If you’re searching for a powerful skin resurfacing treatment that improves wrinkles, sun damage, and uneven texture, a medium-depth chemical peel may be the solution.
Unlike superficial peels that simply exfoliate, a medium-depth peel stimulates collagen production and corrects deeper skin damage, delivering dramatic, long-term rejuvenation.
At Integrated Aesthetics, Dr. Melissa Chiang offers the advanced Solid CO2 (dry ice) + TCA 35% chemical peel, a physician-performed treatment designed to visibly improve aging and sun-damaged skin.
What Is a Medium-Depth Chemical Peel?
A medium-depth chemical peel removes the entire outer layer of skin (epidermis) and penetrates the upper dermis (papillary dermis).
This controlled injury triggers the body’s natural wound-healing response, which stimulates:
- New collagen production
- Smoother skin texture
- Reduction in fine lines and wrinkles
- Improvement in brown spots and pigmentation
- Minimized pore size
- Brighter, more even skin tone
This type of peel is often recommended for patients with moderate to significant sun damage or visible signs of aging.
What Makes the Solid CO2 + TCA 35% Peel Different?
The CO2 + TCA 35% peel is a two-step medium-depth resurfacing treatment that enhances penetration and results.
Step 1: Solid CO2 (Dry Ice Application)
The skin is treated with solid carbon dioxide, which temporarily disrupts the epidermal barrier. This allows for more uniform penetration of the chemical solution.
Step 2: 35% TCA Application
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) at 35% concentration is applied in layers until a white “frost” appears. This frost indicates proper dermal penetration.
The deeper the frost, the stronger the collagen-stimulating effect.
This method provides more predictable and effective results compared to superficial chemical peels.
Below is a recent Instagram post highlighting the Dry Ice + TCA 35% medium-depth chemical peel, including how the treatment works and why it’s safe when performed by an experienced provider. It offers a closer look at the technique and the science behind this powerful resurfacing treatment.
View Post HereWhat Does a Medium-Depth Chemical Peel Improve?
A TCA 35% peel is commonly used to treat:
- Sun damage
- Fine lines and deeper wrinkles
- Uneven skin texture
- Enlarged pores
- Hyperpigmentation and brown spots
- Acne scarring (mild to moderate)
- Dull, crepey skin
Patients seeking meaningful skin rejuvenation, not just a temporary glow, often choose this treatment.
Medium-Depth Chemical Peel Recovery Timeline
Understanding downtime is essential before scheduling your peel.
Days 1–3
Redness, swelling, and inflammation develop as the top layer of skin begins to separate.
Days 4–7
Peeling typically begins around the mouth. The damaged outer layer sloughs away to reveal fresh new skin underneath.
Around Day 10
Healing is typically complete. Normal skincare routines, including active ingredients like tretinoin, can resume.
30 Days
Visible collagen remodeling begins.
90 Days
An organized band of new collagen forms in the dermis. Skin appears firmer, smoother, and more youthful.
Collagen production continues for several months following treatment.
Who is a Good Candidate for a TCA 35% Peel?
Ideal candidates for a medium-depth chemical peel include:
- Patients with moderate to severe sun damage
- Fair to medium skin tones
- Individuals who can commit to 7–10 days of downtime
- Patients who are willing to follow strict post-treatment sun protection
Because deeper peels can increase the risk of pigment changes, darker skin types require careful evaluation by an experienced provider.
Why Physician Expertise Matters
A medium-depth chemical peel is not a spa treatment; it is a controlled medical procedure.
Proper patient selection, depth control, and aftercare management are critical for both safety and results. This is why medium-depth peels should be performed by a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon with advanced knowledge of skin anatomy and chemical peel techniques.
Schedule Your Medium-Depth Chemical Peel Consultation
If you’re ready to improve sun damage, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture with a powerful collagen stimulation treatment, a CO2 + TCA 35% medium-depth chemical peel may be right for you.
Schedule your consultation at Integrated Aesthetics with Dr. Melissa Chiang to determine if this advanced skin resurfacing treatment fits your goals.
Real correction. Real collagen. Real results.


