Board-certified dermatologist markKAHF mark (Korea Accreditation Program for Hospitals Serving Foreign Patients)Led by a board-certified dermatologist
Personal diagnosis · Accountable care
Ministry of Health and Welfare
KAHF-accredited hospital

DM DERMATOLOGY

Fox Peel

FOX PEEL

Fox Peel:
evenly clearing away
old dead skin

Fox Peel is a superficial chemical peel that applies a fruit acid (AHA)–based peeling solution to the face to clear old dead skin and clogged pore openings.

A thin layer of white solution applied to the cheek and chin of a patient lying down with a mint headband and a lavender blanket

Fox Peel

Aesthetic · Fox Peel

Treatments that apply acids to the skin to remove dead skin are together called chemical peels. Among them, Fox Peel is a superficial peel that works on the outermost layer of the skin. It does not grind the skin away, and it does not use heat the way a laser does.

The peeling solution known as Fox Peel (FOxC Peel) is a Korean-made product for clinical use that adds fermented berry ingredients and vitamin C to fruit acids. There are different solutions for different concerns, such as sebum, uneven tone, and dull, rough texture.

If you have a lot of red, pus-filled acne or your skin stings easily, start with an examination. Our medical staff check your skin condition and the medicines you currently use, then decide whether a peel is suitable.

  • Fruit acid (AHA) peel
  • Old dead skin
  • Pore openings
  • Uneven tone
DM DermatologyPeelingPersonal
Skin Peel
A model with long wavy hair in an ivory knit top smiling with her fingertips on her cheek. Clear, glowing skin against a pale peach background
Fox PeelFruit acid (AHA)
surface peel

CHECK

If you have these dead skin and tone concerns

  • Your skin looks dull and rough even after washing — Layers of old dead skin remain, makeup does not sit well, and your skin feels rough to the touch.
  • Pore openings on your nose and chin keep getting clogged — Sebum clumps and forms dark dots and small bumps.
  • Small pimples keep coming back in the same spots — They do not become large or pus-filled, but small, bumpy breakouts settle and then return.
  • Brown marks remain where acne used to be — The marks make your skin tone look uneven.
  • Peels that cause heavy peeling feel like too much — With work and plans to keep, you are looking for a peel you can have while keeping up your daily routine.

Whether Fox Peel is right for you is decided after an examination of your skin condition and the medicines you use. If you have a lot of deep, painful acne, medical treatment with medication comes first.

  • 10–15min

    Time from applying
    to wiping off the solution

  • 3–7days

    Period of fine flaking,
    if flaking occurs

  • 2–4wk

    Typical interval
    before the next peel

  • 1wk

    Time to be especially careful
    about sun protection

HOW IT WORKS

Fruit acids loosen the bonds
in the stratum corneum

The outermost layer of the skin is the stratum corneum, where cells that have reached the end of their life are stacked like bricks. These cells stick together and then shed in turn. When this process slows down, dead skin thickens and tends to clump with sebum and clog pore openings.

AHAs are acids commonly called fruit acids. Typical examples are glycolic acid from sugarcane and lactic acid from milk. AHAs weaken the force holding dead skin cells together, helping old dead skin shed evenly. BHA (salicylic acid), added to some solutions, dissolves in oil, so it seeps into sebum-filled pore openings.

Fox Peel is a superficial peel that works within the epidermis. It does not directly change the collagen in the dermis below. If deep wrinkles or sagging concern you, we look at other treatments as well.

3D illustration of a skin cross-section. On one side of the smooth skin surface, thin flakes of dead skin are lifting; on the other side, brown pigment spots are clustered below the surface. A pore opening with a hair, a cream-colored sebaceous gland beside the follicle, the pinkish dermis with fine fibers, and a yellow fat layer at the bottom are visible
  1. 1

    Stratum corneum The layer of old cells on the outermost surface of the skin. The acid loosens the bonds between cells so that old dead skin sheds evenly.

  2. 2

    Pigment Melanin pigment collected in the epidermis. When dead skin renews on time, it may help uneven tone look more even.

  3. 3

    Pore opening A spot where dead skin and sebum easily clump and clog. Oil-soluble BHA seeps in this far.

  4. 4

    Epidermis The outer skin layer below the stratum corneum. Fox Peel works at a depth within this layer.

  5. 5

    Dermis The layer below the epidermis that contains collagen. Fox Peel does not directly reach this depth.

A simplified skin cross-section for explanation only. The layer of peeling solution is not shown.

SOLUTION

Three peeling solutions matched to your concerns

Fruit acids (AHA) evenly clear old dead skin, and salicylic acid (BHA) dissolves in oil and seeps into pore openings. Fox Peel solutions come in three types that combine these ingredients for different concerns. Which solution to use is chosen in an examination, based on your skin condition.

