(TCA) TRICHLOROACETIC ACID PEEL INSTRUCTIONS

The Trichloroacetic Acid is often referred to as just (TCA) Peel, a medium cosmetic chemical peel, is 1 of the very most popular & reliable skin care treatments for treating imperfections. TCA treatments are used in several varying concentrations from a low percentage of 10% to the desired higher strength of 50% which gives much stronger peeling. Because the higher the concentration used, the deeper the chemical peel. When TCA is used correctly, this chemical peel can produce a immeasurable improvement in skin collagen & elastin in the facial skin which can produce a reduction of facial wrinkling, and it can remove acne scars, and remove dark skin spots. It can lighten and with a several treatments TCA can even remove tattoos the amount of treatments is dependent on “darkness of the tattoo ink and the depth of the tattoo”. Tattoos will progressively lighten with every treatment.

Medium peels using with the strength of 25% TCA can produce a deeper penetration than other light peels such as glycolic acid. The biggest draw back is that a medium peel causes/forces the skin to appear to have a severe sunburn (which is what actually makes the skin peel) and for about 1 week. Any person using a medium peel should keep the skin treated area out of the sun & protected using an antibacterial ointment during the week that the skin is healing. A 25% TCA chemical peel works best for most skin issues.

Please note: Your skin condition & the overall health should always be the determining factor if a TCA peel will be best for you. Pre-treatments can be necessary if the client is applying the solution to any thick skin area such as forearms, legs or heavily suntanned areas etc. The strength of the TCA solution to be used, the amount of the healing time duration should be a factor in how long the solution should be left on anyone’s skin and may need to be determined by skincare specialists. Applying a TCA chemical peel product without any medical consultation can constitute using it at the clients own risk. Please note that the seller of this product will not be familiar with buyer’s/users skin type, and their skin condition, plus any prior history concerning skin sensitivity etc so the seller can not make any personal recommendations of any kind when it comes to a chemical peel that the user should purchase for any one who is considering using/purchasing. Seller cannot be held liable for any negative or damaging results that might be obtained with any proper or improper use of this TCA chemical peel product on any person.

Side Effects:

The 1st week after the peel the skin will be red & perhaps somewhat swollen. The skin can also burn & it can possibly weep slightly for a day or two and this can be normal.

It can be a very common side effect after a peel for the skin to turn brown or the skin to have some discoloration. This is almost always reversible but in very rare cases can be permanent but this is an extreme case(s) only and is usually brought on by the user when they have over burnt their skin by leaving the solution on too long or used the TCA at too high of a solution concentration. Another very common reason can be because the user has been exposed to very excessive sunrays after the peel & they have not been protecting the skin with a good sunscreen/sunblock of SPF 35 or stronger.

If the client/user is prone to cold sores, a peel can cause cold sores to flare. Clients can help prevent this by using Lysine for 1-2 weeks prior to the use of a TCA chemical peel (or they should consult their doctor in extreme cases).

Peels can often cause persistent redness or pinkness of the skin or a ultimate de-pigmentation, although this is usually extremely rare & should also clear up after the skin has completely healed.

client/user Precausions:

If the client-user posses any of these issues listed below a DR’s advice is highly recommended so that the precautions can be taken:

Recurring Past herpes simplex (cold sores) or Facial Warts
Any Prior bad reactions to a chemical peel or Microdermabrasion, A history of sun allergies, Pregnant or breast-feeding, recent radiation treatment(s) for cancer, Keloid or hypertrophic skin scars.

Clients or users of the product Accutane should not use TCA within a the period for at least six (6) months after his or her last treatment nor should Accutane be taken for at least six months after the TCA chemical peel either. As there have been reports of skin scarring in people who have taken Accutane after a peel.

Other precautions are for anyone who may have had a sunburn or any significant sun exposure in the last few days. Surgery or cryosurgery in the last six weeks to the area that is to be treated.

Do NOT use on children. TCA causes a burning on the skin.

Before The Peel Treatment steps:

For at least 3 to 4 weeks prior to using any TCA chemical peel a client/user should stop using exfoliating sponges or buffing pads. Any hair removal treatments should be discontinued at least 3 to 4 weeks before the chemical peel and the user should avoid shaving the day of the peel.

