Understanding TCA Chemical Peels

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels are sometimes used for lightening areas of pigmentation. TCA penetrates more deeply than AHA and BHA and creates more active peeling, especially at higher concentrations. This method also carries a greater risk of scarring. As a result, lasers and light therapies have mostly replaced these deeper peels for the treatment of acne and scars.

 

TCA peels are medium-depth peels and should only be done in a doctor's office or in an outpatient surgery center, because they produce deeper penetration and destruction of the skin and must be used with great caution. TCA peels often don't require anesthesia (because the solution itself has a numbing effect on the skin).

 

When the TCA is applied, you may at first feel a warm or burning sensation, followed by stinging. Following the application, the skin develops a "frosted" appearance within a few seconds and the treatment is diluted with cool water.

 

Significant swelling may occur depending on the potency of the TCA that was used. Swelling should diminish after the first week and the skin will generally heal sufficiently to resume normal activities in approximately seven to ten days.

 

You shouldn't have such a medium-depth peel if you have dark skin. Furthermore, wait at least a year or more after being treated with isotretinoin (Accutane) before having such a peel.