Chemical Peels and Enzyme Peels
Author: Uzm. Dr. Oya Oylum Argun, dermatologist
What is a chemical peel?
A chemical peel is a treatment that renews the top layer of the skin in a controlled way. It loosens the bonds that hold dead cells together in the top layer. When the top layer comes away in an orderly manner, the new cells underneath reach the surface.
Superficial peels work mostly on texture and tone; deeper treatments target the repair response in the lower layer. Pigmentation, darkening after acne and uneven texture are the main reasons a peel is used.
How many sessions are done?
A chemical peel is usually planned as four sessions, four to six weeks apart. The interval is left so the skin recovers before the next session. Peels repeated too often can weaken the skin barrier, so the plan is made for each person.
What is an enzyme peel?
An enzyme peel is a separate treatment aimed at pigmentation, done as a single session; it can be repeated after a year if needed. It is not combined with another treatment on the same day. Only skin care can be done beforehand.
Why are peels not done in summer?
Chemical peels and enzyme peels are not done in the summer. Renewing skin is more sensitive to the sun, and the sun can cause new pigmentation in this period. So peels are planned for autumn and winter, and sunscreen is used throughout the treatment.
Which peel and what depth suit your skin is decided at the consultation. Chemical peels are planned by Dr. Oya Oylum Argun at the practice in Muratpaşa, Antalya.
Frequently asked questions
Does a peel make the skin thinner?
No, what gets thinner is the layer of dead cells on the surface, and the living tissue of the skin stays as it is. The controlled renewal stimulus supports the repair process in the lower layers. The real risk lies in frequency and in choosing an unsuitable depth; peels repeated too often can weaken the skin barrier. For this reason, the interval and depth are set for each person.
Is a peel product from the pharmacy the same as a peel at the clinic?
No. Products sold in pharmacies and shops are low-strength products made for home use. A peel applied at the clinic is stronger, chosen to suit the skin, and carried out under a doctor’s control. For a home product, the time it stays on the face is the time written on its box; leaving it on longer can cause burns. Which product suits you is decided at an examination.
What should I watch for when using peel products at home?
New ingredients are tried one at a time, starting with once a week. Different peel products are not applied one on top of the other on the same evening. Sun protection is essential, because renewing skin is more sensitive to ultraviolet light. If stinging and redness continue, the product is stopped. Which product suits your skin is decided at an examination.
Can I have a peel during pregnancy?
No, high-strength peel products and deep peels done at the clinic are left until after birth. Products with strong salicylic acid are in this group too. Gentle cleansing, moisturising and sun protection continue during pregnancy as well. For any procedure using chemical ingredients, consult your doctor first. The sun increases pregnancy-related spots the most, so broad spectrum sunscreen is especially important in this period.
What should I do if a home peel product burned my skin?
If the burning does not stop after application, the product is washed off with plenty of water and not used again. Temporary tingling and continuing burning are different things; the second shows that the skin barrier is being pushed too hard. If blisters, crusting or redness lasting for days appear, you need to see a doctor. No new peel product is tried until the skin has recovered.
This page is for general information and does not replace an individual medical assessment. The approach that suits you is decided at the consultation.
Last updated: 8 September 2026
The treatment images on this page are illustrative and AI-generated. We do not use images of real patients, out of respect for patient privacy and in line with Turkish health-communication regulation. Photographs of the clinic and the physician are real.
Prices
Prices are in Turkish lira and are the same for every patient. The euro figure is approximate, calculated at a fixed rate set on 2026-08-09.
- Medical aesthetics consultation
- no charge
- Chemical peelper session
- ₺8,500 ≈ €154
- Enzyme peel (Cosmelan)
- ₺40,000 ≈ €726
- Carbon laser peel (Hollywood peel)
- ₺3,500 ≈ €63
The final plan and price are confirmed at the consultation, after your skin has been examined.
See the full price list →Related articles
- What does a chemical peel do to the skin?A chemical peel does not “strip” the skin; it increases the speed of renewal in a controlled way. The type, strength and contact time of the acid determine the result.
- “Peels make the skin thinner.”The part that gets thinner is the layer of dead cells on the surface, not the living tissue of the skin. The real risk is not in the treatment itself but in how often it is done and in choosing the wrong depth.
- Using a peel product at home: five rulesDo not try more than one new ingredient at once; if a reaction appears, the cause cannot be found. Which peel product suits your skin is decided at an examination.
Not sure what you need? That is exactly what a consultation is for.
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