What procedures can be done, having the opportunity to sit at home for one or two weeks, so as not to strain the psyche of those around you with red faces, “scabs” after TCA peeling, or bruises after contouring?
Chemical peeling may be one such procedure.
. There are 2 types of chemical peels:
1. TCA peels based on trichloroacetic acid of various concentrations;
2. retinol or yellow peels.
All these peelings are united by a long rehabilitation period (followed by an excellent result), which means you don’t have to think about the question “how to spend the New Year holidays.”
This article is about TCA peels
What is TCA peeling and why is it better to do it during the holidays?
Peeling with trichloroacetic acid belongs to the category of medium peels, which pass through the entire epidermis and reach the basement membrane - the border between the epidermis and dermis. Sometimes the papillary layer of the dermis is also burned out.
The standard procedure is performed with drugs with an active substance concentration of 20-25% (TCA 20% and TCA 25%)
In the picture: one of the most recognized drugs.
Tips from cosmetologists
To avoid complications during the recovery process after TCA peeling, you should follow the following recommendations from cosmetologists:
- Before going outside in any weather, use a cream with UV protection. If the weather is cloudy, SPF protection of 35 is sufficient. If the day is sunny, then the SPF level should be 50. Skin after chemical exposure is extremely sensitive to ultraviolet radiation, and ignoring this recommendation can lead to the appearance of persistent pigmentation.
- In the first 3-4 days, it is advisable to eat liquid and crushed food, drink drinks through a straw, so that the skin crust does not crack and start to hurt.
- During the entire rehabilitation period, it is necessary to consume large amounts of water to maintain normal skin moisture.
- To accelerate the formation of new skin tissue and strengthen local immunity, you should take a course of a vitamin and mineral complex containing zinc.
- If the scab is accidentally peeled off, a wound opens and blood oozes out. In this situation, it is important to prevent infection. For treatment, antiseptics “Chlorhexidine”, “Miramistin”, healing drugs “Panthenol”, “Bepanten” are used. They treat the damaged area several times a day.
- The use of foundation and other decorative cosmetics is allowed only after peeling is complete. Otherwise, the pores will become clogged and the exfoliation process will be delayed. If complications arise after the procedure, the use of cosmetics is postponed to an even later date.
- If the patient has herpes, then after the TCA peel you should expect it to worsen. To avoid such trouble, you should take antiherpetic medication 2 weeks before the procedure and a week after it.
- You can sunbathe after TCA peeling after a week. But on the beach, the skin must be treated with a cream with UV protection. Visiting the solarium becomes possible 2 weeks after acid exposure.
- To achieve the maximum effect of lightening and rejuvenation, it is advisable to take a course of 4 sessions of chemical peeling. When to carry them out is determined by the cosmetologist.
TCA peeling is recommended for both young girls to normalize the condition of problem skin, and older women to slow down aging. The procedure is complex, traumatic, and fraught with complications, so cosmetologists do not recommend doing it yourself at home.
In order not to cause harm to the skin, during the rehabilitation period it is necessary to eliminate bad habits, carefully select skincare products, use them carefully, and follow the recommendations given by the cosmetologist.
Rating
Impact effects
1.Exfoliation
Trichloroacetic acid is capable of destroying the special cement that binds and holds dead epidermal scales on the surface. Therefore, after peeling procedures, pronounced peeling is observed.
2. Stimulating effect
Under its influence, the skin gets severe burns. This causes activation of metabolic processes and cell division. Thus, the skin restored after injury looks younger. To meet the skin's increased needs for nutrients and oxygen, capillaries expand. And to remove large amounts of toxic metabolic products and fragments of dead tissue, lymphatic drainage is enhanced.
3.Antimicrobial action
High concentrations of acid lead to the death of microorganisms living on the surface of the skin and in the mouths of the sebaceous glands.
What not to do
To ensure that the most difficult days of rehabilitation pass calmly and comfortably, you should take a week off. It is better to undergo the TCA peeling on a Friday evening or on a weekend, so that you can sit at home the next day and not show yourself to people.
