TCA peel is a chemical peel which is designed to improve the condition of the skin of the face by causing the surface of the old skin to peel off. It can be used to treat wrinkles and discoloration of the skin and to improve a skin's smoothness. This page is a guide on how to get a TCA peel.

• A TCA peel is a medium chemical peel which is stronger than AHA and BHA peels, but not as strong as deeper chemical peels such as phenol. The procedure is usually performed by a doctor, but there are also TCA peels that can be done at home. TCA peels are meant to result in smoother and stronger skin and treat minor wrinkles and discolorations, but not to treat acne scarring or deep wrinkles.

(Creative Commons photo by Daquella manera)

• Before you have a TCA peel, make sure you know what to expect from the procedure.

1. They can be used on people with light skin, olive and light brown skin. They are sometimes used on people with dark skin, but there is a higher risk of discoloration as a result.
2. Although the treatment is designed to improve the visual appearance of your skin, the initial reaction will usually be redness and peeling. You might want to schedule some time off work and avoid to commit to social gatherings a few days after the treatment if you are uncomfortable with people seeing the initial reaction.
3. You will not be able to cover up the reaction with makeup, as you can't use makeup for the first days after the peel.
4. There will be some burning and discomfort during the procedure.
5. You might be given sedatives or pain medication if you have the procedure in a doctor's office.
6. There is usually no pain after the procedure.
7. You will need to repeat the treatment once or several times a year, since the effects are short-term.

• Milder TCA peels can be performed at home. Stronger TCA peels are performed in a doctor's office, who can be a plastic surgeon, dermatologist or general doctor.

1. For best and safest results, have the procedure in a doctor's office. At-home treatments are less expensive, but more likely to result in unpleasant side effects and results.
2. If you still want to do a TCA peel at home, consult your general doctor for advice. You might need to prepare by starting to take certain medications or stopping to take others.
3. For more information on home kits, visit Mahalo's guide on How to Buy a Home Chemical Peel Kit.

• Preparing correctly for a TCA peel can both improve the results, prevent discoloration and decrease the recovery time.

1. Your doctor might advise you to stop taking certain medications or start taking others.
2. Smoking interferes in the recovery process. It's best to Quit smoking or cut down on cigarettes before.
3. Don't sunbathe or use a solarium before the peel and don't use any exfoliators (scrubs) on your face.

• After a chemical peel, it's time to wait for the redness to go down and the old skin to peel off. There are several steps you take to improve recovery. Follow your doctor's recommendations and the recommendations from the TCA peel, if you did the treatment at home. Don't use makeup and avoid the sun.

• Having a TCA peel can dramatically improve the visual appearance of your skin. Before you have the peel, make sure you know what to expect and how to prepare for it. It's best to have the procedure performed by a doctor. TCA peels can be done at home for significant savings but with higher risks.

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• Introduction
• Step 1: What to Expect
• Step 2: Where to Get it
• Step 3: How to Prepare
• Step 4: Aftermath