DM DERMATOLOGY
Black Peel Care
BLACK PEEL
Clearing built-up dead skin
and tidying pore openings:
Black Peel Care
Black Peel Care is DM Dermatology's peel that applies a peeling agent to the skin to clear away built-up dead skin and sebum clumped at pore openings.
Black Peel
Aesthetic · Black Peel Care
The name black peel usually refers to a peeling agent that contains fermented black vinegar and acids such as salicylic acid. Using acids to clear away dead skin is called a chemical peel.
Black Peel Care is a superficial peel that works in the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin. It does not shave off or burn the skin. After care, redness and fine flaking may appear for a few days.
If you have many pus-filled pimples or your skin is very sensitive, an examination comes first. Our medical staff check your skin and the medications you use. Then they decide whether a peel suits you and whether you also need other medical care.
- Blackheads
- Built-up dead skin
- Sebum at pore openings
- Superficial chemical peel
2–5wk
Usual interval before
the next superficial peel3–6sessions
Usual number of salicylic acid
peels in a series3–7days
Fine flaking after
a superficial peel1–2wk
Time to pause retinol-type
products before a peel
Why it comes back
Why do dark dots
come back after squeezing?
When dead skin cells and sebum clump at the pore opening, a small plug forms. This plug is called a comedone. A comedone with an open top that looks dark is a blackhead.
Sebum keeps being made, and dead skin builds up again. So even a spot you squeezed out fills again over time. Rather than scrubbing hard, the skin needs care that steadily clears dead skin and pore openings.
CHECK
If you have these sebum and dead-skin concerns
- Check01
The dark dots on my nose and chin bother me — the pore openings look darkish and fill back up soon after I squeeze them.
- Check02
My face gets shiny by afternoon — my forehead and nose turn oily, and my makeup lifts along my pores.
- Check03
My skin feels bumpy — I can feel tiny bumps on my forehead and cheeks.
- Check04
Small breakouts keep coming back in the same spots — there is no major inflammation, but small pimples keep appearing.
- Check05
Built-up dead skin makes my skin look rough — I'm looking for exfoliating care without hard scrubbing.
If you have a lot of deep, painful acne, it is checked first in a medical examination, before any care.
HOW IT WORKS
Acids loosen the bonds
in the stratum corneum
The outermost layer of the skin is the stratum corneum, made of fully matured cells stacked in layers. These cells stick together and then shed when the time comes. If they do not shed on time, skin looks rough, and dead skin clumps with sebum at pore openings.
The acids in the peeling agent loosen the bonds between these cells. The built-up dead skin then sheds in thin flakes over several days. Salicylic acid is an acid that dissolves well in oil. That is why it is used to reach sebum-filled pore openings and loosen comedones.
A peel does not remove the sebaceous glands that make sebum. That is why Black Peel Care is not a one-time treatment; it continues at regular intervals.
- 1
Stratum corneum The outermost layer of dead cells. This is where the peeling agent acts; loosened dead skin sheds over several days.
- 2
Pore opening Where dead skin cells and sebum clump into a plug (comedone). If the tip at the opening is dark, it is a blackhead.
- 3
Epidermis The outer layer of skin beneath the stratum corneum. A superficial peel acts within this layer.
- 4
Sebaceous gland A gland beside the pore that makes sebum. Sebum keeps being made even after a peel.
- 5
Dermis The layer below the epidermis. A superficial peel does not reach this layer.
PEEL DEPTH
Peel depth:
Black Peel Care is a superficial peel
Peels are divided into three types by how deep into the skin the peeling agent acts. The deeper the peel, the longer the recovery.
DEEP PEEL
Deep peel
Acts deep in the dermis. Anesthesia is needed, and recovery takes 2–3 weeks.
MEDIUM PEEL
Medium-depth peel
Passes through the epidermis to the upper dermis. Swelling and scabs may occur, and recovery takes 1–2 weeks.
