Chemical Peel: TCA Chemical Peels

The concept of skin restoration, although considered to be a new phenomenon, actually dates back to the ancient Romans and Egyptian civilizations. Cleopatra is said to have used food acids, sour milk and wine residues to peel her skin and improve her appearance. The newness lies only in the skin restoration techniques. Earlier, natural products were used, whereas now chemical peels are more popular. Phenol, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) are some of the chemicals used for this purpose. TCA chemical peels are the most popular of all.

Why TCA Chemical Peels?

TCA chemical peels are used as an intermediary to a deep peeling agent. It is also called medium peel, since it is not as mild as AHAs nor as strong as phenol. Although it can be used in concentrations between 20 and 50 percent, solutions higher than 35 percent are not recommended, since it increases the risk of scarring.

TCA is a kind of acid that corrodes the exterior layers of the skin, exposing new, fresh layers, thus providing a smooth, youthful look. that peel treatments remove wrinkles, superficial blemishes, uneven pigmentation, facial scarring and dry or rough looking skin. Such treatments prove very effective in epidermal renewal and improving skin tone, while reducing superficial lines.

How does TCA Chemical Peels Work?

TCA peels may necessitate pre-treatment with Retin-A or even AHA creams. This kind of treatment accelerates skin cells turnover, being stimulated by the cauterizing TCA. The peel depth is determined by the number of skin layers affected. The skin reacts

By shedding and promoting new growth of skin cells. The healing time depends on the peel depth and those undergo this treatment must use sun blocks for several months. The rapid formation of new cells also helps in moving pigment to the surface and peeling it, thus removing brown pigmentation.

Benefits of TCA Chemical Peels

TCA chemical peels can be used on the face, neck, chest, arms and legs. It offers several benefits:

It leaves a younger, softer and smoother skin
It leads to a remarkable improvement of the epidermal structure and makes the skin feels tighter
Reduce age lines, freckles and pigmentation and leaves a healthy, radiant glow.
Enlarged pores become less visible
It does not require downtime or use of anesthesia

TCA chemical peels are more popular than phenol and AHAs treatments. It is a chemical solution made by chlorinating acetic acid. Medical Aesthetics Inc.