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Chemical Peel A chemical peel is a cosmetic procedure that involves the application of a chemical solution to the skin, which helps to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells. This treatment can improve the appearance of the skin by reducing fine lines, acne scars, and uneven skin tone. The procedure typically involves several steps, including cleansing the skin, applying the chemical solution, and neutralizing it after a specific period. Depending on the type of peel used, patients may experience varying levels of redness and peeling post-treatment, but the results can lead to a smoother and more radiant complexion.

Chemical Peel A chemical peel is a cosmetic procedure that involves the application of a chemical solution to the skin, which helps to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells. This treatment can improve the appearance of the skin by reducing fine lines, acne scars, and uneven skin tone. The procedure typically involves several steps, including cleansing the skin, applying the chemical solution, and neutralizing it after a specific period. Depending on the type of peel used, patients may experience varying levels of redness and peeling post-treatment, but the results can lead to a smoother and more radiant complexion.

Chemical peel is a procedure that involves applying a solution of acids (salicylic, glycolic, lactic, mandelic, low-concentration TCA, or a combination) to the skin for a controlled period to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and stimulate the regeneration of a new layer. It is used for acne, congestion, post-acne pigmentation, dull skin, and enlarged pores.

Medically reviewed by BS.Ths.CKI Kim Kha — BonBoz Clinic

Mechanism

Acids break the bonds between keratinocytes, allowing the dead skin cells to shed evenly while causing controlled damage that stimulates epidermal regeneration and increases collagen in the superficial dermis. The type of acid determines the effect: salicylic (BHA) is oil-soluble, penetrating the hair follicles — suitable for acne-prone and oily skin; glycolic, lactic, mandelic (AHA) are water-soluble, brightening and smoothing the surface — suitable for dull, superficial pigmentation, and dry skin; TCA penetrates deeper depending on the concentration — suitable for pigmentation, texture, and superficial scars; retinol peel, Jessner are combinations for dual purposes.

Depth: superficial, medium, deep

Superficial peels only affect the epidermis: mild redness, fine peeling for a few days, performed periodically. Medium peels reach the superficial dermis: redness, darkening, then peeling in patches for 5–7 days, more effective for pigmentation and texture, requiring a doctor’s supervision and strict sun protection. Deep peels (phenol) are rarely used on Asian skin due to the risk of hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation. For Vietnamese skin, doctors prefer multiple superficial to medium sessions rather than one deep session.

Indications

Non-inflammatory and mild inflammatory acne, thick closed comedones, clogged oily skin; post-acne pigmentation; dull, uneven skin tone; enlarged pores; support for melasma treatment (light peels combined with medication); skin preparation before laser treatments in certain protocols.

Risks to be aware of

Redness, stinging, skin peeling; post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (the main risk in darker skin, increased without sun protection); localized hypopigmentation (deep peels); temporary acne flare-ups; activation of herpes; scarring (very rare, when peeling too deeply or removing immature skin); infection (rare). Incorrect concentration of peels or at-home use of strong acids is a common cause of chemical burns and pigmentation.

At BonBoz

Dermatologists assess the skin, determining the type and depth of the peel based on the issues and skin sensitivity, preparing the skin beforehand with sun protection and gentle actives if necessary. Peels are performed by doctors or trained nurses under supervision, monitoring application time and neutralization accurately; post-peel care and strict sun protection instructions are provided; a course of 4–6 sessions depending on the goals.

Technique variants

Superficial Peel (Low Concentration BHA, AHA)

Mild peeling effect on the epidermis for 2–3 days, suitable for acne, oily skin, and dull complexion.

Medium Peel (15–25% TCA, combination)

Reaches the superficial dermis, moderate peeling for 5–7 days, effective for pigmentation and texture; requires physician oversight and strict sun protection.

How is it performed?

Cleanse and degrease the skin area, protecting the corners of the eyes, nose, and mouth. The doctor applies the acid solution evenly in layers with the selected concentration, monitoring the skin's reaction (redness, white spots — frosting with TCA) and the duration, neutralizing or rinsing when the desired level is reached, followed by soothing and sun protection. Duration: 20–40 minutes.

