Peeling guide: how to choose an effective option to renew your skin

Peels are one of the most popular procedures in cosmetology, helping to address a wide range of skin issues — from treating acne to combating wrinkles. Modern cosmetology offers various types of peels, each with its unique properties, tailored to specific skin types and concerns.

Autumn is the best season to maximize the effect of the procedure

Autumn is the ideal time for peels. After an active sunny season, the skin requires recovery, and the reduced intensity of UV rays makes this period the safest for exfoliation procedures. Most peels increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, so during autumn and winter, the risk of pigmentation and damage is minimal. It's also important to remember that for optimal results, peels should be done as a course of treatments—this ensures deeper skin renewal and a longer-lasting effect.

1. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA)

AHA acids are known for their gentle yet effective impact on the skin and are ideal for dry and normal skin types.

Glycolic Acid

• Purpose: Improves skin texture, reduces wrinkles, pigmentation, and dull complexion.
• Suitable for: Dry and normal skin, early signs of aging.

Lactic Acid

• Purpose: Hydrates, brightens the skin, and improves texture.
• Suitable for: Ideal for sensitive skin and issues with dryness and dehydration.

Mandelic Acid

• Purpose: Reduces inflammation, evens out skin tone and texture, treats acne.
• Suitable for: Oily, combination, and sensitive skin prone to inflammation and acne.

2. Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA)

BHA acids, such as salicylic acid, are excellent for oily and problematic skin. They penetrate deep into the pores, dissolve sebum, and prevent the formation of comedones.

Salicylic Acid

• Purpose: Cleans pores, regulates sebum production, treats acne.
• Suitable for: Oily and acne-prone skin with comedones.

3. Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA)

TCA peels are a powerful solution for pigmentation, post-acne marks, and wrinkles. They penetrate deeper, delivering more pronounced results.

• Purpose: Treats pigmentation, post-acne marks, wrinkles; improves skin texture.
• Suitable for: Medium and deep peels, patients with visible signs of photoaging, hyperpigmentation, and scarring.

4. Phenol Peels

Phenol peels are the deepest among all types of chemical peels and are used for significant skin rejuvenation. However, due to their aggressiveness, a long recovery period must be considered.

• Purpose: Deep rejuvenation, reduction of deep wrinkles, pigmentation, and scarring.
• Suitable for: Mature skin with evident signs of aging; requires prolonged recovery and post-procedure care.

5. Retinoic (Yellow) Peels

Retinoic peels are milder than TCA or phenol peels but still effective in treating acne, pigmentation, and wrinkles.

• Purpose: Improves skin texture, treats pigmentation and acne, reduces wrinkles.
• Suitable for: Treating hyperpigmentation, acne, and age-related skin changes.

6. Combination Peels

Combination peels contain several active ingredients, allowing for simultaneous treatment of multiple skin concerns.

• Purpose: Comprehensive effect on various skin issues (e.g., acne + pigmentation).
• Suitable for: Patients with multiple concerns requiring a multi-level approach.

How to choose the right peel for your skin?

Peels are a powerful skincare tool that, when selected properly, can significantly improve your skin’s condition and give you a youthful, radiant appearance. The choice of peel depends on your skin type, its condition, and the issues you want to address.

An aesthetic doctor at iO Clinic will help determine the optimal solution, taking into account all individual features. It’s not recommended to perform peels on your own — always consult professionals to achieve the desired results without unwanted side effects.