Good or Excellent Response
27%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
Moderate Response
57%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
Side Effects
Low-Medium
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist or plastic surgeon? Make an appointment to get this procedure done. Don't have a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find a dermatologist or the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to find a plastic surgeon.
Used Chemical Peels (Light / Superficial Peels)? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
August 16, 2008
Cons:
Can have down time, depending on the % and layers used.
This is how I do my TCA peel:
I use Retin-A (0.025 creme) every day (start with every other day until you're used to the Retin-A. I apply copper serum first and then apply the retin-A) for 4-6 weeks, then stop 1 week prior to the peel (do not use AHA/BHAs either).
I do a 12.5% (start with 8%) TCA peel, 1 layer.
2 hours post-peel, apply Copper Serum (just a few drops) by [link removed]
do not use any AHA/BHA/retin-a products until skin is completely healed (1-2 weeks), then repeat. My skin looks gorgeous now!~ I get my TCA peel from original skin care. I get the 25% and dilute it to 8% or 12.5%. I get my copper serum from [link removed]. I get my retin-a from canada ([link removed]) with a prescription from my doc.
August 8, 2008
Pros:
Got rid of hyperpigmentation and improved an acne scar
Cons:
Makes you look much worse than before the peel for a few days but it's worth it
I had a pretty bad zit (maybe cystic) which I ended up squeezing...bad idea. The zit healed quickly but left a very visible dark mark (east indian skin) and a scar in the middle. I used a TCA 12.5% solution on it and layered it 3 times before it was nice and frosted up. The next day it looked like a burn and got progressively worse for the next 3 days. By day 4 it started peeling out and low and behold...the hyperpigmentation was gone. The scar was even softer as well. It took a couple more days to peel out completely but the results were undeniable.
August 4, 2008
Pros:
After a week, I was healed.
Cons:
During that week, I looked horrible and would not go outside.
I used a 20% TCA peel. It thankfully did not leave any permanent damage. I do not think I will use it again because I did not notice any improvement in my skin tone.
July 15, 2008
Pros:
Cheap, easy, and you can do it yourself.
Great results!!
Cons:
None so far..
I am a brown skin woman with severe discoloration and acne scars. I used the 12.5% TCA peel from Makeup Artist Choice.
I was very cautious with this peel because my whole acne life, dermatologist always said that TCA peel were too strong for African American skin, and would cause worse discoloration than I already have. WHAT A CROCK OF SH*T!!!
The peel was great! And I didn't go over board with it. Meaning, I only did one layer and frosted minimally! I feel scammed from all of the derms I went to in the past. The TCA peel lifted 85% of my discoloration and improved my scars like 765%. This is single handedly the most improvement I have seen in any procedure I have had done, and I did it myself! I will do another peel in a month. I am going to follow the directions like I did with the peel. I apply 55% lactic acid in them mean time to prep my skin for the next TCA peel. Next time I will layer it. I think after the next peel all of my discoloration will be gone!
So glad I took
June 23, 2008
Pros:
lighten scars feel smother
Cons:
down time.
anyone who is going to do a peel or is doing a peel now, pls dont smoke, it will do more harm then good,it will make ur scar deeper.stop smoking a week before the peel and 2 weeks after u finlish the peel,it will be great if u can quit. and no sun.
March 21, 2008
Pros:
Clearer smoother sknin
Cons:
12.5% seems not effective to reduce scarring.
Definitely worth it. I tried TCA for red marks and scarring. Getting subcision done for rolling scars 1X per month and TCA 12.5% 2 weeks later 1X per month for a few months to see if results occur. This is 3 weeks into the first month. My skin is clearer and smoother. The TCA seems not to affect the scars only the general tone. Were going up in strength next month to 15%. I am optimistic. This is serious stuff so be careful.
February 9, 2008
Pros:
I had acne, uneven skin color and some scarring.
I used the EZPEEL from ANAIS skin care line. I apply it at night and the next morning I could feel my skin tighter, so so smooth and there is no downtime, so I could apply my makeup immediately.
Cons:
none
I love it! and you can use it for about 100 face peel.
January 30, 2008
Pros:
My skin feels amazing, looks amazing, almost no pain or downtime, not to mention the price is very reasonable
Cons:
red for a little while afterwards and you need to be careful about the sun which you should be regardless
if your scarring is considered "superficial" your dermatoligist or aesthican can determin this than definately go for it, and be sure to follow up with regular facial to keep your skin clear
December 17, 2007
Pros:
I've found TCA to offer the best results. After a few applications of 15% TCA my red marks are greatly reduced, with one or two more I think they will be gone, or I will try 20%/25%. I used 50% glycolic acid also but I find this much less effective
Cons:
Down time after treatment. With TCA it takes about 4-6 weeks before the skin is fully healed. In the mean time the area is quite red. Moisturiser is needed and possibly sunscreen. Don't use topical acne medications on the peeled area.
TCA is well worth the money and CAN get rid of red marks and ice pick scars, though you have to be very patient and use a few times on the same area.
November 7, 2007
Pros:
Seen improvement after first peel...and lightening of acne scars
Cons:
the peeling was annoying and became embarassing..a little pricey
it should be tried at least one ...im gonna follow up with two more treatements...and im gonna go back to my dermatologist for meds so i hope that my skin is significantly improved by the first of the year
Pros:
Evens skin tone, texture, reduces the appearance of pores, helps control breakouts, helps redice the appearance of shallow acne scars.