TCA Peel question

[alisontastic]

Hi,

I am new to this forum, so thanks in advance for any replies. I just did a 15% TCA peel. After doing a lot of research and a patch test, determined I was ready to make it happen. I have not done at home peels, but have had a few done at a salon, and my skin is used to retinols. Anyway, my skin is naturally pretty dry and I am prone to wrinkles (hence the peel). Today when I applied the TCA peel, I could feel the burn nearly immediately. After about 1 minute, I began frosting in every spot where the peel was applied. It hurt and I started to freak out about scarring my face, so I neutralized. The peel was on for 2-2 1/2 minutes at most, and the frosting was very pronounced. My skin is still pretty red, but doesn't hurt anymore (just applied an antibiotic ointment).

My question is, has anyone else had this happen? Most of the TCA reviewers seem to experience less frosting, at least initially. I may have thinner skin than other people since I've got a fair/dry complexion. I'm hoping for a success story, not horror, but would love any input. Thanks!!!

 

[theHulk750]

Have you had a chemical peel before?  Do you use products with AHAs and BHA?  If you have not, I would NOT suggest a TCA peel.  It is a very deep peel and you need to build your skins tolerance to alpha and beta hydroxy acids before using such a product.  You could cause permanent skin damage.

A TCA peel is a chemical peel.  Chemical peels are a chemical exfoliation of the skin.  Chemical exfoliation dissolves the dead skin cells on the top layer of the skin.  The frosting you experienced is normal.  It indicates that the skin has burned and chemical exfoliation has been achieved.  As a licensed esthetician, I would not recommend that you apply any antibiotic ointment after a peel as you will not peel which is the desired effect of a chemical peel.  Hopefully you did not try to peel the skin before it was ready which can cause scaring.  NOT GOOD!  Ideally, you want a esthetician to determine the type of chemical peel your skin can benefit from as well as a post treatment plan to take care of your newly exfoliated skin.

And hopefully you didn't leave the house without a minimum of SPF 30, then spent all day in the sun or in a tanning bed.  

Does that help?

 

[Audrey942]

I used Perfect Image peel.  I started with the milder Lactic acid and they have stronger ones that says can help vanish scar both from pimples or acne.

My follow up is Positively Flawless Stem Cell Serum with aloe which both preserve the gains and sustain the exposed skin when dead skin are exfoliated.

Frequent use of acid or chemical peel understandably can dry up the skin.

The frosting is natural for strong chemical peel.  Hulk is right, you should just let peel your skin when its ready although you can help by scrubbing with wet towel and mild soap.