TCA PEELS may also help skin cancer !

If you think facial resurfacing procedures are just cosmetic, think again.

Facial resurfacing techniques - medical treatments that improve the look and feel of skin - are popular with patients looking to treat signs of photoaging (premature aging caused by ultraviolet exposure) like wrinkles, fine lines, leatheriness, discoloration, and sagging skin. But research now shows that chemical and laser peels (as well as other techniques) similar to the ones dermatologists use to restore skin's youthful appearance may help prevent skin cancer, too.

In a recent study conducted at the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Medical Center in California, facial resurfacing methods including carbon dioxide (CO2) laser resurfacing and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels successfully treated actinic keratosis (AK), the most common skin precancer. These scaly or crusty growths often appear on areas of the body frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, lips, bald scalp, backs of the hands and forearms, shoulders and neck. Up to 10 percent of actinic keratoses develop into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the second most common skin cancer; in fact, many dermatologists believe that actinic keratoses are actually an early stage of squamous cell carcinoma. Since 40-60 percent of all squamous cell carcinomas start as actinic keratoses, the success of these facial resurfacing techniques in treating actinic keratoses suggests that the procedures can help prevent many skin cancers.

Liquid nitrogen, or LN2 cryotherapy, a destructive method which freezes lesions and causes them to fall off, is the most common AK treatment. But in the VA study, Susan M. Swetter, MD, and colleagues treated 24 patients with either a 30 percent TCA chemical peel, a 5 percent fluorouracil (5-FU) cream (a topical medication) applied twice a day for three weeks, or a CO2 laser peel to assess both reductions in development of actinic keratoses and prevention of nonmelanoma skin cancers. All participants had histories of facial or scalp actinic keratoses and/or basal or squamous cell carcinoma (BCC or SCC).

Following treatment, all subjects were examined every three months for two years, and all procedures proved to reduce incidence of actinic keratoses effectively at the first three-month evaluation post-treatment. With 5-FU, the number decreased from almost 62 before treatment to less than 9 (83 percent reduction) three months after treatment; with TCA, the number was reduced from over 83 to less than 8 (89 percent); with the laser, from 78 to 5.5 (92 percent reduction). And all three methods reduced basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas significantly (TCA by 40 percent) in up to 4.5 years of long-term follow-up, compared to the number found in a sampling of patients (control group) who were not treated.

While the three treatments performed comparably, one method was most popular with patients. "From a subjective standpoint," notes Dr. Swetter, "the TCA arm was tolerated more favorably, with rapid time to healing and less discomfort than the 5-FU and CO2 laser arms."

The study was small, so "larger samples are definitely needed to confirm our findings," Dr. Swetter explains. But the outcome was nonetheless extremely promising, not only for expanding the arsenal of actinic keratosis treatments, but in offering another tool for skin cancer prevention.

We highly recommend the gorgeous peel from I'M FABULOUS.COM

Trichloroacetic Acid peel instructions

Trichloroacetic Acid peel instructions

The Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) Peel, a medium peel, is one of the most popular and reliable treatments for skin imperfections. Trichloroacetic acid treatments can be used in varying concentrations from as low as 10% to as high as 50% -- The higher the concentration, the deeper the peel. When used in a controlled fashion, TCA peels produce improvement in collagen and elastin in the skin and reduction of fine wrinkling, acne scars, and dark spots. It will lighten or even diminish tattoos (depending on darkness and depth of tattoo). Tattoos progressively lighten with each treatment. Medium peels (25% TCA) produce a deeper penetration than light peels such as glycolic. 

The draw back is that a medium peel causes the skin to appear to have a severe sunburn for about one week. A person having a medium peel must keep the treated skin out of the sun and protected with antibacterial ointment for about one week. 25% TCA works best for most skin issues.

