qd peel
A chemical peel applies a cosmetic solution to gently exfoliate the surface of the skin, helping to loosen dull, dead cells so fresher-looking skin can come through. At QD Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, our peel menu includes LaLa Peel, Aqua Peel, Black Peel and Pink Peel; we assess your skin first, then choose the option and strength that fit your skin type and goals. A session usually takes about 30–60 minutes with little downtime. (Results vary by individual.)
is this for me
Who it’s for
Even if none of these describes you, we will look again at the consultation.
- Dull, uneven or rough-looking skin texture
- Congested or acne-prone skin, with a suitable peel option
- Anyone who wants a gentle refresh with little downtime
- Those preparing their skin ahead of an event, planned in advance
The right peel type and strength depend on your skin. Sensitive or reactive skin, recent sun exposure and some skin conditions are reviewed at consultation.
Before you pick a treatment name, start with the cause of your concern.
start with your concern
Even a treatment with the same name takes on a different role and scope depending on your current structure, the change you want, what you have had before and the recovery time you have.
01
Where you are now, and where we start
Which of LaLa Peel, Aqua Peel, Black Peel or Pink Peel suits your skin type, flaking and sebum, and at what strength
02
The change you want, the impression you keep
Rather than changing everything at once, we decide whether texture, pores or tone comes first, and set the order and the goal.
03
How it differs from similar options
We compare how deep a peel, radiofrequency or a care program reaches, and how the irritation and the recovery time differ.
04
Health information and recovery schedule
We check skin conditions and the medication you take, recent treatments and sun exposure, and the dates that matter to you.
the
principle
Before the type and concentration of acid, we check the skin barrier, inflammation and the risk of pigmentation, then adjust the contact time and the aftercare.
Peels use cosmetic acids — such as AHA or BHA — to loosen the bonds between dull surface cells so they shed more easily, encouraging a smoother, brighter-looking surface. Milder options focus on gentle exfoliation and hydration, while others are chosen for congestion or uneven tone: Aqua Peel pairs mild exfoliation with gentle suction and hydration, Black Peel may be selected for acne-prone skin, and Pink Peel is aimed at radiance. Your doctor matches the type and strength to your skin.
How it works
01
Cosmetic acids loosen surface cells
Peels use cosmetic acids such as AHA or BHA to loosen the bonds between dull surface cells so they shed more easily, revealing a smoother-looking surface.
02
Water-loving vs oil-loving acids
AHAs are water-soluble and work on the surface for brightness and texture; BHAs are oil-soluble and can reach into pores, which is why some options are chosen for congestion.
03
Different options, different strengths
LaLa and Aqua peels focus on gentle exfoliation and hydration; Black Peel is often chosen for acne-prone skin; Pink Peel is aimed at radiance. Your doctor matches the type and strength to your skin.
04
Surface-level, not deep resurfacing
These are gentle, surface-level treatments aimed at refreshing the skin rather than deep resurfacing. (Results vary by individual.)
The same treatment, never the same plan.
the qd standard
Rather than a fashionable name or a fixed package, we weigh the structure found at examination, safety, recovery and the limits within one plan.
- 01DIAGNOSIS FIRSTCause before nameWe first separate out the tissue and the function behind your concern.
- 02LESS, PRECISEOnly as much as neededRather than an excessive change, we plan the smallest scope with a clear role.
- 03HONEST LIMITThe limits, explained tooWe explain the change you can expect, the alternatives, individual differences and the risks.
From consultation to follow-up, planned as one flow.
personal plan
A chemical peel applies a cosmetic solution to gently exfoliate the surface of the skin, helping to loosen dull, dead cells so fresher-looking skin can come through. At QD Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, our peel menu includes LaLa Peel, Aqua Peel, Black Peel and Pink Peel; we assess your skin first, then choose the option and strength that fit your skin type and goals. A session usually takes about 30–60 minutes with little downtime. (Results vary by individual.)
Checking the skin
We first check for inflammation, wounds and infection, the skin barrier, and any recent treatments or medication.
Choosing intensity and area
To match the main concern — pores, scars, flaking or dryness — we set the tip, the depth, the contact time or the stage of care.
Restoring the barrier
We explain moisturizing and sun protection afterwards, how long to keep irritation down, and when to call about an unusual reaction.