  • SebumOily · acne-prone skinA solution that contains both AHA and BHA. It is used for skin with a lot of sebum and frequently clogged pore openings.
  • ToneUneven toneA solution that contains AHA. It is used for skin with uneven tone from sunlight, irritation, or acne marks.
  • TextureDull, rough textureA solution with AHA and BHA plus antioxidant ingredients. It is used for skin that has lost vitality and looks rough.

COMPARE

Fox Peel and Aqua Peel Care
work in different ways

Both clear dead skin and pore openings, but they reach the skin in different ways.

Fox PeelAqua Peel Care
MethodA peeling solution is applied to the whole face and wiped off after a set time.A device tip flows solution onto the skin while suctioning out impurities in the pores.
IngredientsFruit acids (AHA), plus BHA in some solutions3 steps: AHA · BHA · moisturizing solution
Main targetStratum corneum and pore openings across the whole facePore openings where the tip passes
Sensation during treatmentYou may feel warmth or stinging while the solution is on the skin.You may feel a pull on the skin as the tip passes.
After treatmentRedness for 1–2 days; fine flaking may occur for a few days.Redness usually settles within a day.

The choice depends on whether sebum in the pores or dead skin and tone is your main concern. Which of the two treatments you have is decided together in an examination.

AFTER PEEL

How your skin changes
after treatment

This is the general course after a superficial peel. The degree of redness and flaking varies from person to person.

  1. Day of treatment

    Redness and warmth may remain after the solution is wiped off. Wash gently, and apply sunscreen when you go out.

  2. 1–2 days

    Redness usually settles around this time. Your skin may feel tight and dry.

  3. 3–7 days

    There may be no flaking, or fine flakes may lift and fall off. Do not peel off flakes by hand.

  4. 1 week

    Skin is sensitive to sunlight at this stage, so keep up sun protection. Start using scrubs and retinol products again after this period.

  5. 2–4 weeks

    Once your skin is stable, you have the next peel. The interval and number of sessions are set based on how your skin responds.

PROCESS

Fox Peel
treatment steps

Below is the general flow of a superficial peel. We explain the actual steps and components after an examination.

  1. A woman with rough, dull skin on her cheek running her fingertips over it

    step 01

    Examination

    We look at your skin texture, sebum, acne, and redness. We also ask about oral or topical medicines, recent lasers or peels, and any history of lip blisters.

  2. A medical staff member in a mint uniform and gloves wiping the forehead of a patient lying down with a cotton pad

    step 02

    Cleansing · removing oil

    Makeup and sebum are removed. This step is done first so the solution can soak into the skin evenly.

  3. A gloved medical staff member spreading a pale mint solution with a flat brush on the cheek of a patient lying down

    step 03

    Applying the peeling solution

    The eye area, the sides of the nostrils, and the corners of the mouth are protected, and the solution is spread evenly over the whole face. Keep your eyes closed during this step. If the stinging feels strong, tell us right away.

  4. A medical staff member in a mint uniform using cotton pads in both hands to wipe white foam off the cheeks and nose bridge of a patient lying down

    step 04

    Wiping off

    After a set time, the solution is wiped off to stop its action.

  5. A medical staff member in a mint uniform pressing a sheet mask onto the face of a patient lying down with two gloved hands

    step 05

    Soothing · sun protection

    The flushed skin is cooled, and moisturizer is applied. Finally, sunscreen is applied before you go home.

INFORMATION

What to know
before your treatment

Procedure time
20–30 min
Applying and wiping off the peeling solution takes 10–15 min
Numbing
Done without numbing
You may feel warmth or itching while the solution is on the skin
Recovery
Redness for 1–2 days
There may be no flaking, or fine flakes may fall off over 3–7 days
Daily life
Face washing from the same day; makeup the same day or the next day
For 1 week, be thorough with sun protection and pause scrubs and exfoliating products
Interval
Once every 2–4 weeks
If sebum or acne is a major concern, we start at 2-week intervals
Sessions
3–5 sessions
After that, sessions continue at wider intervals, based on your skin condition

These are general guidelines for a superficial peel and may change with how your skin responds. DM Dermatology tells you your treatment schedule after an examination.

Caution

Aftercare and precautions
after Fox Peel

For a week after the peel, your skin may be dry and sensitive to sunlight.

  1. 01
    Wash with lukewarm water on the first day

    Use a mild cleanser, and pat your face dry with a towel instead of rubbing.

  2. 02
    Let flakes fall off on their own

    Do not pick at lifted flakes with your nails. Pulling them off can leave red or brown marks.

  3. 03
    Use plenty of moisturizer

    If your skin feels tight or dry, reapply a gentle moisturizer several times a day.

  4. 04
    Sun protection for 1 week

    After an AHA peel, the skin becomes more sensitive to UV light. For at least 1 week, apply sunscreen before going out, and reapply if you stay outdoors for a long time. Use a hat and a sunbrella as well.

