Acne can be persistent and difficult to manage, especially when it leads to scarring, inflammation, and deep breakouts. Medium to deep chemical peels offer an advanced treatment option that targets severe acne, clogged pores, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. These peels penetrate deeper into the skin layers, effectively removing damaged skin cells, regulating oil production, and stimulating skin renewal for a clearer, smoother complexion. Medium to deep peels use stronger exfoliating agents such as trichloroacetic acid (TCA), phenol, or high-strength salicylic acid to reach the mid to lower dermis, making them effective for stubborn acne, deep scars, and long-term skin rejuvenation.

Medium to deep chemical peels for acne work at the dermal level, reaching depths that superficial peels simply cannot. At Claire Derma, our dermatologists use agents like trichloroacetic acid (TCA) at 25 to 35 percent concentration and Jessner's solution to penetrate past the epidermis into the papillary dermis.

These peels work by deeply penetrating the skin to:

Deep Exfoliation – Exfoliate dead skin layers and remove acne-causing debris.

Bacteria & Inflammation Control – Destroy acne-causing bacteria, reducing inflammation.

Pore Unclogging & Oil Regulation – Unclog pores and regulate oil production, preventing future breakouts.

Collagen Boost for Scar Reduction – Stimulate collagen production, helping to heal acne scars.

TCA 25-35% Peels – Trichloroacetic acid at medium concentrations creates a controlled burn into the papillary dermis, triggering collagen synthesis and clearing deep comedonal plugs.

Jessner's + TCA Combination – Applying Jessner's solution (resorcinol, salicylic acid, lactic acid) before TCA improves acid penetration uniformity. This combination allows lower TCA concentrations to achieve medium-depth results, reducing the risk of uneven healing.

Phenol-Based Deep Peels – Reserved for severe scarring with active acne resistance, phenol peels penetrate to the reticular dermis. These require cardiac monitoring during application and are only performed at Claire Derma under strict.

The distinction between a superficial and medium-deep peel lies in the acid type, concentration, and contact time. Glycolic or salicylic acid at low concentrations stays within the epidermis. TCA at 25 to 35 percent or combination peels using Jessner's solution followed by TCA cross the epidermal-dermal junction, reaching the papillary dermis where collagen remodelling begins.

Deep Skin Cleansing – Intense exfoliation, clearing out deep-rooted impurities.

Cystic Acne Reduction – Reduction in cystic and nodular acne, decreasing painful breakouts.

Sebum & Oil Control – Oil regulation, balancing sebum production to prevent acne recurrence.

Skin Smoothing & Scar Healing – Smoother skin texture, reducing roughness and acne scars.

Pre-Peel Conditioning – A two to four week course of tretinoin thins the stratum corneum for even acid penetration. This preparatory step reduces the risk of patchy results and accelerates post-peel healing by.

Zone-Based Application – Our dermatologists treat the face in anatomical zones — forehead, cheeks, nose, chin — adjusting acid contact time for each.

Neutralisation and Cooling – Once the target frosting level is achieved, the acid is neutralised with sodium bicarbonate solution. Cool compresses are applied immediately.

At Claire Derma, the treatment protocol for medium to deep acne peels follows a staged approach. Two to four weeks before your peel, we start a preparatory regimen — typically tretinoin 0.025% and hydroquinone if post-inflammatory pigmentation is a concern. On treatment day, the skin is thoroughly degreased with acetone, and the selected acid is applied in controlled layers.

Clears Severe Acne – Effective for cystic, hormonal, and treatment-resistant acne.

Prevents Future Breakouts – Regulates sebum and bacteria growth, preventing future breakouts.

Reduces Acne Scars – Stimulates collagen production, helping to heal acne scars.

Benefit – Deep comedone clearance that superficial peels miss. Medium-depth acids dissolve sebaceous plugs trapped below the epidermal layer, addressing the root cause of recurring cystic and nodular breakouts that resist topical.

Benefit – Simultaneous scar remodelling alongside active acne treatment. The collagen synthesis triggered by dermal-level injury smooths rolling and boxcar scars while clearing active lesions — accomplishing two treatment goals in one.

Benefit – Reduced long-term treatment frequency. While superficial peels require monthly sessions for months, a series of two to three medium-depth peels spaced six to eight weeks apart often delivers superior and.

Choosing a medium to deep peel over repeated superficial sessions offers distinct advantages for patients with entrenched acne. The single-session depth of treatment produces collagen remodelling that multiple lighter peels cannot replicate — even after several rounds.

This treatment is ideal for individuals who:

Struggle with moderate to severe acne or deep acne scars.

Experience frequent cystic or nodular breakouts.

Recovery from a medium to deep acne peel follows a predictable timeline. Days one through three involve significant redness and tightness as the treated skin forms a protective crust. By days four through seven, visible peeling begins — this is the damaged tissue shedding to reveal regenerated skin underneath. Full re-epithelialisation typically completes by day ten to fourteen.