Microneedling treatment
TCA Skin Peel
A resurfacing peel for sun damage, uneven tone and dull or rough skin.
- Treatment time
- Around 30–45 minutes
- Results
- Fresher skin once peeling settles, in about a week
- Longevity
- Months; maintained with SPF and good skin care
- Downtime
- Around a week of peeling
About TCA Skin Peel
A TCA peel uses trichloroacetic acid to remove the damaged outer layers of the skin in a controlled way. As the treated skin sheds over the following days, fresher, smoother and more even skin comes through, and the healing response encourages new collagen.
TCA can be used at different strengths, from a lighter refresh to a deeper peel for sun damage, pigmentation, fine lines and shallow acne scarring. John chooses the strength and the number of layers for your skin and your concern at consultation.
Key Benefits
- 01Smoother, more even skin texture
- 02Fades sun damage, dark spots and uneven pigmentation
- 03Softens fine lines and shallow acne scarring
- 04Brighter, fresher-looking skin once peeling settles
- 05Strength tailored to your skin and concern
- 06Can be repeated as a course for gradual improvement
Is this treatment right for me?
A TCA peel suits people with sun damage, uneven tone, dullness, fine lines or shallow acne scarring who can plan for around a week of visible peeling. It isn't usually offered during pregnancy or breastfeeding, over broken, infected or inflamed skin, or soon after isotretinoin. Darker skin tones need particular care because of the risk of pigment change, which John assesses at consultation.
You may be suitable if…
- You have sun damage, dark spots or uneven skin tone
- Your skin looks dull or rough, or is showing fine lines
- You have shallow acne scarring
- You can allow around a week for the skin to peel and settle
Your consultation will consider…
- Skin type and tone, and any tendency to pigmentation or keloid scarring
- Cold sores, active acne, eczema or broken skin in the area
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding, recent isotretinoin use or recent sun exposure
- The peel strength, and whether a single peel or a course suits you
What to expect
Before treatment
John assesses your skin and history and confirms the plan. For a week beforehand avoid retinol, acids and other active skincare on the area, and avoid sun exposure, sunbeds, waxing or hair removal. You may be advised to prepare the skin with specific products first. Arrive with a clean face if you can.
During treatment
The skin is cleansed and degreased, and sensitive areas such as the corners of the eyes, nose and mouth are protected. John applies the TCA solution in even layers and watches the skin closely as it works. You'll feel heat and stinging for a few minutes, which cool air helps. The skin is then cooled and a soothing cream and SPF are applied. The appointment takes around 30–45 minutes.
After treatment
The skin looks red and feels tight, like sunburn, for the first day or two. It then darkens and dries before it starts to peel, usually from around day three. Peeling typically settles within about a week, leaving fresh, pink skin that needs careful sun protection.
Watch
Results & longevity
Once peeling has finished the skin looks brighter and feels smoother. Improvement in tone, pigmentation and fine lines continues over the following four to six weeks as new collagen forms. Some people have a single peel; for sun damage or scarring John may suggest a course, with peels spaced at least four to six weeks apart. Results last for months and are maintained with good skin care and daily sun protection — new sun exposure can bring pigmentation back.
Recovery, side effects & aftercare
Plan for around a week of visible recovery. The skin is red and tight for a day or two, then darkens, dries and peels from around day three. Most people are comfortable in public once peeling has finished, usually within a week.
Side effects
Redness, tightness, stinging, darkening and peeling are expected and settle as the skin renews. Less commonly a peel can cause prolonged redness, darker or lighter patches of skin (more likely in darker skin tones or after sun exposure), a cold sore flare, infection or, rarely, scarring — which is why careful aftercare and sun protection matter.
Aftercare
Wash with a mild, gentle cleanser and avoid harsh or abrasive products for at least 48 hours. Keep the skin moisturised with a fragrance-free cream for sensitive skin, and don't pick or peel flaking skin — let it shed naturally to avoid scarring. No make-up for 24–48 hours, and no retinoids, AHAs or BHAs for at least a week. Wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day and limit sun exposure for several weeks.
Please contact the clinic if you have persistent or worsening redness, pain, swelling, blistering, weeping or crusting, any sign of infection, or patches of skin that look darker or lighter once healed.
- Downtime
- Around a week of redness and peeling
- Redness
- Red for 1–2 days, then pink while the new skin settles
- Swelling
- Mild, first 1–2 days
- Bruising
- None expected
- Normal activities
- Light activity straight away; no exercise, saunas or swimming until peeling has finished
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a TCA peel?
TCA stands for trichloroacetic acid. It's a chemical peel that removes damaged outer layers of skin in a controlled way, so that fresher, more even skin replaces them.
Does it hurt?
You'll feel heat and stinging for a few minutes while the solution is on the skin, which eases as the skin is cooled. Afterwards it feels tight and warm, like sunburn.
How long will I peel for?
Peeling usually starts around day three and settles within about a week. It's important not to pick — let the skin shed on its own.
How many peels will I need?
Some people have one. For sun damage, pigmentation or scarring John may suggest a course, with peels spaced at least four to six weeks apart.
Is it suitable for darker skin?
Peels carry a higher risk of pigment change in darker skin tones. John assesses your skin at consultation and will only recommend a peel, and a strength, that's appropriate for you.
When can I wear make-up again?
Not for the first 24–48 hours, and ideally not until the peeling has finished.
Can I have a peel in summer?
You can, but strict sun protection is essential — freshly peeled skin is very vulnerable to UV. Many people prefer the autumn and winter months.
How is it different from microneedling?
Microneedling stimulates collagen with fine needles and has a day or two of redness. A TCA peel resurfaces the skin chemically, with around a week of peeling, and is often chosen for pigmentation and sun damage.
Your Practitioner
John Dixon
Founder & Aesthetician
John founded Trusted Touch Aesthetics in Fulham and specialises in facial balancing, wrinkle reduction and skin rejuvenation. He is CPD-regulated and fully insured, and is known for taking the time to assess your face properly, explaining every option honestly and never over-treating — the aim is always a natural result that still looks like you. Clients regularly mention his calm manner, attention to detail and the aftercare follow-up that checks in on how you're healing.