LIGHT PEEL
Superficial peel · Black Peel Care
Acts within the stratum corneum and epidermis. Redness and fine flaking for 1–7 days may occur.
Peel depth depends on the type and concentration of the peeling agent and how long it stays on. Even with the same superficial peel, we adjust the strength to your skin, and treat sensitive areas lightly or avoid them.
COMPARE
Black Peel Care and Aqua Peel Care:
different methods
The two do not replace each other. Which one suits you, and whether to combine them, is decided after looking at your skin.
PROCESS
Black Peel Care
treatment steps
Below is the general flow. We explain the actual plan after an examination.
01Examination · skin check
We look at acne, redness, and how sensitive your skin is. We also check oral or topical medications, recent laser treatments or peels, and any history of cold sores (herpes) on the lips.
02Cleansing · removing oil
We remove makeup and surface oil. This prepares the skin so the peeling agent reaches it evenly.
03Applying the peeling agent
We protect the eye and mouth areas and apply the peeling agent to the face. You may feel stinging or burning while it is applied. If it feels strong, tell us right away.
04Wiping off
After the set time, the peeling agent is wiped off or neutralized to stop it working.
05Soothing · sun protection
We finish with a step that calms sensitized skin. We apply sunscreen and explain what to do at home.
INFORMATION
What to know
before your session
- Session time30–60 min
Total time from cleansing to soothing - NumbingNo numbing
You may feel stinging or burning for a few minutes while the peeling agent is applied - RecoveryRedness for 1–2 days
Fine flaking may occur for 3–7 days - Daily lifeFace washing OK the same day
Makeup from the same day or the next day; skip scrubs and peeling products for 1 week - IntervalEvery 2 weeks at first
Every 3–4 weeks once skin is stable - Sessions3–6 sessions
After that, the maintenance interval is set based on your skin
These are general guidelines and vary from person to person. DM Dermatology sets your care schedule after an examination.
Caution
Aftercare and
reactions to know about
For a few days after a peel, your skin may be drier and more sensitive to sunlight than usual.
- 01Wash gently on the day
Wash with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser. Pat dry with a towel instead of rubbing.
- 02Leave flaking skin alone
Do not peel off or scratch flakes by hand. Pulling them off can cause infection or marks.
- 03Moisturize often
If your skin feels tight or flakes, apply a gentle moisturizer often.
- 04Protect from the sun
After a peel, skin is more sensitive to sunlight. Apply sunscreen before going out, and wear a hat or use a sunbrella too.
- 05Pause irritating ingredients for 1 week
Pause scrubs, peeling gels, and retinol products for about 1 week. Wait until redness settles before saunas, hot spas, or intense exercise. Before stopping prescribed acne medication, ask our medical staff first.
- While the peeling agent is on, you may feel stinging, burning, or itching. After care, redness and warmth may occur. These usually settle within 1–2 days but may last longer for some people.
- Dryness and fine flaking may occur for a few days after care. Small white bumps (milia) or breakouts may also appear for a short time.
- Rarely, scabs or blisters may form. If this happens, do not pick at them; let our clinic know.
- Darker or tanned skin is more prone to dark marks after a peel (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation). These usually fade over time. Avoid tanning for 2 weeks before care.
- If you have had cold sores (herpes simplex) on the lips, the stimulation of a peel may bring them back. If you currently have a blister, a skin infection, an open wound, or sunburn, care is postponed.
- Please tell us if you are taking an oral acne medication such as isotretinoin or have recently stopped it. Your skin may be dry and fragile, so the same peel can irritate it more. Our medical staff will decide the timing and strength of care.
- Please tell us if you take medication that makes your skin sensitive to sunlight (for example, some antibiotics such as minocycline, or oral contraceptives). It may make pigmentation more likely after a peel.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to salicylic acid or aspirin, please tell us in advance. Salicylic acid peels are not recommended during pregnancy. If you are breastfeeding, please also let us know in advance.
- Be sure to tell us before care if you scar easily or have had keloids, or if your skin flushes easily, as with rosacea.
