superficial peels with no visible peeling or downtime) was largely popularized in Korea.