TCA 25% how it works

TCA chemical peel is recommended for use on damaged skin including: 

• Hyperpigmentation
• Sun Damage
• Pre-Cancerous Lesions
• Acne
• Lines
• Lip Creases
• Freckling

TCA is applied in multiple layers. Begin with 1 layer and work up to 3-5 layers before moving up to a higher percentage. 

The 25% TCA peel is a deeper peel. We would consider this safe for an advanced peeler (applied 5 layers of a 12.5% TCA previously, or 60% + glycolic peels for an extended period of time). 

When you have reached the point that you can apply the full 5 layers of solution, then you are ready to move up to the next strength. It is NOT a race to apply a higher percentage, so peel safely and responsibly. 

TCA is generally considered safe for darker skinned individuals.

TCA will improve color, freshness, texture, skin tone, and fine wrinkles. It will also improve superficial discoloration, such as age spots. It may improve blotches and can sometimes improve dark circles under your eyes.

TCA is a natural 2nd step when other acids stop producing benefits.  

*You must prepare your skin for any acid peel (especially a medium depth acid such as TCA). 

If you are prone to fever blisters, the acid can cause a breakout. Prescription medications must be used before a TCA peel is applied or the breakouts could cause scarring. 

TCA may produce some unintended color changes in the skin. This may be prevented by using a bleaching cream 2-3 weeks prior to treatment and usually occurs with darker skin. 

We highly recommend the Fading Gel for this purpose.

After you have prepared your skin for 2 weeks (using Fading Gel if you have pigmented skin or are prone to freckling), we suggest the following application process:

1. Wash face with acidic cleanser.
2. Dry and apply 1-2 layers of Peel Prep Solution B. This will aid in numbing the skin slightly for a more comfortable peel.
3. Air Dry. 
4. Apply peel for suggested time frame on direction sheet. 
5. Rinse well with cool - cold water.

TCA gets its strength from being applied in multiple layers. A layer is a single application of the acid during a peel treatment. Multiple layers will be applied to progress the peel deeper into the skin – without washing off any previous layers. The first layer is applied (approximately a 3-5 minute time frame) - the proteins in the skin coagulate, then the peel self-neutralizes. Then the second layer is applied directly on top of the first. It will go through the first layer and coagulate the layer below (another 3-5 minutes) then self-neutralize. This process generally goes 2-5 layers. 


If you have never had a TCA Peel before, we suggest applying only 1 layer the first time you perform the peel. You can then strengthen the peel with additional layers as you move forward in the process. 


We suggest the GORGEOUS PEEL for beginners and those with sensitive skin.