What the procedure is like
- Consultation and skin assessment
- Cleansing and preparation of the skin
- Application of the selected peel, then neutralizing or removal
- Soothing, moisturizing and sun-protection guidance
Time: A session usually takes about 30–60 minutes.
Please read this before treatment
- Little downtime for milder peels; most people return to daily activities the same day.
- Temporary redness, tightness, dryness or light flaking may occur, more so with stronger options.
- Avoid strong sun, use sun protection, and follow the moisturizing guidance we provide.
Safety & considerations
Possible reactions
- Temporary redness, tightness, dryness or warmth
- Light flaking for a few days, more so with stronger options
- Temporary sensitivity, especially to sun
When to take extra care
- Sensitive or reactive skin, or recent strong sun exposure
- Active skin infection, eczema, open lesions or recent facial procedures in the area
- Recent use of retinoids or medication that increases skin sensitivity — tell your doctor
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding, and any allergies — let us know at consultation
what to expect
What to expect over time
A general guide to how the days and months after treatment usually unfold. Results vary by individual.
DAY 0
Treatment day
The peel is applied and then neutralized or removed. Temporary redness, tightness or warmth may follow; milder peels allow most people to return to daily activities the same day.
DAY 1-3
Light flaking phase
Milder options usually cause little to no visible flaking, while stronger ones may cause light flaking or dryness for a few days.
DAY 3-7
Fresher surface
As surface cells finish shedding, skin often looks smoother and brighter. This varies with the option used and your skin.
A SHORT SERIES
Building over sessions
Peels are often repeated every few weeks; the look tends to build gradually across a series. (Results vary by individual.)
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance rhythm
A maintenance interval is planned at consultation to keep the skin looking fresh.
Sessions & results
Peels are often done as a short series spaced a few weeks apart, decided at consultation, with skin looking gradually smoother and brighter. A maintenance rhythm can be planned afterwards. (Results vary by individual.)
how it compares
How it compares
These are different ways to refresh the skin’s surface. They use different methods, so the right choice depends on your skin and goals.
| Peel | LDM Regeneration Care | General care | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approach | Cosmetic acids exfoliate surface cells | Dual-frequency ultrasound micro-massage | Cleansing plus hydration, soothing or scrubber steps |
| Targets | Dullness, texture and congestion | Soothing, hydration and comfort | Cleansing, hydration and maintenance |
| Sessions | A short series, then maintenance | Often repeated as a series | Repeated regularly as maintenance |
| Sensation | Mild tingling or warmth during application | Gentle warmth, generally comfortable | Gentle and relaxing |
| Downtime | Little; light flaking possible with stronger options | Little to none | Little to none |
Neither is “better” — they work differently and suit different goals. The right choice is decided after we assess your skin.
Before you decide, the questions people always ask
before consultation
We use peels on skin where dead cells build up in a thick layer, where the texture feels rough, or where pores clog easily. That said, if there is marked inflammation right now or the skin barrier is already compromised, a peel will only irritate it further. Before we discuss which acid and what strength, we first look at whether your skin is in a state to tolerate one at all.
It depends on the type and the strength. A gentle peel usually passes without any visible flaking, while a stronger one brings flaking on from a few days later. Please do not pick at the flakes — let them come away on their own, because pulling them off can leave pigmentation or a mark behind.
The risk is higher if your skin tone is on the deeper side, or if your skin tends to hold on to pigment after inflammation. That is why we start at a lower concentration and a shorter contact time, and why we are strict about sun protection. If pigmentation has been left behind before, please be sure to tell us.
Let us know which products you are using and for how long. If you are on acids or retinoids, your skin is already thinner than usual, so we have you pause for a few days before going ahead. Acne medication can also slow recovery, so we adjust the timing, and we will tell you when you can go back to your products after the treatment.
It varies with the condition of your skin and the type used, so we do not set a single fixed interval. This is not a treatment that gets better the more often you have it; giving the barrier time to recover matters more. We do one session, watch how your skin responds, and decide the next timing and strength from there.
The medical information on this page was reviewed by Hong Sahyeok, plastic surgeon and Medical Director of QD Clinic.
personal consultation
Tell us what bothers you now, the change you want, what you have had done before and any dates that matter. We will compare the possible approaches and their limits, calmly.
Consult now