TCA Peels? New

[Taylorator]

Hi all, to start off I'm new here

And I was just wondering if anyone here had any experiences with TCA peels done at home? I'm looking to try one and I'm not too sure about it... I have a lot of acne scaring left over that I hate and always cover up with makeup. And tons of white heads. I kind of want to start over with new skin. I was wondering if the TCA peel would do this? If anyone has any advice about strengths or care and such it would be greatly appreciated!

 

[xjackie83]

Hopefully Divadoll sees this because she is pretty much our resident peel guru! 

TCA peels can be very dangerous and I've seen tons of people just selling them on ebay.  I would look at something like a glycolic peel such as Boots No7 Advanced Renewal Anti-ageing Glycolic Peel Kit (sold at Target for about $25).  

If you have acne scarring I think something like a retinoid might be better for your skin. 

 

[Taylorator]

Thanks for the reply Jackie. Im hoping someone could tell me if any of the peels gets rid of whiteheads? As for the glycolic peel is that just less extreme than TCA peels? And what kind of strength would be best? Sorry for all the questions... I only started having this problem in January and I've never been so frustrated with it.

 

[Andi]

I have done several TCA peels, and have been pleased with the results. TCA is obviously deeper penetrating than glycolic, lactic acid etc (which I did before I ventured into TCA, also I do them for "maintenance").

I would advise you to use glyocolic peels if you´ve never done a peel (I get all my peels from makeupartist´s choice website). Depending on how your skin looks like and what kind of improvement you´re looking for, glycolic might be enough for you. Whenever you do want to try a TCA peel, do your research! Do a patch test on the side of your face, and always start with a low %.

These steps are important: use a prep regimen of Retin-A or glycolic serum prior, so the TCA can penetrate the skin evenly and thouroughly. Before applying the TCA, de-grease the skin with alcohol.

But like I said, I wouldn´t use TCA for my first at home peel!

I don´t know how well TCA works for active acne, sorry. But it´s definitely great for acne scarring as it goes deeper than glyocolic etc. It´s very important to do a lot of research before you do this though, otherwhise you could actually cause new scarring, hyperpigmentation etc.

 

[Taylorator]

Thanks Andi. I believe I'll start with glycolic peels and see if the results are what I'm looking for. What do you recommend for my first peel, strength-wise? And do I need any prep for it or can I just "dive in"? Im looking at Ordering from the makeup artists's choice website.

 

[divadoll]

Thanks for the build-up Jackie but its all been a trial and error for me.  I'd been trying to get rid of some hyper pigmentation (freckling).  My skin is acne free and I don't have any acne scars because I'd never been acne prone.  I have no wrinkles or fine lines.  I have no experience with any of that so I'm only addressing freckling and a little unevenness in the texture of my skin. 

Please always start with the lowest concentration @30%.  I think my first was 50% and I had patches where I was missing all my epidermis and I was bleeding!!!  I did lower it to 30% and I could tolerate the stinging and itch for about 2 minutes. 
I switched to glycolic acid and I think it liked me better.  I didn't have as much redness nor scabbing as I did with the lactic.  I was also using 30% glycolic.  Keep the neutralizer very close at hand!!!   Good luck. Give us your insights after you use it.

I think retinoids (vitamin a) or retin-a in particular would be helpful for your active acne and the scarring.  Retinol would be a weak version of Retin-A.  I've read people having really good results with a retin-a but you require a prescription.

Originally Posted by Taylorator /img/forum/go_quote.gif

Thanks Andi. I believe I'll start with glycolic peels and see if the results are what I'm looking for. What do you recommend for my first peel, strength-wise? And do I need any prep for it or can I just "dive in"? Im looking at Ordering from the makeup artists's choice website.

 

[Andi]

Originally Posted by Taylorator /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Thanks Andi. I believe I'll start with glycolic peels and see if the results are what I'm looking for. What do you recommend for my first peel, strength-wise? And do I need any prep for it or can I just "dive in"? Im looking at Ordering from the makeup artists's choice website.

I would start with 30% glycolic. That´s what I started out with, then when I was finished with the bottle I went up to 40% and I don´t think I will go any higher. A higher % doesn´t always guarantee better results!

I don´t think you need any prep for glycolic peels. Just make sure you don´t use any manual exfoliation products (like scrubs, microdermabrasion scrubs, face brush etc) for a few nights before the peel. After you´ve done a few peels you´ll know how your skin reacts to them and how sensitive your skin is. Also, the peels usually come with pretty detailed instructions and if you follow them closely you should be ok.

You said you still have some active acne, whiteheads...I´m wondering if Salicylic acid peels would be an option? You can always e-mail the people at makeupartist´s choice, they have always been very helpful to me.

 

[divadoll]

You're who I would go and ask, Andi.  I don't know 1/8 of what you do!

 

[Andi]

Originally Posted by divadoll /img/forum/go_quote.gif

You're who I would go and ask, Andi.  I don't know 1/8 of what you do!

aww thanks

I´m just very interested in skincare and have always been not quite satisfied with how my skin looks. I want flawless perfect skin, damnit! lol

Btw, anyone who wants to do a TCA peel or other acne scar treatments, check out the acne scar forum on acne.org! I got so many helpful information there!

And I totally agree about Retin-A being great for active acne and improving skintone. Retin-A won´t do much for actual acne scars (icepicks, rolling or boxcar scars), but they can improve the dark marks left after acne and improve your overall skintone. These things can take time though (several months), while a TCA peel shows results as soon as the dead skin has peeled off. But still, even at home TCA does not perform miracles if you have really bad scarring

 

[divadoll]

She did mention she had a ton of whiteheads so she'll need to get that under control first.  I think peels would just do more harm than good if they burst!