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TCA peeling: what is it and when is it appropriate?
Do you suffer from blemishes, fine lines, dull skin or perhaps Even (acne) scars? In that case, tellAnd we'd love to give you more About de beautiful and special effect of a TCA–peel. But what makes it so special and what's the difference Among all those other peels on the market? No worries, us Are here to get your all ins and outs to share about TCA.
In this article, you will discover what these powertreatment exactly, who will be happy about it (spoiler: you probably!) and when it's best to be can start. Put Brace yourself for fresh, radiant skin!
What is a TCA peel?
A TCA peeling is a medical peel used to improve skin texture and complexion. Voluit stands for Trichloroacetic acid peel (That almost sounds like a chemistry class lol, So let's stick with TCA). You can think of this treatment as A chemical peel With which to completely revitalizes. If you are considering a TCA peel, it is important to have it performed by a qualified dermatologist or skin therapist. Exfoliation is applied to cleansed skin. You often feel a tingling or burning sensation that lasts for several minutes. The skin may turn red and peel afterwards. Depending on the depth, healing takes from a few days to several weeks.
TCA vs other peels
Compared to other acids such as lactic, glycolic and salicylic acids, TCA can get even deeper into your skin. That may sound a little exciting, but did you know that deeper stimulation is exactly what makes it easier to keep our cells active?
TCA, then, is perfect for a host of skin problems. It shakes up various cells deep in the skin, making them more active again. This not only removes all dead skin cells on the surface, but your skin will also produce more collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. In other words, your skin will completely renew itself, making it shine again with a beautiful glow, fewer spots, wrinkles and blemishes and in addition, your skin will be tighter with better hydration. Who wouldn't want that?
Who is a TCA peel suitable for?
Are you wondering if a TCA peel is right for you is? The answer is YES, if you:
- Pigment spots have from perhaps enjoying the glorious sun a little too much
- Fine lines and wrinkles seen that become just a little too visible for your likings
- You're bothered by acne scars
- You always get told if you slept well and your skin has lost its luster a bit
- You literally don't feel comfortable anymore and your skin is bringing you down (or we call it by its name: sagging)
In all of these situations, TCA may offer a good solution to help you go through life more confident and radiant again.
When is the best time to do a TCA peel?
Timing is everything, right? So we recommend scheduling your TCA peel at a good time. Basically, autumn is the most ideal time to take a TCA peel. Why? As you can imagine, with such a powerful, deep effect, there may also be some more visible effects (think redness, scabs) and the skin needs a little longer to recover. Generally, that's more pleasant when you're indoors more and don't have fun festivals, vacation trips or patio dates planned, right? Also, in the winter, you don't have to worry so much about whether you can stay out of the sun with your temporarily more sensitive muzzle. After all, did you know that if you go out in the sun unprotected right after a TCA treatment, the risk of new pigmentation spots is a lot higher? Of course, that would be a shame!
Basically, no. However, this depends mainly on your lifestyle and handling of sun exposure. As long as you protect yourself very well with an SPF50 and follow the advice, a lot is possible. However, TCA is such a power peel that we usually prefer to save it for the colder months.
Yes, you can, but plan it smartly in your schedule! You want to look the part at Christmas dinner probably appearance Like a shining angel, not a broken Christmas ball. Book an appointment at least 1-2 months in advance because your skin needs time to recover. Flaking and redness come with it (yes, beauty comes with a little patience), but you'll end up with a glow Which everyone will envy. Champagne on the side, and you're good to go!
Schedule your peel treatment
During a personal consultation, we are happy to give you customized advice and look together at the most suitable peel for your skin. Book your appointment easily via our online agenda. We are happy to help you with a fresh, relaxed look! Still have questions? Feel free to ask them via Whatsapp!
What should you consider with a TCA peel?
Okay, fair is fair: a TCA peel can feel spicy for a while. Think of a warm, prickly feeling, like you've been out in the full sun for a while. However, this usually goes away (mostly) after the soaking time (a few minutes). We also apply a special cooling and soothing mask immediately after the peeling, so that your skin immediately feels less irritated and skin hydration is immediately boosted.
Also good to know: frosting is often created during TCA treatment. By this we do not mean (unfortunately) the nice sweet frosting on a cupcake, but a white haze that can form on the skin which is a bit like the cold "frost" on your windows when it freezes. The formation of this frosting means that the TCA has reached its deepest point and the proteins in our dead skin cells have started to clump together. You can actually compare this to frying an egg, where the heat from the pan causes your liquid egg to clump together and become more solid. This is exactly what we want, because it means that the skin is going to completely renew itself and we have gotten to the deepest level possible in the skin, albeit in a controlled way!
After treatment, you should still consider the following:
Good preparation is half the battle. A TCA peel is a deep peel that gives the best results with the least recovery time when the skin is properly prepared with proper skin care and possibly one to several milder peel treatments. The skin therapist will fine-tune the best approach with you based on your needs and skin condition.
