Trichloroacetic acid is a chemical compound with similar properties to acetic acid in which the three hydrogen atoms of the methyl group have all been replaced by chlorine atoms.
Solutions containing trichloroacetic acid as an ingredient are used for cosmetic treatments such as chemical peels and tattoo removal and the treatment of warts. It is considered safe for use for this purpose during pregnancy.
Obagi Blue Peel®
The Obagi Blue Peel® mixes a patented Blue Base from Obagi with trichloroacetic acid. The application of Obagi Blue Peel® will remove thin surface layers of aged and damaged skin which uncovers healthier skin. The skin’s own clarity and tightness resurface.
Trichloroacetic Acid Peel
For more than a century, chemical facial peels have been performed to even the skin, reduce wrinkles, correct pigmentation problems, and level shallow scars.
TCA peels are considered medium-depth peels, going deeper than Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) peels, but not as invasive as phenol peels. Subsequently, TCA peels can rid the skin of imperfections such as finer wrinkles that AHA peels cannot, with much shorter recovery time associated with phenol peels.
Unlike phenol peels, TCA peels are suitable for most skin types and can be effective for people with darker-toned skin. They are less likely to leave your skin looking permanently bleached, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t any chance of discoloration. TCA peels are very popular because the concentration of acid used can be modified to the severity of the patient’s needs.
As with any peel, the skin will be left red and exposed during the recovery period and should be protected with effective sunscreen. However, in no time, new, healthier skin will surface.
Additionally, reproduction of collagen is increased significantly after TCA facial peel procedures, and the new surface skin becomes clear and smooth.
TCA facial peels are commonly used to:
• Repair skin damage from sun exposure
• Repair and remove fine facial Lines anywhere on your face
• Remove or decrease lip creases, crow’s feet, and deep forehead lines
• Remove dry flaky skin
• Remove lesions or
• Correct acne, pimples, black heads, and clogged pores by killing the bacteria
• Remove freckles and age spots on face the face or body
• Remove liver spots known as hyper pigmentation
• Lighten skin and dark spots.
• Lighten or remove tattoos
How Does a TCA Peel Work?
TCA is a potent chemical that, when used appropriately, can used in resurfacing the skin to improve its appearance. It should be administered only by a skilled and experienced physician. TCA removes damaged, blemished, and dead skin cells and levels uneven skin, leaving smoother and more glowing fresh skin. In addition to improving the tone and texture of the skin, TCA can reduce wrinkles, minimize surface blemishes and discolorations and diminishing the appearance of acne scars.
In some cases, your doctor will recommend one treatment to addresses the issues while other individuals will require multiple treatments, spaced several months apart. TCA treatments are used in conjunction with other skin-rejuvenating treatmentsand products to enhance the positive results.
The Treatment
A typical TCA peel treatment takes about 30 minutes. However, the exact length of treatment will depend on how many layers of the acid are applied to your skin. After cleansing the skin, the acid is applied by the doctor. You may feel a slight tingling sensation the first few minutes as the solution penetrates the dead layers of skin. Once the acid has reached its prescribed depth, the physician will apply a solution to neutralize the acid.
Your physician will minimize your discomfort using ice water, a fan, or perhaps, in some cases, even medication.
Where Can You Apply TCA Peels
This type of peel is useful for people with surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes, and pigmentation problems. TCA may be used on the neck as well as other areas of the body such as the hands, forearms, legs, and chest.
Recovery
Immediately after the procedure you will experience some skin irritation, redness, and swelling. During the next several days, your skin will tighten and darken. Four to seven days following the procedure, your skin will crack and peel, revealing tighter, smoother, and more youthful-looking skin.
You will need to protect you fresh skin with sunscreen for several weeks as your skin will be temporarily more susceptible to sunburn.