Warning to Client/Patient: Skin condition and overall health are factors in determining whether you are a good candidate for a TCA Peel. Pretreatment medications (if needed), the strength of solution to be used, and duration and depth of the peel may need to be determined by a qualified skincare practitioner. Applying this product without proper medical consultation constitutes using it at your own risk. The seller of this product is not familiar with buyer’s skin type, condition, skin history, or sensitivity and does not make personal recommendations of any kind to any buyer. Seller is not liable for negative or damaging results that may be obtained by proper or improper use of this product on any person.

Side Effects:

 The first week after the peel the skin may be red and perhaps swollen. The skin may also burn and may weep slightly.

 Peels can sometimes cause persistent redness of the skin and ultimate de-pigmentation, although this is rare.

 The most common side effect after a peel is brown discoloration of the skin. This is usually reversible but can rarely be permanent. This side effect usually occurs only in those who have had excessive sun exposure after the peel and who are not protecting the skin with sunscreen SPF 25 or higher.

 If the client gets cold sores, a peel can cause them to flare. Client should begin taking Lysine 1-2 weeks prior to a peel (or consult their doctor).

Precautions to Clients:

If the client has any of the following issues or contraindications, a doctor’s advice is recommended so that precautions can be taken:

 Recurring Facial Warts
 Prior bad reaction to a peel or dermabrasion
 Past herpes simplex (cold sores)
 History of sun allergies
 Recent radiation treatment for cancer
 Keloid or hypertrophic scars (thick scars)
 Pregnant or breast-feeding
 Accutane use within the past six (6) months. Accutane should not be taken for at least six months after the peel either. There are reports of scarring in people who have taken Accutane after a peel.
 Sunburn or significant sun exposure in the last two days
 Surgery or cryosurgery within the last six weeks to the area that is to be treated.

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

Warts, Moles, Skin Tags:

Treating skin issues such as warts, moles, and skin tags does not require all of the steps as for a facial peel. After cleansing the area to be treated, just apply the solution to the growths, avoiding surrounding skin. 50% TCA works well on most cases. The growths should turn white (frost) after applying 1-3 coats. Rinse off after 4 minutes. The frost will fade after 20-30 minutes. Keep the area moist with ointment or petroleum jelly. The growths should peel off within a week. If portions remain, reapply the solution a second time, same procedure. Not for use on internal warts or growths. For external use only.

What to Do Before The Peel:

At least three to four weeks before the peel client should stop using exfoliating sponges or buff pads. All forms of hair removal should be discontinued at least three to four weeks before the peel. Client should avoid shaving the day of the peel.

Each night before client goes to bed, starting at least two weeks before the peel, client needs to begin applying a mild AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid 3-8%) cream or lotion to the entire face and to any other areas that will be treated. This conditions the skin and begins the exfoliation process. It enhances the TCA treatment, resulting in a more even peel.

 REMEMBER TO DILUTE  DO A PATCH TEST

How the Peel is Done:

ALWAYS do a patch test close to the area you wish to peel to determine the skin’s reaction to the solution. Not everyone's skin reacts the same to skin peel solution... some peel more than others and some less. 25% TCA works best for most skin issues. A solution weaker than 25% may be required. Using too strong of a solution could result in darkening of the skin and scarring. Stronger is not better with skin peels. A full facial treatment or a treatment on large areas with 50% TCA is NOT recommended. 50% should be used only for spot issues such as acne scars, warts, moles, and tattoos. Mix just a small portion of the 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. Treat the patch test as you would the complete peel... keep it moist with ointment and out of the sun for a week. Then determine whether to use the full 25% TCA or to dilute it to a weaker solution for your full treatment. A number of factors come into play, such as allergies, previous peels, etc. Always do the patch test before undergoing a complete peel. You are responsible for it's usage. Mixing TCA can be risky. It is better to let professional estheticians or physician do that. It is always better to get a peel ready to use. 

A 25% solution will result in a medium peel, whereas the 12% will give you a lighter "lunchtime" peel, comparable to a 30% glycolic treatment. Glycolic is much irritating to the skin and will make your skin red.

