TCA Peel

The TCA peel consists of causing the skin to peel using a chemical active ingredient, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), a non-toxic and non-allergenic derivative of vinegar acid.

The TCA peel is a "medium" peel, which means that it can act depending on its concentration, right up to the junction between the epidermis and the dermis. Whereas soft peels stop at the epidermis and the strong peel goes as far as the dermis. This is the type of peel most commonly performed by aesthetic doctors.

Depending on the expected result, the aesthetic doctor uses a TCA concentration ranging from 15% to 50%. 

15% TCA is equivalent to a superficial peel.

20-25-30% TCA is a medium peel.

40% TCA is a deep peel, most doctors will prefer to use phenol.

The concentration most appreciated by doctors is between 20 and 30%.

15% TCA Peel

By chemically abrading the skin, the TCA peel forces it to regenerate by producing collagen and new cells. The deep layers of the skin are repaired and serve as the foundation for a more beautiful and rejuvenated surface skin.

The TCA peel is indicated for:

• Radiance boos
• Treatment of Wrinkles, Fine Lines and Wrinkled Skin
• Skin slackening, loss of firmness
• Enlarged pores
• Acne scars, stretch marks 
• Brown spots 

The doctor determines the treatment protocol:

1.        TCA concentration level

2.        Break time

3.        Number of successive coats to be applied

The skin is first exfoliated to get rid of its dead cells.

Then the peel is applied with a brush on the face or any other area to be treated.

The patient may feel a tingling sensation and a warm feeling.

When the skin begins to turn white, the doctor stops the chemical action of the TCA

 with a compress of water or a neutralizing solution.

Only an experienced doctor can perform this procedure.

A 15% TCA peel often needs to be repeated several times, for example four sessions at two-week intervals.

For a 30% or 50% TCA peel, a single session is sufficient.

La peau est rosée à très rouge. Plus la concentration en TCA utilisée dans le peeling est élevé, plus la desquamation est importante, et plus l’éviction sociale est longue, jusqu’à une semaine.

Après un peeling TCA concentré à 30% et plus, la desquamation est spectaculaire.

Avec un peeling TCA à 15%, la peau pèle légèrement et permet de reprendre ses activités aussitôt.

It is important not to expose yourself to the sun before and especially after a TCA peel. A very deep peel with 50% TCA requires sun protection such as a sunscreen for at least three months.

The results are progressive, allowing time for the skin to regenerate in depth. They are often optimized within three months for a 15% TCA peel protocol and after one month for a deep TCA peel.

The TCA peel is not indicated in the following cases:

• Wound healing disorders
• Skin infections (herpes, etc.)
• Dark skin: this procedure cannot be performed on all skin types. Skin that is too dark cannot be treated, as it presents a risk of depigmentation. 
• Pregnancy