- If the peeling agent gets into your eyes, it can cause irritation. Keep your eyes closed during care, and tell us right away if the eye area stings.
Even with the same care, results and how it feels depend on your skin condition, amount of sebum, lifestyle, and home care, and vary from person to person.
DM DOCTOR
A board-certified dermatologist first checks
whether a peel suits your skin
After looking at your type of acne, redness, and the medications you use, we decide whether to do a peel or start with medical treatment.
Dr. Shin Young-ik Medical Director · Board-Certified Dermatologist
- M.S., Hanyang University College of Medicine
- Adjunct Professor, Hanyang University
- Full Member, Korean Dermatological Association
- Clinical Fellowship in Dermatology, Jefferson Medical College (Thomas Jefferson University), USA
DM DERMATOLOGY
Related treatments
FAQ
01What does a black peel do?
A black peel uses an acid peeling agent to clear away built-up dead skin and sebum clumped at pore openings. When dead skin is cleared evenly, skin texture may look smoother, and it may help fewer comedones build up. How much changes varies from person to person, depending on skin condition and amount of sebum.
02How often should I get a black peel?
Generally, sessions are every 2 weeks at first, then spaced out to every 3–4 weeks once your skin is stable. Usually 3–6 sessions are done in a row. Having it too often can make your skin sensitive and dry. The actual schedule is set after an examination, based on how your skin responds.
03Does a black peel hurt?
It is done without numbing. You may feel stinging or burning for a few minutes while the peeling agent is applied. If it feels strong, tell us right away. We can adjust how long it stays on or which areas are treated.
04Can I wash my face and wear makeup on the day of a black peel?
You can wash gently with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser even on the same day. Makeup can usually be worn from the same day or the next day. If redness remains, keep makeup light that day and remove it thoroughly before bed.
05Will a black peel shrink my pores?
A black peel clears dead skin and sebum built up at pore openings. Once blocked openings are cleared, pores may look less noticeable. However, pore size is also affected by sebum amount, age, and skin elasticity. If pore size is your main concern, we discuss pore treatments with you as well.
06Can I get a black peel if I have acne?
If your skin has small comedones and mild acne, a peel can be planned along with your care. If you have many pus-filled pimples or deep, painful lumps, medical treatment comes first. If you are using oral acne medication, the timing is set with our medical staff.
07Is a black peel a laser? How is it different from laser toning?
A black peel is a chemical peel in which a peeling agent is applied to the skin. Laser toning is a treatment that passes 1064 nm laser light evenly over the face, so the method is different. The similarly named carbon laser peel is yet another method, in which a black carbon lotion is applied and then a laser is used. Which method suits you is decided at your examination, based on your skin concerns.
08How can I get a black peel near Apgujeong or Sinsa?
DM Dermatology is at 4F, 158 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. It is a 2-minute walk from Apgujeong Station (Line 3) Exit 5. When you book, we first check your skin and the medications you use, then tell you whether Black Peel Care suits you.
CONSULTATION
Consultation comes first
Before any treatment is chosen, a board-certified dermatologist checks your skin in person.
DM Dermatology, 4F, 579-1 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
From Apgujeong Station (Line 3) Exit 5, walk straight for 50 m. 4th floor of the A Twosome Place building
- Weekdays
- am 10:00 - pm 07:00
- Saturday
- am 10:00 - pm 04:30
- Lunch break
- pm 01:00 - pm 02:00
- Sun & holidays
- By appointment only
- Subway
3Apgujeong StationExit 5
Walk straight for 50 m · 2 min on foot · 4th floor of the A Twosome Place building
- Bus
Apgujeong Station Exit 4 · Exit 32310523429
Blue bus147 · 148 · 240 · 463 · 343Green bus4211
Kwanglim Church · Hyundai High School2310323104
Blue bus143 · 240 · 345 · 472Green bus3011 · 4312 · 4318
- By car
Search in your navigation app158 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu디엠피부과의원
Use the building’s underground parking · Parking available in the building
