TCA Peeling: The first safe and effective peeling method

As the first peeling technique used ever, due to its safety and effectiveness it is a method that is still widely used.

The underlying theory behind the technique is to use TCA, salicylic acid, BCA, Phenol to solidify the protein in the skin in order to peel the skin off. More skin can be peeled off the stronger the acid used, the greater the amount applied on the skin, and the longer the time the solution is applied, because the solution can penetrate deeper into the skin depending on these condition.

Scaling, which is a shallow form of peeling, uses chemicals such as TCA 15% or Glycolic Acid 30-50%. Medium level peeling uses TCA 30% and deep peeling uses TCA 50-100%, Phenol.

This method is used when scaling is not appropriate due to the serious nature of liver spots and general skin problems that are caused by lengthy exposure to ultraviolet rays.

Because applying TCA 30% all over the face solidifies the protein and peels off the skin, it takes out an entire layer of skin and can cause pain. Therefore the treatment area is treated with local anesthesia ointment prior to the actual application of TCA 30%.

Also, since this method peels the skin deeper than regular scaling methods, a thin temporary skin layer forms two to three days after the actual treatment. Although the temporary skin layer disappears after 7-10 days, the result of the treatment is much better and side effects are minimized if the temporary skin layer can stay on as long as possible.

Early removal of the temporary skin layer by forceful washing and rubbing of the face needs to be avoided. Sun block lotion needs to be applied continuously after the treatment and antibiotic ointment needs to be applied as well for three to seven days depending on the depth of the peeling. Whitening ointment will be applied beginning a week after the treatment for up to one month. The patient also needs to visit the clinic twice a week to receive He-Ne recovery laser treatment in order to help the recovery of new skin. The patient will notice that the firmness of the skin has improved and the color of the skin has brightened once the temporary skin layer falls off.