You’d be forgiven if you’re quick to conjure up images that are less than desirable when you hear the words ‘chemical peel’ : red, raw, agitated and stinging skin. Fortunately, non-invasive TCA peels couldn’t be further from snake-like shedding and a blistered face.
First things first, TCA – trichloroacetic acid – is gentle by nature and safe when administered by a qualified cosmetic appearance medicine nurse practitioner or plastic surgeon. The depth of the skin peel can be adjusted by the strength of the acid used. Any peel with a strength above 10% is considered medical grade and should not be performed by untrained hands.
Determining your strength should be done after careful consultation with a nurse. For example, those seeking to remedy mild acne scarring would benefit from a high strength peel of 25-30%, however, if scarring proves resistant to a peel, additional measures, like laser resurfacing may be a more effective option.
Problem skin is not the sole reason to reach for a TCA peel. If you’re experiencing fine lines and wrinkles, skin tone and textural issues or age spots and discolouration, a TCA peel can come to the party. When the skin is peeled, new cell turnover occurs and ‘neocollagensis’ –the process of forming new collagen in response to wound-repair and inflammation – occurs. When you undergo twice yearly TCA peels, long-term collagen remodeling plays out and the skin experiences an increase in procollagen and matrix metalloproteinases (key enzymes involved in wound healing). In between peels, applying topical retinoids such as the IS Skincare Retinol + Emulsion 0.3% to support the benefits of peeling is key.
Spring is an ideal time to undergo a TCA peel as reduced daylight hours means there are fewer UV rays on our skin, so we’re not accumulating sun damage whilst regenerating new skin. Speaking of the sun, TCA peels step in where the sun has been, exfoliating away dead and dull skin cells from over sun exposure.
As for actual skin peeling post-treatment, peeling times vary from person-to-person. The day after your peel your skin may feel red, tight and dry, with actual peeling beginning anytime from Day two onwards. Typically, you can expect the bulk of skin flaking to occur across days two-to-five.
Following all after-care instructions is a given. This also includes ensuring your skin stays hydrated and protected with SPF, minus the use of makeup. Avoiding strenuous exercise is also a must to keep sweating at bay, and washing the skin with luke warm water – no harsh cleansers or exfoliators.
Once all flaking has finished and your new radiant complexion has come into full fore, you can resume your usual skincare and exercise regime, and makeup use.
TCA peels can be performed year-round, speak to our team of qualified appearance medicine nurses to book your facial rejuvenation consultation.