Before the procedure

Skin examination and sensitivity testing may be conducted if necessary. It is important to prepare your skin 1-2 weeks in advance by using sunscreen, moisturizing regularly, and possibly incorporating light active ingredients. Please discontinue the use of retinoids for 3-5 days prior to your appointment. Avoid exfoliation and waxing for at least 1 week before the procedure. Additionally, make sure to inform us about any history of herpes, keloids, or isotretinoin use.

After the procedure

Do not touch or peel off the peeling skin. Use gentle moisturizers and apply sunscreen with SPF 30–50. Avoid direct sunlight for 1–2 weeks. Refrain from strong active ingredients and exfoliation until the skin has fully healed. Superficial peels can be repeated after 2–4 weeks, typically after 4–8 weeks. The treatment course consists of 4–6 sessions.

Possible risks — your doctor explains them before treatment

Redness, tingling, peeling skin
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (especially without sun protection)
Localized hypopigmentation (deep peel)
Temporary acne flare-up
Herpes activation
Scarring (very rare), infection (rare)

Who should NOT have this?

Currently, individuals who are using isotretinoin or have stopped using it for less than 6 months should avoid medium-deep peels. Pregnant women should also refrain from certain acids during treatment. Additionally, those with inflamed skin, eczema, active herpes, or open wounds are not suitable candidates for this procedure. There is a clear tendency for keloid scarring in some individuals, which should be taken into consideration. It is important to note that patients must be able to avoid sun exposure after the peel. Lastly, it is unrealistic to expect that deep acne scars or deep pigmentation can be removed solely with a peel.

BS.Ths.CKI Kim Kha

Aesthetic Dermatology

Graduated as a General Practitioner — Tay Nguyen University (2018)
Specialist Level I in Dermatology — Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, degree awarded in 2025
Medical Practicing Certificate No. 009784/ĐL-CCHN — Issued by the Department of Health of Dak Lak Province on 15/10/2021
Over 8 years of experience in aesthetic dermatology practice (since 2018), including over 4 years of practice with an official Medical Practicing Certificate
Primary Specialization in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; Certificates in Dermatological Procedures & Minor Surgery, Microsurgery, and Lasers & Light Therapies in Dermatology
Certificates in Dermal Fillers, Botox, and Thread Lifts; Certificates in Emergency Resuscitation and Infection Control
Formerly practiced at the Aesthetic Dermatology Unit — Post and Telecommunications General Hospital (2019–2021) and Venus Sunrise Clinic (2022–2024) before joining BonBoz Clinic (2025)
Former lecturer in Aesthetic Dermatology Theory at Ana Aesthetic Training School (2018–2019)
Over 5,000 clinical dermatology cases treated

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Frequently asked questions

Does peeling thin the skin?

When peeling is done at the correct concentration of exfoliating agents, it stimulates regeneration, leading to a thicker dermis over time; however, excessive peeling or high concentrations can cause damage.

How long after peeling does redness and flaking last?

Shallow peel: redness lasts for a few hours, with fine flaking for 2–3 days. Medium peel: darkening and patchy flaking for 5–7 days, with light redness for 1–2 weeks.

Can peeling treat acne scars?

Shallow to medium peels improve texture and pigmentation; deep scars require TCA spot treatment, CO2 laser, or microneedling RF.

How many sessions are needed to see results?

Improvements in acne and oil can be seen after 2–3 sessions; pigmentation and brightness become noticeable after 4–6 sessions; periodic maintenance is recommended.

Can peeling cause pigmentation?

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation may occur in darker skin or without sun protection; the doctor determines the appropriate depth and prepares the skin to reduce risk.

Is it safe to peel at home with acids purchased online?

It is not advisable to use high concentrations; many cases of chemical burns and pigmentation result from self-peeling. Low-concentration acids in daily skincare products are acceptable.

Can peeling be done alongside laser treatments or acne extraction?

Acne extraction can be performed before peeling in the same session; laser treatments are typically spaced 2–4 weeks apart, depending on the type.

Can sensitive skin undergo peeling?

Yes, with gentle acids (mandelic, lactic) at low concentrations after the skin barrier is stabilized; the doctor will test for reactions beforehand.

Is back peeling different from facial peeling?

The skin on the back is thicker, allowing for higher concentrations and slower flaking; the larger area also results in different session costs.