  5. 05
    Pause irritating ingredients and heat for a while

    Pause exfoliating pads and retinol products for 1 week. Put off saunas, hot rooms, and exercise that makes you sweat a lot until the redness has fully faded.

Side effects and precautions to know
  • You may feel burning, stinging, or itching while the solution is on the skin. After treatment, redness and warmth may occur; these usually settle within 1–2 days.
  • For a few days, your skin may feel dry and tight, and fine flaking may occur. A few pimples may also appear during this time.
  • Rarely, blisters, scabs, or long-lasting redness may occur. Do not touch these areas; please contact the clinic.
  • Naturally darker skin or recently tanned skin is more likely to be left with dark patches (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) after a peel. Do not tan your skin in the sun for 2 weeks before treatment.
  • If you have had lip blisters (herpes simplex) before, blisters may come back in the same spot after a peel. If you have blisters, inflammation, wounds, or sunburn on your face on the day of treatment, we move the date.
  • Be sure to tell us if you are taking, or have ever taken, an oral acne medicine (isotretinoin). While you take this medicine, the skin can break down easily, so the timing of treatment is set with our medical staff.
  • Pause retinoid products such as retinol or tretinoin from 1–2 weeks before treatment. Please also tell us in advance if you use exfoliating products or a brightening ointment every day.
  • Peels containing salicylic acid (BHA) are not recommended during pregnancy. If you may be pregnant or are breastfeeding, please tell us before treatment. Also tell us if you have had an allergic reaction to aspirin or salicylic acid.
  • Tell us before treatment if you tend to form keloids (raised scars), scar easily, or have skin that becomes sensitive easily, such as with atopic dermatitis, eczema, or rosacea.
  • Tell us if you take medicines that make you sensitive to sunlight (some antibiotics, oral contraceptives). They may make pigment changes more likely after a peel.

Even with the same peel, the degree of redness, flaking, and change depends on skin thickness, sebum level, lifestyle, and the cosmetics you use at home, and varies from person to person.

Dr. Shin Young-ik, Medical Director, board-certified dermatologist

DM DOCTOR

A board-certified dermatologist as medical director
Personal diagnosis · Accountable care

Thorough care from a board-certified dermatologist with over 20 years of treating skin

At DM Dermatology, our medical director, a board-certified dermatologist, examines your skin in person and plans treatment around your concerns and daily life.

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

Care by a board-certified dermatologistPatients here are seen by a dermatologist certified by the Ministry of Health and Welfare

Meet our doctor

FAQ

01What does Fox Peel do?

Fox Peel uses fruit acids to clear old dead skin and clogged pore openings. Once old dead skin is lifted, your skin may feel noticeably smoother, and it may help your tone look clearer. How much it changes varies from person to person, with your skin condition and the number of sessions.

02Is Fox Peel the same as 'Yeou Peel'?

Some clinics call the FOxC Peel solution 'Yeou Peel' ('yeou' is Korean for 'fox'). It is also called 'Fox Peel,' reading the English name as it is. You can check the name and type of solution DM Dermatology uses during your examination.

03Does Fox Peel hurt?

It is done without numbing. You may feel warmth or stinging while the solution is applied, and this usually subsides once it is wiped off. If it is hard to bear, tell us right away.

04Will my skin peel a lot after Fox Peel?

Fox Peel is a superficial peel, so visible flaking may not occur at all. If your skin is dry or sensitive, fine flaking may occur for 3–7 days. Do not pull off lifted flakes; reapply moisturizer often.

05Can I wear makeup on the day of Fox Peel?

You can wash gently from the day of treatment. In many cases, you can wear makeup from the day of treatment; if redness remains, wait until the next day. Either way, do not skip sunscreen.

06How often, and how many times, do I have Fox Peel?

Generally, 3–5 sessions are done at 2–4-week intervals. If sebum and acne are a major concern, sessions sometimes start at 2-week intervals. Having many sessions close together can instead leave your skin dry and easily irritated.

07Can I have Fox Peel if I have acne-prone skin?

If your pores clog often and you get frequent small breakouts, Fox Peel can be considered. On the other hand, if you have a lot of red, pus-filled acne or deep lumps that hurt when pressed, medical treatment with medication comes first. If you are taking an oral acne medicine (isotretinoin), be sure to tell us.

08How is Fox Peel different from Aqua Peel and Black Peel?

Aqua Peel is a treatment in which a device tip flows solution onto the skin while drawing out impurities in the pores. Fox Peel uses no device: a peeling solution is applied to the whole face and then wiped off. Black Peel Care at DM Dermatology is also care that applies a peeling agent, but the ingredients of the peeling agent are different. The option that fits your skin concern is chosen in an examination.

09Can I get Fox Peel near Apgujeong Station?

DM Dermatology is at 4F, 158 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. It is about a 2-minute walk from Apgujeong Station (Line 3) Exit 5. At your first visit, we start by checking your skin condition and the medicines you use.

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

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