TCA Peel

A medium-depth trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel for deeper skin renewal, treating moderate sun damage, acne scarring, fine lines, and uneven pigmentation. Requires 5-10 days of social downtime with more dramatic results than superficial peels.

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels penetrate deeper than standard glycolic or salicylic acid peels, reaching through the epidermis into the upper papillary dermis. This deeper penetration produces more significant skin remodelling, making TCA peels effective for concerns that superficial peels cannot adequately address — including moderate photodamage, shallow acne scarring, fine lines around the eyes and mouth, melasma, and uneven skin texture. At Ruczaj Clinic, TCA peels are performed at concentrations typically ranging from 15% to 35%, with the specific strength selected based on the patient's skin type, condition being treated, and desired depth of penetration. The practitioner applies the acid solution in controlled layers, observing the frosting pattern that develops as the acid coagulates epidermal proteins. The degree of frosting guides the peel depth — a light, speckled frost indicates an upper-medium depth, while a more uniform white frost indicates deeper penetration. The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes. Patients experience a burning or stinging sensation during acid application, which subsides within minutes. No neutralisation is required — TCA is self-neutralising. Post-procedure, the skin reddens and tightens, followed by darkening and peeling over the following 5-10 days. During this period, the skin must be kept moisturised with a gentle emollient and protected from sun exposure. The peeling process reveals new skin with improved texture, reduced pigmentation irregularities, and a smoother surface. Collagen remodelling continues for several months after the peel, with progressive improvement in fine lines and skin firmness. A series of 2-3 TCA peels spaced 6-8 weeks apart may be recommended for deeper scarring or more significant photodamage. At 600 PLN (approximately €140), Ruczaj Clinic's TCA peel offers a cost-effective alternative to laser resurfacing for patients seeking medium-depth skin renewal without the investment and longer recovery of ablative laser procedures.