How to Administer an At-Home TCA Chemical Peel
The roller coaster economy does not seem to be getting on track any time soon, and we are all looking to save money wherever we can. One of the best ways to reduce your beauty bill – without sacrificing your good looks – is administering your own TCA chemical peel.
TCA Chemical peels are widely available online. Make sure you do your research on a company and read product reviews before purchasing a chemical peel. If a company is not reputable or the chemical peels get poor reviews, you are only wasting your money by purchasing the product.
When your TCA chemical peel arrives in the mail, do a spot test on the inside of your arm. Not only is this skin sensitive like the skin on your face, it is easy to hide in case you have a bad reaction to the peel. Leave the chemical peel on for a few minutes then neutralize it and wash it away with water. Observe the area for about one day; if you do not see any adverse reactions you are probably okay to use it on your face.
As soon as you are ready to apply your chemical peel, cleanse your face thoroughly. Do not use a harsh exfoliate, but make sure to clean your face completely. Any residual oils or makeup will only get in between your chemical peel and your skin, which may cause the peel to be less effective. Dab the chemical peel on your face with a cotton ball or cotton swab. Make sure you apply an even layer on your entire face, or you could see blotchiness when the chemical peel is removed. The peel will start working as soon as it is applied – the process will be quick and efficient.
Leave the TCA chemical peel in place for 1-2 minutes. Check the packaging to make sure you do not leave the chemical peel on your face too long. Leaving it in place for more than the recommended time could cause permanent scarring and discoloration. If you feel any discomfort after the peel is neutralized – such as mild burning or stinging – use a saline and ice solution on the area and the discomfort will disappear. Apply Vaseline or an oil-based ointment to your skin to keep it moisturized.
Depending on the depth of your peel, you will recover immediately or within a few days. Refer to the packaging to see exactly how long your recovery time will be. Until your skin is fully recovered from the chemical peel, cleanse your face with soap and water only, harsh chemicals and exfoliates can irritate your skin. Try to avoid extended time in the sun. The sun’s rays are one the biggest causes of skin damage, and they can be especially damaging when your skin is vulnerable after a TCA chemical peel. Always apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher before you leave your home. If you plan to spend extended time in the sun, wear a hat and sunglasses and carry an umbrella to protect your skin.
At-home TCA chemical peels are just as safe as those that are applied in a dermatologist or doctor’s office. If you do your research and follow the directions, you will experience the same results that you could get from a professional chemical peel!