TCA Peel
Medium-to-deep resurfacing for significant scarring, resistant pigmentation, and advanced photoageing — delivering the most dramatic results of any chemical peel.
Trichloroacetic Acid · Medium-Deep Peel · Dermal Remodelling
What Is a TCA Peel?
TCA (trichloroacetic acid) is a medium-to-deep chemical peel that works by causing controlled protein denaturation — coagulating the proteins in the epidermis and upper dermis to induce a structured wound healing response. As the treated layers peel away over 5–10 days, new skin forms with increased collagen, improved elastin architecture, and more uniform melanin distribution.
TCA peels penetrate deeper than AHAs (glycolic, lactic acid) and BHAs (salicylic acid), reaching the papillary dermis at concentrations of 20–35%. This deeper action makes TCA the peel of choice for significant acne scarring, deep wrinkles, sun damage, resistant melasma, and pre-cancerous actinic keratoses.
At CosmeDocs, TCA peels are never performed in isolation. We employ a comprehensive multi-phase protocol: retinol pre-treatment to optimise the skin for peeling, careful concentration selection based on Fitzpatrick skin type and concern severity, and a post-peel recovery programme including antioxidants, barrier repair agents, and strict sun protection.
Supporting Ingredients
Retinol (Pre-Treatment — 2–4 Weeks Prior)
Essential for TCA preparation. Retinol accelerates epidermal cell turnover, thins the stratum corneum, and ensures uniform acid penetration. This pre-treatment phase is critical for even results and reduced complication risk.
Azelaic Acid
Incorporated pre- and post-peel to suppress melanocyte hyperactivity. Particularly important for patients at risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, azelaic acid reduces pigment deposition during the healing phase.
Mandelic Acid (Pre-Treatment for Darker Skin)
For Fitzpatrick IV–VI patients, mandelic acid is used in the weeks preceding a TCA peel to gently acclimatise the skin to acid exfoliation, reducing the risk of uneven pigment response.
Glutathione & Vitamin C (Post-Peel Recovery)
Powerful antioxidants applied during the recovery phase to neutralise free radicals generated by the controlled wound healing process, accelerate collagen synthesis, and brighten newly forming skin.
Hyaluronic Acid (Barrier Recovery)
Deep hydration support during the peeling and recovery phase. Maintains skin moisture, reduces tightness, and supports optimal barrier reformation.
Pyruvic Acid (Combination Protocols)
Sometimes combined with TCA at lower concentrations for a modulated multi-depth peel. Pyruvic acid provides an intermediate penetration layer, creating a smoother gradient of exfoliation.
Recovery Timeline
Skin feels tight, warm, and appears red or bronzed. Mild swelling possible. Apply prescribed moisturiser and avoid water on the face.
Peeling begins — often starting around the mouth and chin. Do not pick or pull the peeling skin. Allow it to shed naturally.
Active peeling continues. New, pink skin is revealed beneath. This new skin is highly sensitive — strict SPF 50+ is essential.
Peeling subsides. Redness fades progressively. Most patients are socially presentable by day 7–10 with light makeup.
Collagen remodelling continues beneath the surface. Skin texture, tone, and pigmentation continue improving for 4–8 weeks post-peel.
Am I Suitable?
Ideal For
- • Deep acne scarring (ice-pick, boxcar)
- • Resistant hyperpigmentation and melasma
- • Significant sun damage and photoageing
- • Deep wrinkles and textural irregularities
- • Actinic keratoses (pre-cancerous lesions)
- • Patients wanting dramatic, single-session results
May Not Be Suitable
- • Very dark skin types (Fitzpatrick V–VI) without pre-treatment
- • History of keloid or hypertrophic scarring
- • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- • Recent isotretinoin use (within 6–12 months)
- • Active infections, eczema, or psoriasis
- • Patients unable to commit to 7–10 days downtime
Frequently Asked Questions
Other Peel Types
At a Glance
Duration
20–45 minutes
Course
3–6 sessions
Recovery
1–7 days peeling
Types
Light, medium, deep
Treatment Pricing
Includes skin assessment
Natasha W.
"After three chemical peels my pigmentation has faded dramatically. My skin is the clearest it's been in years. Worth every session."
More real experiencesTCA Peel London — Clinical Guide
Trichloroacetic acid (Cl₃CCOOH) is a halogenated derivative of acetic acid that has been used in dermatology since the 1880s. At concentrations of 10–35%, TCA causes epidermal and upper dermal coagulative necrosis — a controlled chemical cauterisation that triggers a structured wound healing cascade including inflammation, re-epithelialisation, and neocollagenesis.
The depth of TCA penetration is concentration-dependent and technique-dependent (number of coats, application pressure, and skin preparation). At 15–20%, TCA produces a superficial-to-medium peel reaching the papillary dermis. At 25–35%, it achieves medium-depth penetration into the upper reticular dermis, stimulating type I and III collagen synthesis and glycosaminoglycan deposition over the following 4–8 weeks.
CosmeDocs TCA protocols incorporate a mandatory retinol pre-treatment phase (typically 0.5–1% retinol for 2–4 weeks) to accelerate epidermal turnover and ensure uniform acid penetration. Azelaic acid is prescribed concurrently for patients at risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Post-peel recovery includes glutathione and ascorbic acid application, ceramide-based barrier repair, and strict SPF 50+ photoprotection for a minimum of 4 weeks.
For patients seeking comprehensive renewal without the full intensity of a standalone TCA peel, our Peel to Reveal cocktail incorporates TCA at lower concentrations alongside glycolic, lactic, salicylic, mandelic, and azelaic acids — creating a multi-depth, multi-mechanism peel customised by the clinician. Our aesthetics is invisible art — bold, natural, always your way.