Texture & photodamage
For skin where a superficial peel is unlikely to produce enough visible resurfacing.
Medium-depth chemical peel · South Kensington
TCA Peel for Texture, Pigment & Acne Scarring
A consultation-led medium-depth peel using trichloroacetic acid (TCA) for selected concerns including rough texture, fine lines, photodamage, post-acne change and resistant pigmentation.
TCA is a stronger resurfacing treatment than a superficial peel, so treatment depth, skin preparation and recovery need to be planned carefully.
Controlled resurfacing — with more recovery than a light peel
TCA creates a controlled chemical injury in the skin. Treatment depth is influenced by the concentration used, the number of passes, application technique, pretreatment and the way your skin responds during the procedure.
The aim is to remove selected damaged surface layers and trigger a structured healing response. This can improve visible texture and tone, but a stronger peel also brings more downtime and a greater need for careful patient selection.
Often considered for:
- Photodamage and uneven tone
- Rough texture
- Selected atrophic acne scarring
- Fine lines and crepey texture, particularly around the lower face
- Selected pigmentation that has not responded sufficiently to lighter resurfacing
When a medium-depth peel makes sense
Fine lines & crepiness
For selected areas with etched surface change where the goal is stronger resurfacing rather than simple hydration.
Post-acne texture
Can be considered for selected shallow atrophic scarring, although deeper scars may respond better to laser or another specialist pathway.
How we approach a TCA peel
Step 1
Consultation & skin assessment
We assess skin tone, pigment history, recent sun exposure, medication, active skincare, previous peels and the concern you want to treat.
Step 2
Pretreatment where needed
Some clients benefit from a period of skin preparation before TCA, particularly where post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is a concern. This is individual rather than automatic.
Step 3
Controlled application
The practitioner selects concentration and passes, feathers around delicate areas and watches the skin response closely to control treatment depth.
Step 4
Recovery & review
Barrier-supportive aftercare and strict sun protection are central to recovery. Further treatment is only planned once the skin has fully settled.
TCA Peel prices
Single TCA Peel
£250
Medium-depth peel with strength and passes selected after consultation.
Course of 3
£675
For clients where a planned series is clinically appropriate. Sessions are usually spaced 4–8 weeks apart.
Neck or hands add-on · +£95Only where the additional area is suitable for the same treatment session.
Post-peel soothing kit · £35Barrier-supportive products for the recovery period.
What the first week can look like
The exact recovery varies with treatment depth and individual skin response. The timeline below is a guide rather than a guarantee.
Tightness & redness
The skin may feel warm, tight or dry and can appear pink or darker before visible peeling begins.
Visible peeling
Dryness and shedding commonly become most noticeable. Do not pull, pick or mechanically exfoliate the skin.
Shedding settles
Visible peeling generally reduces as fresh surface skin becomes more apparent.
Refinement
Surface texture and tone continue to settle after the visible peel phase has finished.
Pigment safety matters
TCA needs more careful skin-tone assessment than a superficial peel
Any medium-depth peel can cause unwanted pigment change, particularly in skin with a history of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or after recent UV exposure.
For that reason, we do not treat TCA as a routine “stronger is better” peel. The concentration, number of passes and sometimes the decision not to use TCA at all depend on your skin.
We pay particular attention to:
- Fitzpatrick skin type and baseline pigmentation
- Previous PIH after acne, peels or procedures
- Recent tanning or sun exposure
- Melasma or pigment instability
- Active inflammation
- Whether pretreatment skincare is advisable
- Your ability to follow strict SPF and aftercare
TCA vs Mandelic vs CO₂
| Treatment | Best when… | Downtime | Intensity |
|---|---|---|---|
| TCA Peel | Texture, selected acne scarring, photodamage or fine lines need more resurfacing than a superficial peel can provide | Usually 3–7 days visible peeling | Medium-depth |
| Mandelic Peel | You want gentler resurfacing for congestion, uneven tone or pigment-prone skin with much less recovery | Usually minimal | Superficial |
| Ablative CO₂ Laser | More significant textural change, scarring or resurfacing is needed and a peel is unlikely to be enough | Visible healing and planned downtime | More intensive resurfacing |
Preparing for a TCA peel
In the week before
- Pause retinoids and strong exfoliating acids for around 5–7 days unless your practitioner advises otherwise.
- Avoid tanning and sunbeds.
- Use broad-spectrum SPF 30–50 daily.
- Keep the skin barrier calm and well moisturised.
Tell us about
- History of cold sores
- Recent laser, peel, waxing or injectable treatment
- Oral isotretinoin or prescription acne medication
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- History of keloid or abnormal scarring
- Any previous pigment problems after procedures
Protect the healing skin
Do not pick
Allow the skin to shed naturally. Pulling at peeling skin can increase irritation and pigment risk.
Barrier support
Use a gentle cleanser and simple emollient or post-peel products recommended by your practitioner.
SPF 50
Daily broad-spectrum SPF 50 and sensible sun avoidance are essential during recovery.
Pause strong actives
Do not restart retinoids, acids or scrubs until the skin has fully settled and your practitioner advises it is appropriate.
Heat & exercise
Avoid sauna, steam, hot yoga and strenuous exercise for around 48–72 hours or longer if the skin remains inflamed.
Contact us if concerned
Get in touch for worsening pain, significant swelling, blistering, unusual discharge or another reaction that concerns you.
TCA Peel FAQs
How many TCA peels will I need?
Often 1–3 sessions are considered, usually spaced 4–8 weeks apart. Some clients need only one treatment. The plan depends on the concern, treatment depth and response.
Will I definitely peel?
Visible peeling is common after a medium-depth TCA treatment, but the amount varies. More peeling does not automatically mean a better result.
Is TCA suitable for darker skin tones?
It can sometimes be used, but pigment risk needs careful assessment. Skin tone, history of PIH, peel depth and pretreatment all matter. In some cases a gentler peel or another treatment may be safer.
Can TCA treat acne scars?
TCA can improve selected shallow atrophic scars and rough post-acne texture. Deeper scars may require a different or combined approach such as CO₂ laser or another scar-focused treatment.
What is the difference between TCA and Mandelic?
Mandelic acid is a more superficial, lower-downtime peel. TCA is chosen when stronger resurfacing is justified and the client accepts several days of visible recovery.
Can I have TCA before an event?
Not immediately before one. Because visible peeling can last around a week and residual sensitivity can persist beyond that, allow generous recovery time before an important event.
Can I combine TCA with laser or microdermabrasion?
Possibly, but not at the same time simply to make treatment stronger. Resurfacing procedures need appropriate spacing so the skin fully recovers between treatments.
Other resurfacing pathways
Santi London · South Kensington
Is TCA the right depth of peel for you?
Book a consultation and we can assess whether TCA, a gentler peel or a laser resurfacing pathway is the most proportionate option for your skin and goals.
TCA Peel £250 · Course of 3 £675 · Neck or hands +£95 · Post-peel soothing kit £35 · Santi London, South Kensington