Chemical peels in Kochi,
depth-by-indication, calibrated for Fitzpatrick IV–VI.

Yes, when the peel agent and depth are correctly selected per the IJDVL Standard Guidelines of Care, chemical peels are safe and effective for Fitzpatrick IV-VI Indian skin. The first-line agents for South Asian skin are salicylic acid 20-30% (lipophilic, lowest PIH risk) and glycolic acid 50-70% (alpha-hydroxy, time-controlled). TCA is used cautiously at lower concentrations (10-15% superficial, 20-30% medium-depth) with 2-4 week retinoid priming. The risk in Fitzpatrick IV-VI is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) from over-aggressive peels, which is why dermatologist selection and titration matters more than the peel agent itself.

The standard course is 4-6 sessions at 2-week intervals for superficial peels (salicylic, glycolic, mandelic). Medium-depth peels (TCA 20-30%, Jessner's + TCA) are spaced 4-6 weeks apart and typically 3-4 sessions total. Visible improvement is usually clear by session 3 for active acne and PIH; full benefit is typically at the end of the series. Maintenance peels (one every 2-3 months) can extend the result.

Superficial chemical peels (salicylic, glycolic) fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), the dark marks left by healed acne, but do not flatten atrophic depressed scars (ice-pick, boxcar, rolling). For atrophic scars, fractional CO₂ laser, MNRF microneedling with radiofrequency, and TCA CROSS (focal high-concentration TCA into each ice-pick scar) are the appropriate modalities. A combined protocol, peel for PIH + laser for scars, gives the best combined result.

Salicylic acid (20-30%) is lipophilic, it penetrates into oil-rich follicles and is particularly effective for active acne, comedonal blackheads, and seborrhoeic skin texture. Glycolic acid (50-70%) is an alpha-hydroxy acid, it exfoliates the stratum corneum and addresses fine wrinkles, mild PIH, and melasma adjunct; requires neutralisation at 3-5 minutes. TCA (trichloroacetic acid, 10-30%) penetrates deeper, superficial at 10-15%, medium-depth at 20-30%, for deeper PIH, photoaging, and mild atrophic scarring. TCA carries higher PIH risk in Fitzpatrick IV-VI and is used with priming + careful patient selection.

Chemical peels alone are not optimal monotherapy for melasma, peels are used as adjunct to the IJDVL melasma protocol (triple combination cream priming + low-fluence Q-switched Nd:YAG laser toning + tranexamic acid + iron-oxide SPF 50). Glycolic 70% and salicylic peels are the safer adjunct choices for Fitzpatrick IV-VI; TCA carries unacceptable PIH risk in dermal-pattern melasma. See our melasma treatment page for the complete protocol.

Superficial peels (salicylic, glycolic, mandelic): erythema for 1-3 days, mild flaking for 3-7 days, complete recovery within 7-10 days. Medium-depth peels (TCA 20-30%, Jessner's + TCA): erythema 2-4 days, peeling 5-10 days, complete re-epithelialisation 14-21 days. During healing, mandatory SPF 50 with iron oxide is non-negotiable, sun exposure during recovery is the leading cause of PIH after chemical peels.

Strongly recommended against. Home peel kits sold online are typically un-titrated, un-neutralised, and have caused documented burns, scarring, and chemical-induced ochronosis in Fitzpatrick IV-VI patients. Frosting endpoint observation, neutralisation timing, and immediate complication management (cool compress, post-care, infection screen) require a clinical setting. DermaVue's ₹2,500-6,500 per session is the cost of dermatologist-monitored safety, meaningfully lower than the cost of a corrective protocol after a home-kit injury.

Jessner's solution is a combination chemical peel formulation: salicylic acid 14% + lactic acid 14% + resorcinol 14% in alcohol. It's typically used as a primer before TCA (Jessner's + TCA protocol) to achieve uniform medium-depth penetration. Layer count (4-7 coats) determines depth, more coats penetrate deeper. The combination produces more even results than TCA alone in patients with thick stratum corneum or hyperkeratosis.

Yes, temporarily, chemical peels remove the outer protective stratum corneum and expose more reactive newer skin underneath. SPF 50 with iron oxide (visible-light blocker) daily is mandatory for at least 4 weeks post-peel, with sun avoidance during the 14-21 day healing window. Sun exposure during recovery is the leading cause of post-peel PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), particularly problematic in Fitzpatrick IV-VI skin. The protective protocol is non-negotiable.

₹300 consultation. Salicylic acid peel ₹2,500-4,500 per session. Glycolic acid peel ₹2,500-5,500 per session. TCA medium-depth ₹4,500-6,700 per session. Jessner's + TCA combination ₹5,500-9,000 per session. Most patients complete a course of 4-6 sessions (2-week intervals for superficial, 4-6 week intervals for medium), with total programme cost ₹10,000-54,000. Pricing is transparent and shared before treatment commitment.