We highly recommend the Gorgeous peel from I'M FABULOUS COSMETICS, because it is a great safe peel and you can control the peeling. THe more you use it the more you will peel. YOu can do up to 3 layers and you can do it as often as everyday. But always do a patch test first using a Q-tip. You can order it at im-fabulous.com

Procedure: First cleanse the skin with a mild cleanser and remove oils from the skin with an alcohol prep pad. For extra protection, you may want to apply a small amount of ointment around the eyes to protect that area. A 25% TCA solution is the average strength used for normal skin and gives good results without a prolonged recovery period. - Using too strong a solution may result in scarring or discoloration. Skin around the eye area is thinner; a weaker solution should be used there. Avoid getting the solution too close to the eyes. After completing the patch test and determining what strength to use, apply an even coat of the TCA solution using a cotton swab or cotton pad. Do not scrub any areas that may need more exfoliation than others. The skin will burn. The treated skin should frost (turn white) after just a minute or so. Apply a second coat of TCA to problem areas or if the skin is not frosting. The frost indicates that the TCA is penetrating and working as it should. (This is normal and will subside. The frost will fade within 20-30 minutes after the treatment). The solution will be left on the skin for several minutes (3-4), depending on the skin type, condition, and results desired. You will want to fan the treated area at this time since the burning will be intense. Rinse the treated area with cool water and apply cool compresses (water dampened cotton or cloths) after the 3-4 minute application, gently blotting the skin to remove excess solution and to cool the skin. Do not rub the area, as it is now somewhat sensitive. A neutralizer is not necessary, but if you prefer to have one on hand, you may make your own by mixing one cup water with two teaspoons baking soda; simply apply it with cotton pads on the treated area. The treated area will soon begin to take on a pink/brownish color. Next apply a thin coat of protective triple-antibacterial ointment. During this time the skin will begin to feel better, although a very slight burning sensation may continue for a while.

Note: If you are only applying a 12.5% solution for a light peel, there is no need to apply ointment. DO apply a sunblock for a week or so following the light peel treatment. Lunchtime peels lightly flake... they do not peel the same as the 25% TCA treatment.

Post Treatment Care:

For 7-12 days after the peel, clean the skin with warm water using the mild liquid cleanser. Use fingertips (not a wash cloth) since the skin is very sensitive at this time. Avoid the use of abrasive or exfoliating sponges. After cleansing, pat dry with a clean towel, and then apply ointment to keep the exfoliating skin soft and the new skin protected.

The skin will turn brown, wrinkle up, and crust, much like a bad sunburn. It is this browned outer layer of skin that is in the process of exfoliating. Keep it moist each day with ointment. Do not peel, pick, or scratch the exfoliating skin. Advil, Nuprin, or Ibuprofen (200 mg) may be taken 3-4 times daily with food to reduce swelling and discomfort, if needed.

Avoid sun exposure -- this includes tanning beds. Sunlight on the skin after a peel can cause brown discoloration of the new skin. A sunscreen of SPF 25 or higher should be applied every morning before going outdoors. With trichloroacetic acid peels, scarring and brown discoloration of the skin is unlikely unless the client goes to a tanning salon after having the treatment or lies out in the sun. Daily sunscreen use should continue indefinitely to prevent new photo damage from occurring. The new skin will have a pinkish color for several days, perhaps weeks after the peel (depending on solution strength and skin condition). If there is persistent redness in an area that doesn’t seem to be fading after the first few weeks, let the doctor know. Persistent redness of the skin can lead to brown discoloration of the red area and a scar if it is not treated right away.

For a minimum of one month after the peel, do not have hair removed by any technique. It can cause severe irritation of the skin. Make-up application may be resumed one week after the peel, provided there is no crusting or tenderness.

Touch-ups or a second peel may be needed after the initial peel. Wait at least 4-6 weeks before reapplying the TCA.

Diluting Trichloroacetic Acid is not recommended, much safer to buy a peel already mixed!

We highly recommend those skin peels.