What is the recovery time for chemical peels?

If you have a non-medical peel (such as a glycolic acid peel), there is virtually no recovery time needed. The same is true for a superficial medical-grade peel, such as a salicylic acid peel. However, there is down-time or recovery time associated with the deeper, medical-grade peels, such as TCA peels.

The TCA peel is the gold standard for chemical peels and typically provides the best skin-rejuvenating results. In lower concentrations, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) solution can deliver a minimal downtime result that reduces fine lines, improves skin texture, and softens sun damage. When provided in higher concentrations by well trained doctors, TCA can be used in place of laser skin resurfacing to soften acne scarring, erase wrinkles across the face, promote collagen production, and provide entirely new skin.

This medical-grade TCA peel requires 5 to 12 days of downtime until the healing process reveals smoother, younger and clearer, new skin.

Following a chemical peel, clients can expect 3-14 days of social downtime, depending on the depth of the peel.