By Marie Cerrajero, owner at Le Spa
As a spa owner, I am always searching for a treatment that delivers real, visible results- safely and effectively. I recently decided to try the PCA 4% Retinol Peel on myself so I could fully understand the treatment from both a professional and a personal perspective. Today, I’m sharing my full experience: what the process was like, what I noticed during the healing stages, and who I believe will benefit the most.
Why I chose the PCA 4% Retinol Peel
What drew me to this peel right away was the fact that I can pair it with a relaxing facial—something that’s rarely an option with most peels. I love the results a peel gives me, but I often miss the pampering that comes with a facial. With this treatment, I get the best of both worlds.
Even with a consistent skincare routine, my skin occasionally struggles with texture, fine lines, and uneven tone. I wanted something that would:
- Boost collagen and cell turnover
- Brighten and smooth my complexion
- Improve pigmentation and sun damage
- Deliver noticeable results without the downtime from stronger chemical peels
The PCA 4% has an excellent reputation for doing just that, so I decided to try it myself before adding it to our menu.
The Treatment Process
After enjoying a full hour Signature Facial, the peel was applied to my skin without any burning, stinging, or discomfort—almost making me question whether it was actually doing anything.
The application is quick and you leave with the retinol solution on your skin, which continues working for several hours. I was advised to not wash my face that night if possible.
What to Expect After the Peel
Here’s what I personally experienced in the following days”
Day 1 and 2: Skin feel nice and glowy
Day 3: Peeling began, mostly around the mouth and chin area. Skin felt a little raw on the chin with an overall feeling of dryness.
Day 4-5: Peeling is happening everywhere now, but it’s easy to manage by applying moisturizer throughout the day. My skin feels good, and the raw feeling on my chin is gone.
Peeling is completely normal and part of the renewal process. The most important thing during this time is hydration and sunscreen. I used gentle cleanser, hyaluronic acid, gentle moisturizer and absolutely avoided picking at the peeling skin.
Day 6-7: Skin started to smooth and brighten dramatically
Day 8: Texture felt renewed, pores looked smaller, and fine lines softer. My skin looks so much younger and noticeably plumper—it feels completely revived.
My Results:
After 1 week, my skin looked:
- Brighter and more even
- Noticeably smoother and softer
- Healthier and more radiant
Make up applied beautifully, and my skin had that fresh, healthy glow we all love.
Who is this Peel Best For?
The PCA 4% Retinol Peel is ideal for clients who want to treat:
- Sun damage and hyperpigmentation
- Uneven tone and texture
- Acne scarring
- Aging concerns (fine lines and dullness)
- Congestion and enlarged pores
It may not be recommended for extremely sensitive skin but a consultation always helps determine the right fit.
It is not suitable for clients who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
My Final Thoughts
After trying it myself, I can confidently say that the PCA $% Retinol Peel is worth the journey. The week of peeling is a small trade-off for truly refreshed, youthful looking skin. As both a professional and a client with aging skin, I am impressed with the results. And I’m excited to start offering it soon others who want a real transformation without invasive procedures.
Check out the PCA 4% Retinol Peel at Le Spa for yourself!