Medical chemical peel in Barcelona

What it is and when it makes sense

A chemical peel is the controlled application of an acid — glycolic, mandelic, salicylic, lactic, trichloroacetic (TCA), Jessner — to trigger regulated skin desquamation. As it desquamates, skin reorganises: new keratinocytes are more ordered, melanin redistributes, collagen is stimulated.

It makes sense in pigmentation (melasma, solar lentigines, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), active acne and its sequelae, uneven texture, dilated pores, superficial wrinkles and as preparation for other treatments. The key is not "the peel" in the abstract, but which, at what concentration, how many sessions and with what pre and post protocol.

My approach

I work with medical peels: concentrations and protocols that can only be used in a clinical environment under medical supervision. The peel is chosen by indication: mandelic for sensitive skin prone to melasma; glycolic for texture and luminosity; salicylic for active acne and oily skin; TCA for deeper lesions; Jessner for medium effect with less irritation.

Protocol matters as much as the acid: pre-treatment with depigmentants or retinoid 2–4 weeks before when there is pigmentary rebound risk, and mandatory strict photoprotection post.

What the process looks like

In consultation I assess your skin, phototype, history and we decide the appropriate peel. Many patients benefit from a topical pre-treatment phase of 2–4 weeks.

Session lasts 20–45 minutes depending on the peel. You may feel stinging or heat during application; neutralised immediately after. In superficial peels you can resume normal life; in medium peels (TCA, Jessner) there are 5–7 days of visible peeling and you need to plan it around your schedule.

What to expect

In superficial peels, skin looks more luminous and even from the first session, with progressive improvement over 4–6 sessions. In medium peels, change is more marked after a single session: pigmentation reduced or eliminated, texture reorganised, finer pores. New skin appears at day 7–10.

The peel is cumulative: each session adds to the previous one. That is why combined protocols (mandelic or glycolic in spring–summer, TCA in autumn–winter) usually give the best results.

When I DO NOT recommend chemical peel

With actively tanned skin or recent sun exposure: the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is high. I prefer to wait or choose a more superficial peel.

In patients with active dermatitis, herpes labialis without prophylaxis, isotretinoin in the past 6 months, pregnancy or breastfeeding. When the patient seeks an instant change with a single superficial peel session: expectation does not match the technique.

Frequently asked questions