TCA peels are commonly used for light peels since the acid concentration level is a medium strength. This makes it very effective against wrinkles, freckles, pigmentation changes, surface blemishes and acne. Often, about four to five TCA chemical peels are required for the desired results to be achieved. TCA peels only affect the upper layer of the skin known as the epidermis, whereas the deeper peels which are more concentrated affect the dermis which underlies the epidermis. The main purpose of using a chemical peel is to eliminate wrinkly and old skin together
with the pigmented and sun damaged parts. This will then lead to the generation of a newer and fresher skin layer. The peel also reduces the fine lines found underneath the eyes and also surrounding the mouth. A peel will also efficiently improve how a shallow scar appears together with treating acne scars.
Phenol acid is the strongest of all the chemical peels and is used to treat medium deep wrinkles together with changes in pigmentation. Patients who have a huge tendency of form excessive scar tissues and other irregular scar formation are not eligible candidates to use this form of peel. No sedation is required for the chemical peel; however, a local anaesthetic is applied during the deep chemical peel so that it numbs the face. Patients may feel pain after this peel that may last several days. The face will also swell especially during the first two days followed by itching during the peeling and healing durations. There is also a certain risk of complication that may arise. This includes the temporary discolouration of the area treated.
TCA peel application normally takes around twenty minutes to completion. Normally the patient is expected to apply pre peel skin care product on their skin two weeks before the treatment. The cream contains the active agents that help in preparing the skin and at the same time ensuring that its ability to produce new skin cells afterward is improved. Once the skin has been cleansed to remove the oil the peeling agent is then carefully applied. What follows is a warm sensation that will feel like sunburn. This will only last for a few minutes and will be relieved after the post peel mask is applied. The result is a smoother, fresher skin where blemishes and imperfections have been reduced significantly.