It is also very important to avoid unprotected exposure to direct sunlight for at least 2 weeks prior to treatment to avoid the risk of pigmentation. In addition, no other facials should take place for at least 2-4 weeks (unless in consultation with the treating skin therapist) and the use of acids, vitamin A and/or other potentially irritating products should be stopped one week prior to treatment.
During the consultation, all pre- and after-care recommendations are fully discussed with you.
What you can expect from the treatment is that it feels somewhat warm and tingly. The skin is thoroughly cleansed, then the skin therapist applies the peel. TCA is a self-neutralizing acid that stops acting on its own after a few minutes.
After the action of the peel is stopped, a highly soothing and restorative mask is applied, calming the skin.
Your skin will flake and can last 7 days up to several weeks stay red and remain sensitive. Perfect excuse to Netflix turn on and leave your busy social life very briefly un hold to put (Again, wonderful in the cold winter days, right?)
To to restore and soothe your skin as quickly as possible, we recommend the right products for your skin. In addition, an zonneprotection with SPF50 your best friend which you should not forget regularly apply (yes, even in winter!). Avoid the sun like it's your ex, and protect your skin good When you do get out the door.
During the consultation and after treatment, the skin therapist will go over all aftercare recommendations with you in detail. The main points at a glance:
- Apply SPF50 daily and top up whenever you go outside (preferably every 2-3 hours). Avoid direct exposure to bright sun as much as possible.
- Use only the mild, restorative skin care we recommend.
- No sauna or hot (steam) baths for at least 1-2 weeks.
- No intense sports for at least 1 week after treatment.
What results can you expect from a TCA treatment?
We won't promise you magic, but it comes pretty close. After a TCA peel :
- Does your skin feel softer and smoother and scars will be visibly reduced
- Radiate your skin with a natural glow and even complexion
- Will fade pigmentation and sun damage, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and make sagging skin feel tighter again
What other peels are available at DokterEs?
TCA not quite your thing? No problem, we have more on offer:
- Medical peels: At DokterEs , we have a wide range of both superficial and medium-deep to deeper peels with different acids, so we can always find a peel appropriate for your needs.
- Microneedling: Prefer not a peel, but a treatment that focuses on infusing nutrients? Then microneedling is a good choice for you!
- Microbotox: A perfect treatment for combining botox for reduction of fine lines, redness and coarse pores along with skin-enhancing active ingredients for a nutritional boost. A less intensive treatment with a very natural result.
- Laser treatments: With our high-quality laser equipment, such as our Ultrapulse CO2 laser, we offer solutions for pigmentation, visible vessels, redness, and skin aging, among others.
Frequently asked questions about the TCA peel
The treatment can feel somewhat warm and tingly. Most people compare it to the feeling when you've just been out in the sun too long. Generally well tolerated, anesthesia is not necessary.
Did you know that the phenol in our PhenTCA peel even provides a mild sedative effect, making the trichloroacetic acid less noticeable?
The results of a TCA peel can remain visible for several months to even a year, depending on your skin type, lifestyle, and aftercare. For optimal retention:
Use good sun protection daily . Avoid smoking and excessive sun or tanning bed exposure.
Use skin care with vitamin C and vitamin A to keep skin nourished, protected and rejuvenated.
TCA peels can be repeated an average of 1-2 times a year to maintain optimal results
Yes! The TCA peel is applied 1-2 times a year, so in between, it can be perfectly combined with other skin improvement treatments that support skin hydration and collagen production, such as:
During a personal consultation, we will advise you on the best suited option for your skin.
After a TCA peel, the skin will usually flake for several days. Scabs may form, and after the dead skin cell layer has flaked off, the skin will be red/pink in color for several days to weeks.
In addition, the potential risks are:
-Hyper- or hypopigmentation: brown or just white spots. However, this usually occurs only when aftercare recommendations are not followed.
-Prolonged redness and irritation: this is prevented by adhering to recommended skin care advice.
At DokterEs , we use two different types of TCA peels.
The Oxyage peel
A medium to deep TCA peel. Stimulates skin renewal and collagen production, intensively hydrates and prepares the skin for the deep PhenTCA peel. For improved skin texture and reduction of aging signs.
Price per session: €250
The PhenTCA peel
The deepest TCA peel combining trichloroacetic acid with phenol. Works very powerfully against deeper wrinkles, sagging, pigmentation spots and dull, coarse, tired skin, due to strong cell renewal. Significantly reduces (acne) scars and coarse pores.
Price per session: €350
TCA is a wonderful treatment suitable for many different purposes. However, in the following cases, TCA is usually not the right choice:
- Highly sensitive skins or a skin barrier that is not intact
- Dark skin types
- For the treatment of congenital pigmentation
- Active, inflamed acne
Of course, we offer a wide range of more appropriate treatment options for the above indications. Curious about the possibilities? Book your personal consultation with our skin therapist here.
Want to learn more about a TCA peel at DokterEs?
Are you ready for the powerful results of TCA, or would you prefer some personalized receive advice? We are always at your service. Contact DokterEs for more information and book an appointment For a no-obligation consultation, then concerns us ensuring that you walk out the door with fresh, healthy and radiant skin!
