Chemical Peels

Medical-grade chemical peels using glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, or trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to exfoliate the outer layers of skin, stimulate cellular renewal, and improve tone, texture, and pigmentation. Effective for sun damage, uneven skin tone, mild acne scarring, and dull complexion. Available in superficial, medium, and combination peel protocols.

Chemical peel treatments at Ästhetik Zentrum Hamburg use carefully formulated acids to induce controlled exfoliation of the epidermis and — in the case of medium-depth protocols — the superficial dermis, triggering rapid cellular turnover and revealing fresher, smoother skin beneath. Superficial peels using alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic acid or lactic acid, or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) such as salicylic acid, act on the stratum corneum and uppermost epidermal layers. These are well-tolerated with minimal discomfort and typically require no downtime — the skin may appear slightly pink for a day and experience subtle flaking over three to five days. They are effective for improving skin radiance, hydration, pore clarity, and mild hyperpigmentation, and are often used as a regular maintenance treatment at four to six week intervals. Medium-depth peels using trichloroacetic acid (TCA) at concentrations of 20–35% penetrate to the papillary dermis, producing a more significant wound-healing response and greater remodelling of collagen and pigmentation. These are particularly effective for moderate sun damage, more pronounced pigmentation disorders including melasma (with appropriate adjunct therapy), fine-to-medium wrinkles, and superficial acne scarring. Downtime involves visible skin shedding over five to seven days with temporary redness. In Hamburg's cosmopolitan patient market, chemical peels represent a cost-effective, clinically validated method for skin renewal that complements injectable treatments and provides a foundation for long-term skin health. Pre-treatment skin preparation with topical retinoids or tyrosinase inhibitors, and diligent post-peel sun protection, are essential components of an effective peel protocol at a reputable Hamburg aesthetic practice.