Everyone has heard of skin peels and there are many – lactic, glycolic, salicylic, TCA (trichloroacetic acid), and phenol. Of these there are basically 3 levels:

Minor, superficial peels – lactic, glycolic, salicylic.
Medium depth peels – TCA, Jessner’s
Deep peels – phenol.

We will only deal with medium strength TCA peels here as they are the easiest to apply (Jessner’s can require multiple concurrent applications and taping to aide in skin penetration), safest, and, by far, the most effective against numerous skin ailments/conditions. They are also one of the most effective treatments for acne currently known to the medical community.

The most common treated area is the face. TCA is applied usually in a cream. Doctors will mix Obagi, Apeel, or other previously prepared cream with TCA and then apply this mixture to the face or body area to be treated. The creams tend to have a skin dye of green or blue so the doctor can easily see what areas have and or have not been treated. It is usually applied with a cotton or foam applicator. This is then left on for 10-20 minutes. Some doctors prefer to use a straight (non-cream) solution of TCA. This works much faster and penetrates deeper and is used for deeper peels.

After application and proper time for the desired depth is achieved, the doctor will apply a neutralizer. This is usually just a mixture of baking soda and water made into a paste. Some doctors will add chipped ice to further cool the skin. The skin will now be inflammed and if no dye was used will look like a bad sunburn. This will last 2-4 days until it starts to peel off and reveal new, clean, younger looking skin. Depending on the skin problems treated it may take several treatments, but a major difference will be seen immediately.

The results from a TCA peel are far more reaching than with a regular, superficial peel. Results can last 6 months to a year and it has been known to keep acne at bay, shrink and lessen acne scars, reduce and tighten up wrinkles, improve color, pigmentation, etc… A TCA peel cannot be applied as often as a more superficial peel. Generally speaking, a superficial peel can be applied every 2-5 weeks. A Stronger, medium depth peel needs more time batween peels for the skin to properly heal and regenerate. Doctors like to wait 2-6 months or more between these peels.

This process of chemically exfoliating the skin is more rapid and deeper in a TCA peel than in most peels. Many skin peels, like lactic, glycolic and salicylic are good at reducing oily buildup (overactive sebaceous glands), and very minor skin imperfections. but they cannot effectively treat acne, wrinkles, fine lines, etc… TCA has been proven to treat these deeper skin conditions and is offered at almost every dermatologist and plastic surgeon office. The improvement in skin color, tone, etc… is so drastic that women, even men are lining up in droves to have this done all over the world.

Advertisement:

Bestseller No. 1
YLNALO Blackhead Remover Mask Kit, Charcoal Peel Off Facial Mask with Brush and Pimple Extractors, Deep Cleansing for Face Nose Blackhead Pores Acne, For All Skin Types (3.5 Fl.oz)
  • 【Shrinking Pores & Blackhead Remover】The blackhead remover peel off face mask is mainly used to clean pores - making it easy to remove the excess oil and dirt that clogs pores by using black mask, so that the pores will be smooth and improve the skin problems caused by blackheads, acne and large pores.
  • 【Activated Charcoal Face Mask】Natural and safe ingredient bamboo charcoal can absorb the toxin and oil on the face, eliminate the swelling and pain of acne on the face, and inhibit the acne attack. It can also balance oil and make skin smooth and elastic.
Bestseller No. 2
SHILLS Blackhead Remover, Pore Control, Skin Cleansing, Purifying Bamboo Charcoal, Peel Off Face Mask,1 Bottle(1.69 fl. oz)
  • ACHIEVE YOUNGER-LOOKING SKIN - add our cgarcoal face mask to your routine to help your skin achieve and maintain a youthful complexion.
  • IDEAL FOR ALL SKIN TYPES - The perfect mask for all skin types Including oily, dry, and mixed skin.
Bestseller No. 3
QRxLabs Glycolic Acid 20% Resurfacing Pads for Face & Body with Vitamins B5, C & E, Green Tea, Calendula, Allantoin - Exfoliates Surface Skin and Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles - Peel Pads
  • ANTI-AGING RESURFACING PADS – These pads come fully saturated with a solution containing 20% of pure Glycolic Acid. They exfoliate the skin and reduce scars, bumps, lines and wrinkles, leaving the skin feeling softer and smoother.
  • BOOSTED WITH VITAMINS B5, C & E – Powerful antioxidants that will leave your skin fully hydrated and that will help repair photo-damage from UV rays.

I get commissions for purchases made through links on this website. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Everything I learnt in life, I learnt from Secret Squirrel.