A TCA (trichloroacetic acid) peel is a medium depth chemical peel that strips away the outer layers of the skin that become damaged with time by sun, wind, poor skin care, and other such variables. The acidic solution can be diluted to the correct strength for individual patients.
What It's Good For
TCA peels are used to smooth fine surface wrinkles, remove blemishes, and correct pigmentation problems. It can contain a concentration of acid as high as 50% or as weak as 10%. Typically, a formula containing 25-30% acid is used most standard skin concerns, while a concentration of 50% would be used for the intense spot removal of warts, moles, skin tags, and tattoos.
Who it works for: The levels of acid in the solution is adjustable, meaning that TCA chemical peels are ideal for darker-skinned people, who otherwise are advised to avoid chemical peels. Extreme caution should still be taken.
Recommended age range: The TCA peel can treat age-related skin concerns like wrinkles, sun spots, and acne scars on people of any age.
When will I see results?: Your skin will take about six weeks to fully heal. If the results aren't satisfactory, you can get another peel at this time.
How long it lasts: The effects of a TCA peel last about six months. If a stronger effect is desired, the peel can be used again in six weeks or once the skin is fully healed.
Key benefits of TCA peel: TCA peels are usable by people with tan or dark complexions.
Who's Done It?
The procedure has proven to be an efficient and effective method for British beauty Asileyne Horgan-Wallace to not only enhance the quality of her skin but to increase her self-confidence. In an interview with Closer magazine, she recognized that, "I wanted to have a treatment that would give it a boost and make me feel better about myself. The peel seemed like the ideal remedy, after the top layers of skin had shed, my face instantly felt fresher."
Horgan-Wallace underwent a treatment regimen that consisted of one peel a week for four weeks, totaling four peels in a month. Her experience exemplifies the slow yet possibly satisfying capabilities of a TCA peel. During her interview in October 2009, she said, "Now the course of treatment is over I can definitely tell the difference!"
