TCA peel is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed to restore the appearance of skin and one of the most effective chemical peel at home types. Over the years, scars, acne, sun damage and other factors contribute to form lines and wrinkles in the face. This causes the skin to lose its smooth, youthful appearance. Frequently, performed on the face, neck, and hands. Most types of chemical peel reduce the appearance of facial scars, wrinkles and other skin imperfections. While improving the skin density and firmness leaving skin with a glowing complexion. Basically, TCA peel is an alternative to best skin bleaching cream and lightening products.

What is a TCA peel?

A TCA peel is a noninvasive skin treatment used to treat skin discolorations, scarring, and wrinkles. These peels get their name from trichloroacetic acid (TCA), which is used to clear away dead skin cells to reveal the newer and smoother skin layers below.

TCA peels are part of the group of skin treatments called chemical peels, which are used to exfoliate your skin by using different strengths and combinations of nontoxic acid ingredients.

Why Does It Improve My Skin?

A chemical peel is a technique used to improve and smooth the texture of the skin. Facial skin is mostly treated, and scarring can be improved. Chemical peels are intended to remove the outermost layers of the skin. To accomplish this task, the chosen peel solution induces a controlled injury to the skin. Resulting wound healing processes begin to regenerate new tissues. The dead skin eventually peels off. The regenerated skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin. Some types of chemical peels can be purchased and administered without a medical license; however people are advised to seek professional help from a licensed Esthetician, dermatologist or plastic surgeon on a specific type of chemical peel before a procedure is performed.

Who is a good candidate for TCA peels?

Chemical peels can be superficial, medium, or deep strength. TCA peels are considered medium strength, meaning they should only be applied by a certified skin care professional. The ideal candidate for a TCA peel:

• is not breastfeeding or pregnant
• does not have a skin condition such as psoriasis, eczema, or rosacea
• does not have a job that requires them to be outside
• has no history of keloids or poor wound healing
• will be counseled by the doctor beforehand about realistic expectations of the results
• People who have taken the acne medication isotretinoin (Zenatane, Amnesteem, Claravis) should avoid chemical peels for a period of time after completing treatment.

How much does a TCA peel cost?

The cost of a TCA peel is determined by the size of the application area as well as the expected results. In 2018 a chemical peel application cost an average of $693, according to The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

Keep in mind that the cost of a TCA peel won’t always be limited to the treatment itself.

After a TCA peel, it’s recommended you use additional moisturizing products to protect your face while it heals and rehydrate your skin.

These skin care products can get expensive, and the quality of the products you purchase can impact the overall result of your chemical peel as well as how long the results last.

If you work in an office setting or spend most of your time indoors, you probably won’t need to take time off from work after a TCA peel. Immediately after the peel is applied, your skin will appear extremely red and irritated.

Like other chemical peels, TCA peels are considered an elective procedure. That means that they are not covered by health insurance.

How does a TCA peel work?

A TCA peel dissolves cells in the top layer of your skin (epidermis). As the skin that’s been affected by TCA application peels off, new cell growth is encouraged underneath.

Once that top layer of skin has peeled off, a layer of brand-new skin cells becomes visible. Often, the new layer of skin is smoother and less affected by “imperfections” such as wrinkles and acne scarring.

Procedure for a TCA peel

The TCA peel treatment itself will probably take around 30 minutes. 

Most people feel a burning sensation for the first few minutes of the procedure, followed by a stinging pain as the acid exfoliates and clears away the top layers of your skin.

The procedure is done in a single session. It may be recommended that you prepare your skin with certain products prior to a TCA peel to achieve better results.

If you are looking to achieve a certain result, multiple sessions may be required. It’s advised that you wait several months between chemical peels to allow your skin to fully heal.

You may be sedated during the TCA peel, according to what you and your dermatologist decide.

Targeted areas for TCA peels

TCA peels are typically applied to your face. They can also be used to improve skin’s smoothness and tone on other areas of your body, such as:

• back
• chest area
• neck
• shoulders
• upper arms

Are there any risks or side effects?

There are some risks and side effects for the procedure. Common side effects include:

• redness that lasts for several days or even weeks
• herpes flare-up if you have the herpes simplex virus
• changes in skin color

Rarely, a TCA peel can cause:

• a bacterial or fungal infection
• organ damage due to chemical exposure

People with darker complexions may be at a higher risk for hyperpigmentation after a chemical peel. Hyperpigmentation causes the layer of skin exposed by the chemical peel to appear darker or uneven.

Speak to your doctor about specific risks for your skin type before getting a chemical peel.

After your peel, if you experience excessive redness, swelling in your peel, oozing, blisters, or pus formation on your skin, contact your health provider immediately.

What to expect after a TCA Peel?

After a TCA peel application, you may notice some changes right away. It could also take three or four days before you see the full effects develop.

After the initial redness fades from your skin, you’ll notice that your skin begins to feel tight. Throughout the next three days, the affected area will shed the skin that has been exposed to the TCA treatment. It’s normal for the peeling skin to come off in patches over the course of several days.

Avoid scratching your skin or peeling it off with your fingernails. After the skin comes off completely, the skin underneath may appear firmer, smoother, brighter, and more youthful.

During the period that your skin is peeling, make sure to wear sunscreen and protect your skin from sun each day. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser to prevent stripping your skin of additional moisture.

You may plan another chemical peel in three to nine months if you like the result.

After your peel, continue applying sunscreen daily. Avoid excess exposure to UV light. You may also need to change your grooming habits: waxing and sugaring the hair where you have a TCA peel could injure your skin in the weeks afterward.

Preparing for a TCA peel

Prior to a TCA peel, you need to switch up your skin care regimen.

Your health care provider may give you Two weeks prior to your peel we prime the skin with Joli Visage Miracle Creme for night and Sunscreen for day.

This can help you achieve an even skin tone after the peel.

It’s recommended that you stop using any skin care products containing retinoids in the three days leading up to your TCA peel appointment. Retinol ingredients can thin the skin layer, making damage from chemical exposure more likely.