Chemical peels are a popular skin procedure used to treat wrinkles, discolored skin, and scars primarily on the face. Unlike some procedures, chemical peels can be done in combination with other cosmetic procedures or be done alone.
“Chemical peels are done at different depths, ranging from light to deep,” shares Angie Pennington, a licensed medical aesthetician and certified laser technician at Sanova Dermatology – Central Austin & Dripping Springs in Austin, Texas. “If you’re looking for more dramatic results, you will want to consider a deeper chemical peel,” she continues. “For individuals with minor skin blemishes that are looking for subtle results, a light peel will work best,” Pennington notes. Just keep in mind that your recovery time will be longer. If you’re interested in a chemical peel to achieve your best skin, then read on to learn all about TCA peels.
What is a TCA Peel?
A TCA peel is a type of chemical peel that uses trichloroacetic acid to help improve your skin’s appearance. You will find that these peels vary from light to deep. This will depend on the concentration of TCA and whether it has been combined with another peel. For instance, 10%-30% TCA provides a much more superficial peel. On the other hand, 30%-40% of TCA provides a medium-depth peel. Essentially, TCA chemical peels work by removing dead skin cells and stimulating new skin cell growth for an enhanced appearance.
“These peels do an exceptional job, especially for those looking to achieve refreshed, younger-looking skin,” Pennington says. It’s also important to note that TCA peels are great for treating certain skin conditions such as acne scarring and melasma.
Targeted Areas
TCA peels have specific target areas. More specifically, these peels are generally reserved for the face. However, they can also be used to target areas including:
- Back
- Neck
- Chest area
- Shoulders
- Upper arms
Benefits of a TCA Peel
TCA peels offer a variety of great benefits for individuals who undergo the procedure. Here are a few benefits to consider.
- Acne and Acne Scars: If you’re someone who suffers from acne or acne scars, you will find that a TCA peel can be a great solution. This is because TCA can temporarily reduce blemishes through deep exfoliation of the skin. “Keep in mind that a TCA peel will not be able to get to the root problem of what’s causing your acne,” emphasizes Pennington. For instance, some acne is caused by an overproduction of the skin’s natural oils and hormones.
- Sun Damage: For individuals experiencing sun damage, a TCA peel can be a highly effective cosmetic procedure. In fact, any concentration of TCA should be able to combat sun damage quite well. It does this by removing sunspots, which are brown, flat markings that develop on the face when the skin has been damaged from sun exposure.
- Hyperpigmentation: Another benefit of a TCA peel is its ability to address hyperpigmentation concerns. TCA can be used to lighten various types of hyperpigmentation such as age spots, freckles, dark patches, and melasma.
Who is an Ideal Candidate?
Chemical peels have a range of strengths. “As such, you should always let a certified skin professional apply a peel to your skin to avoid damage,” Pennington encourages. With that said, if you’re interested in a chemical peel, it’s important to know whether you’re an ideal candidate beforehand. Here is a list of individuals who make the best candidate for this type of cosmetic procedure.
- Women who are not breastfeeding or pregnant
- Individuals who do not have certain skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea
- Individuals that do not have a job that requires them to be outside or individuals who do not need to be outside for any reason
- Those who do not have a history of keloid skin or poor wound healing
- Individuals who will or have already consulted with a doctor prior to their procedure about expectations
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
With a TCA chemical peel, you will notice a visible difference in your skin after the first treatment. But depending on your concerns, a series of peels may be necessary to maintain your results. With that said, if you have more severe skin issues such as hyperpigmentation or sun damage, you will need more peels to help recover your skin. As always, consult with your dermatologist or skincare expert to decipher the appropriate treatment plan for your needs.
Can this Procedure be Paired with Other Procedures?
“Yes, TCA chemical peels can be paired with other procedures as well as be used alone,” Pennington informs. Your skin professional will discuss with you to determine the best course of action. As stated previously, you should avoid doing DIY chemical peels as this can wreak havoc on the skin if not done properly. Always rely on a trusted professional who has the skills and experience to handle your skin with care.
When is the Ideal Time to Get a Procedure like a TCA Peel?
You can certainly get a chemical peel at any time. However, the best time to get a peel will ultimately depend on your routine and plans. As a rule of thumb, the best time to get a TCA peel will be during the Fall and Winter seasons, especially if you plan to go on vacations or have many outdoor activities during the Spring and Summer seasons. “This is because your skin will be temporarily more sensitive to sunlight after you undergo your peel,” says Pennington. The Fall and Winter seasons provide cooler weather, shorter days, and the sun isn’t as glaring during this time.
Does a TCA chemical peel sound like something you need? These peels are gaining popularity in the cosmetic industry among consumers thanks to their variety of benefits for the skin. TCA peels are not only safe, but they also provide effective results that help individuals achieve the skin they desire.
Remember, it’s best not to do DIY chemical peels on yourself. While this may feel like a cost-effective solution to achieve your desired skin, this can be more trouble than it’s worth. You want to ensure that your peel is properly formulated and that your skin is protected at all times.
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If you’re ready to move forward with this cosmetic procedure, always consult a skin professional first who can go over your current skin condition with you, talk about skin expectations, and determine a treatment plan that will get you on the right path.
