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Facial · 필링
Chemical Peel in Apgujeong
Acid solutions applied by a clinic to remove dead skin and target acne, pores, dull tone or pigment, from light lunchtime peels to deeper peels.
Quick facts
- Korean name: 필링
- Procedure time: 20-30 minutes
- Anesthesia: None; a fan for stinging
- Sessions: 4-6 light peels, 2-4 weeks apart
- Downtime: Light peels: none to 2 days of flaking. Medium peels: 5-7 days of peeling
- Results: Smoother skin in a few days; tone improves over a course
- Lasts: Weeks to months, depending on depth and skincare
What is Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel removes the outer skin layers with an acid. Korean clinics mostly use light peels: AHA (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic) or PHA, often under brand names such as Lala peel. Medium peels with TCA are used for deeper pigment or scars.
Light peels are popular with visitors because they need little or no recovery. Deeper peels give stronger results but flake for several days.
How it works
The skin is cleansed and degreased, then the acid is applied for a timed period and neutralized or removed. Salicylic acid dissolves oil inside pores, glycolic acid loosens dead cells, and TCA causes controlled peeling of the upper skin.
Who it suits
- Oily skin and clogged pores
- Mild acne
- Dull tone
- Superficial pigment or post-acne marks
- Rough texture
Who should skip it or wait
- Recent isotretinoin use (wait as the doctor advises)
- Sunburn or open wounds
- Active cold sores
- Darker skin types for deep peels without proper prep
Side effects and risks
- Stinging and redness
- Flaking
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Cold sore flare
- Scarring with deep peels (rare)
Aftercare
- Do not pick flaking skin
- Use SPF 50 daily and avoid strong sun
- Stop retinoids and acids for 5-7 days
- Use a plain moisturizer
Planning around your trip
Choose a light peel if you will be sightseeing in strong sun, and do medium peels only at the start of a long stay.
Dermatology clinics near Apgujeong
- ID Hospital
(아이디병원)
Aesthetic Clinic, 6 min walk from Sinsa Station - Wooridul Hospital
(우리들병원)
Aesthetic Clinic, 6 min walk from Cheongdam Station - CHAUM Clinic
((의)성광의료재단 차움의원)
Aesthetic Clinic, 9 min walk from Apgujeongrodeo Station - Nanoori Hospital
(나누리병원)
Aesthetic Clinic, 12 min walk from Hakdong Station - VIEVIS NAMUH Hospital
(비에비스나무병원)
Aesthetic Clinic, 5 min walk from Eonju Station - Sangsang Clinic
(상상의원)
Aesthetic Clinic, 5 min walk from Sinsa Station - Doctors Dermatology Clinic
(닥터스피부과의원)
Dermatology, 6 min walk from Sinsa Station - Teunteun Hospital
(튼튼병원)
Aesthetic Clinic, 5 min walk from Cheongdam Station
Last reviewed October 2026. General information only, not medical advice. A doctor confirms what suits you at consultation.
Chemical Peel price
Prices for this treatment depend on the doctor's assessment, so clinics quote after consultation. Message us and we collect quotes from clinics near Apgujeong Station.
Chemical Peel questions
Which peel is best for blackheads?
Salicylic acid (BHA) peels are oil-soluble and clean inside pores, so they suit blackheads and oily skin.
Will I visibly peel?
Light AHA, BHA or PHA peels often cause little or no visible peeling. TCA peels flake for about a week.
Can a peel remove melasma?
Light peels can help as part of a plan with lasers and skincare, but melasma tends to return. Strong peels can make it worse.
Is a peel safe on darker skin?
Light peels are usually fine. Deeper peels raise the risk of dark marks, so ask about skin prep first.
What is a Lala peel?
It is a Korean light peel product popular in clinics for gentle exfoliation with little downtime.
How long should I stay out of the sun after a peel?
Use SPF 50 and avoid long direct sun for at least a week after light peels and two weeks after a TCA peel.
Plan your visit
Get a quote before you fly
Send the treatment, your dates and any past procedures. We reply in English with options, prices and clinic locations near Apgujeong Station.