What not to do during the recovery period:
- Tear off the peeling film. It must go away on its own, otherwise scars cannot be avoided. The only thing that can be done is to cut off the loose pieces of skin with sterilized scissors.
- Use tap water for washing. It can become a source of infection for unprotected skin. It is better to wash your face with purified or mineral water.
- Rub your face with a towel. You can only get wet.
- Use care products containing alcohol, acids, hydrophilic oils, and sulfates.
- Perform scrubbing (including using rollers).
- Use powder, blush, concealer and other types of decorative cosmetics applied to the skin, as well as those that contain alcohol. Painting eyelashes and lips is permitted.
- Sunbathe, visit beaches and solariums.
- Take a bath, visit the pool, apply compresses, swim in open water, carry out any procedures related to water and steam. Otherwise, there is a high probability of irritation from chlorinated water, infection, burns, and dry skin.
- Visit a bathhouse, sauna and other establishments where relaxation is associated with high temperature, steaminess, and profuse sweating.
- Engage in intense sports training. Salty sweat increases the likelihood of irritation.
- Drink alcoholic beverages. Alcohol entering the body slows down regeneration processes, increases the likelihood of severe swelling and prolonged erythema.
Consequences of the procedure. This is fine.
Severe swelling of the treated area. Particularly severe swelling is observed in people with a predisposition to allergic reactions. It is better for such people to take antihistamines before the procedure for preventive purposes: there will still be swelling, but not to the same degree of severity.
Severe redness of the skin at the site of acid exposure. The redness is persistent. It is not removed or reduced by the use of anti-burn and healing agents such as panthenol. It lasts for the first or second day and gradually turns into a dense brown film.
Feeling of tightness and dryness of the skin.
The formed fibrin film tightens the skin of the face so much that it is sometimes difficult to open the mouth. As the crusts come off, the feeling of tightness will also decrease.
Peeling, which can be of varying intensity. The crusts come off gradually as the skin burn heals.
The rehabilitation period is 10 days. But the result is worth it!
Rehabilitation after TCA peeling by day
Cosmetologists usually give patients recommendations on skin care after peeling. Post-procedure changes in the skin are individual in each case, but the general rules for rehabilitation are the same for everyone.
Expert opinion
Ekaterina Dudikova
Dermatologist, cosmetologist
How many days the recovery period will take depends on the depth of the chemical exposure, susceptibility and general condition of the skin, but usually 4 weeks are required. The skin condition is normalized in 4 stages.
First stage – 1 day after peeling
Swelling, white plaque, redness, and a feeling of tightness are noted. Swelling should subside after 2-3 days. The surface of the face is covered with a film, which in a few days will turn into a thin crust. At this stage, it is strictly forbidden to perform any procedures on the skin, wash your face, or touch your face with your hands. You can only carefully moisten your eyelids and rinse your mouth.
Second stage – 2–4 days
You can wash your face with chamomile infusion or boiled water. Matting is strictly prohibited.
On the 4th day, peeling of the crust begins. First, peeling is observed in areas where facial expressions are active, then in the rest. But after TCA peeling, the formation and fall of a crust is not always observed. Peeling may not occur if:
- superficial peeling was carried out;
- the main volume in the peeling preparation was occupied by weak fruit acids;
- unnoticeable detachment of skin tissue (this happens in patients who pay attention to facial care and regularly use cleansers);
- the skin has low susceptibility to chemical influences.
If there is no peeling, this does not mean that the peeling did not have the desired effect.
To make recovery last faster, you should use special pharmaceutical drugs:
- cream "Bepanten" - accelerates the healing of wounds, stimulates the growth of cellular tissues, saturates cells with B vitamins;
- ointment "Solcoseryl" - reduces pain, normalizes cellular respiration and the flow of nutrients into epidermal tissues;
- spray "D-Panthenol" - accelerates regenerative processes, improves metabolism, strengthens local immunity;
- Arnica gel – has a soothing, moisturizing, cooling effect, reduces redness and swelling, and normalizes metabolism.