Every night before the client/user goes to bed, starting at least 2 weeks before any TCA chemical peel, that client should begin applying a mild AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid 3-8%) cream or Pre-Treatment lotion cream to the entire face or to any other areas that they plan on treating. This will condition the skin & helps to begin the exfoliation process which enhances the TCA treatment, resulting in a better and giving a more even skin peel.

A some caution should be taken when it comes to treating Warts, skin Moles and Skin Tags:

These growths should turn white (frost) after applying 1-3 coats of a strong TCA chemical peel solution. Rinse thoroughly with cold water after 4 minutes. The frost should fade after 20 to 30 minutes. It is always best to keep the skin area moist with ointment or petroleum jelly. This helps to relieve the skin dryness that comes with the treated skin which is getting ready to peel. The growths can start to peel off within a week. If any portions of them remain, reapply the solution a 2nd time, using the same procedure. TCA is not for use on internal warts or growths.

When treating warts, moles, and skin tags skin issues does not require all of the usual steps as a facial peel. First cleanse the skin area to be treated and just apply the solution to the growths, being careful to avoid the surrounding skin. 50% strength TCA works very well for most cases. Please note: TCA is for external use only.

REMEMBER TO DILUTE & DO A PATCH TEST

How the Peel is Done:

Please be sure to do a patch test close to any skin area that you plan to do the TCA peel on as this is the only way to determine your skin’s reaction to the TCA chemical solution and testing the TCA behind your ear is a very good skin area when you are planning on doing a facial TCA chemical peel. Please know that not everyone's skin will react the exact same to the skin peel solution as some users peel a lot more than others & some will peel much less so this will be a vital step (doing a spot test) so there will not be any big surprises for the user. A 25% TCA works best for most skin issues but in rare cases a solution weaker than 25% may be required and repeating in a short can also give you best results when your wanting stronger peeling. So using too strong of a TCA solution can result in darkening of the skin and or scarring. Stronger is not always better with facial skin peels. A full facial treatment or a treatment on large areas with 50% TCA is not recommended unless you have done a test patch first and 50% should only be used only (if you have tested your skin first or for spot issues such as acne scars, warts, moles, and tattoos. Mix just a small portion of a 100% or 50% TCA down to 25% so that you will have remaining solution for future treatments. Do NOT use metal bowls or utensils for mixing. You should treat the patch test as you would the complete peel... keeping the skin moist with ointment or using Vaseline and keep the skin out of the sun for a week. Then your determine whether to use a 50%, 25% TCA or if you still might want to dilute it to a weaker solution for your first TCA peel treatment. Remember a number of factors always comes into play, such as any skin allergies, or previous peels, etc. So doing the patch test first before undergoing a complete TCA chemical peel. So you are responsible for it's correct usage.

To Dilute:

For a 50% Solution: Mix 1 part 100% TCA with 1 part water (example: 1 capful TCA with 1 capful water).

For a 25% Solution: Mix 1 part 50% TCA with 1 part water (equal amounts).

For a 12% Solution: Mix 1 part 25% TCA with 1 part water (equal amounts).

For variations between 50% and 12% just add a little more or less water.)

A 50% solution will result in a deep medium peel, whereas the 25% will give you a lighter peel and a 10% strength gives you a "lunch time" peel.

Procedure: Step 1 is to first cleanse the skin with a cleanser with warm water. Then to remove any oils from the skin wipe it down with an alcohol prep pad and for an extra protection, you may also choose to apply a small amount of ointment around the eyes so as to protect that area. A 25% TCA solution is the average strength used for time users as it can give you good results without a prolonged healing recovery time. The skin around the eye area is thinner; so you many want to use a weaker solution there. Be sure to avoid getting the solution too close to the eyes. After completing your patch test & determining what strength you want to use, apply a very even coat of the TCA solution using a cotton swab or cotton pad. Using a Q-tip in hard to reach areas. Do not scrub or rub any skin areas that might need more exfoliation than others. The skin could burn. The treated skin can frost (turn white) after just a minute or so. Applying a 2nd coat of TCA to problem skin areas which have frosted. The frost will indicate that the TCA has penetrated and is working as it should have. (This is very normal and it will subside quickly. The frost should fade in 20-30 minutes after applying the TCA solution). The TCA solution will be left on the skin for several minutes (1-2), depending on the skin type, condition, and results desired. You will want to cool the treated skin area at this time since the burning will be intense. Having an electric fan or ice cubes ready to use can help immensely with the burning. Rinse the treated area several times with very cool water & apply cool compresses (water dampened cotton or cloths) after the 1-2 minute application has completed, and gently blotting the skin to remove any excess TCA solution and also to cool the burning skin. Do not rub the skin area, as it will now be somewhat sensitive. A neutralizer is not necessary because the natural pH always returns after a few minutes, but if you prefer using one, you can make your own simply by mixing 8 ounces of water and adding two teaspoons baking soda and stir to mix. Then just apply your neutralizer with some cotton ball to the treated skin area. This treated skin area will soon begin to change to a pink/brownish color and this is to be expected. Next applying a thin layer of a protective antibacterial ointment is recommended. While the skin is in the healing process you should wash your skin with a warm soapy water twice a day. During the healing time the skin will soon begin to feel better, although it is very normal that a very slight burning sensation may continue for a bit.

Note: If you are only using a 10% or 12.5% solution as suggested for a "lunchtime peel," there will be no need to use any antibiotic ointments. But it is essential that you use a good sunblock for a week or so following the "lunchtime peel" treatment. Lunch time peels only lightly flake as they don't go through a real peeling process the same as a 50% or 25% TCA chemical peel treatment.

After Care Treatment:

For the next 7-12 days after applying the peel solution, clean the skin with warm water using the mild liquid cleanser and it is vital to only use your fingertips and not a wash cloth since the skin will be very sensitive at this time and you want to keep from pulling the skin. Avoid using any abrasive products or exfoliating sponges as they can tear the soft skin tissue. After cleansing the skin you can pat dry with a soft clean towel & then apply a lubricating ointment such as Vaseline to keep the peeling skin soft and the new skin underneath protected.

It is very normal that your skin will turn brown and it can wrinkle up and even get a heavy crust to it much like a bad sunburn. The skin can possibility turn very brown and the outer layer of skin that is in the process of peeling/exfoliating should be keep very moist each day with ointment. This is very imperative Do not peel, pick, or scratch any of the exfoliating/peeling skin as this can cause skin scaring. Advil, Nuprin, or Ibuprofen (200 mg) may be taken 3-4 times daily with food to reduce swelling and discomfort, if needed.

Also avoiding any sun exposure is also necessary and this also includes tanning beds as direct sunlight on the newly treated skin after a peel can easily cause brown discoloration on the new peeled skin. A sunscreen of SPF 35 or higher absolutely should be applied every morning before going outdoors and reapplied throughout the day as directed on the sunscreen.

With (TCA) Trichloroacetic acid peels, any scarring or brown skin discoloration is very unlikely unless the client uses tanning salons after having the treatment or moves about in the direct sun without using a sunscreen during the first 6 months following the procedure. Daily sunscreen use should continue indefinitely to prevent any new photo damage from occurring from UV Rays. The new skin will/can have a pinkish color for several days, perhaps even weeks after the TCA chemical peel "depending on strength of the solution and skin condition". If there is a persistent redness in the skin area that doesn't seem to be fading after the first few weeks, let the Dr know. Persistent skin redness can lead to a brown discoloration of that red skin area and scaring if it is not treated quickly.

For a minimum of 30 days after the peel, you should not have hair removed done with/by any technique(s) as that can cause severe irritation of the skin resulting in skin scaring. You use of makeup can be resumed in about one week after the peel, provided there is no crusting or tenderness as it could possibly cause more skin irritation.

You may want to do a touch up or to re-apply the solution a second time after the initial peel but waiting a minimum of 7-8 weeks before re-applying the TCA chemical peel as it can take that long for your skin to completely heal.