The listed drugs can be used 3 days after peeling. The composition is applied in 3-4 thin layers, left on the face until absorbed. It is advisable to use the preparations in the form of a spray so as not to touch your face with your fingers again.
Only cosmetic oils are used to moisturize the skin. Moreover, it is advisable not to distribute them with your fingers, but to apply them using a spray bottle.
Third stage – 5–7 days
When a week passes after peeling, the use of moisturizing creams is allowed. They should be applied carefully in a thin layer, do not rub in or smear with your fingers.
For washing, choose products without alcohol, abrasives, or fats. The best option is ampoule serums. The washed face is not dried with a towel, but slightly blotted.
To increase hydration and strengthen the protective properties of skin tissue, care products based on ceramides are used. They can be used when the film begins to fall off.
Stage four – weeks 1–4
During this long period, active synthesis of collagen and elastin occurs, and new skin tissue is formed.
When the young skin is fully formed, the cosmetologist may prescribe restorative procedures as additional care after TCA peeling. Most often biorevitalization. It is carried out a week after superficial exposure, 15–25 days after the middle one.
Indications and contraindications
Cosmetologists recommend the procedure for specific skin problems. In some cases, acid peeling cannot be used.
Indications
- uneven skin surface;
- wide pores;
- black dots;
- acne;
- expression wrinkles;
- dark spots;
- acne marks;
- striae;
- decreased skin elasticity;
- dull complexion.
Contraindications
TCA peeling is not recommended in the following cases:
- sunny season;
- viral and fungal dermatological diseases (it is recommended to carry out a preventive course of therapy and take antiviral drugs);
- the presence of keloid scars;
- thyroid diseases;
- pregnancy;
- lactation;
- the presence of malignant tumors;
- wounds, cuts, scratches on the treated areas;
- progressive acne;
- epilepsy;
- high blood pressure;
- vascular network.
If you have one or more of the listed problems, the cosmetologist will select other more gentle types of peelings or their alternatives.
Important! TCA peeling cannot be done at home. The compositions are developed for specialists; they will determine the desired percentage of acid content and the number of layers that should be applied.
Indications for use
The advisability of prescribing TCA peeling is determined by a cosmetologist based on the characteristics of the skin and target problems. In some cases, less aggressive acids are used - glycolic, retinoic, salicylic. The final decision on the choice of composition and depth of exposure remains with the specialist.
Indications:
- lumpy, uneven terrain;
- hyperkeratosis;
- wrinkles of varying degrees;
- photopigmentation, unhealthy skin tone;
- loss of tone, flabbiness of the integument;
- flat birthmarks;
- scars;
- increased secretion of the sebaceous glands, causing acne, blackheads, comedones;
- stretch marks, stretch marks;
- stressed skin.
Used after 18 years of age to care for problematic, oily dermis. The procedure is effective after 30 years for the prevention of aging. In older age, it is prescribed to enhance collagen synthesis, lifting, and reducing the number of wrinkles. For thin, sensitive, dry skin, less aggressive chemical compositions are selected.
Types of drugs
Here are the most popular options for ready-made products, including trichloroacetic acid.
Skin tech
The Spanish brand has released SKIN TECH peelings based on trichloroacetic acid for pronounced rejuvenation without surgical intervention. The brand also took care of post-peeling care, releasing creams for home use that enhance the effect of exfoliation.
The series of drugs includes:
- Easy TCA Peel contains a 15% solution of trichloroacetic acid, as well as citric, glycolic, lactic, kojic, and salicylic acids. Prescribed to restore smoker's skin, get rid of superficial wrinkles, and dry epidermis.
- Peeling UNIDEEP 23% is used for oily skin types with enlarged pores, pigmentation disorders, and the presence of scars. Effective for getting rid of signs of photoaging and deep wrinkles. The effect is aimed at the deep layer of the epidermis, after the procedure there is a pronounced lifting effect and general rejuvenation of the skin. The composition includes trichloroacetic acid 23%, saponins, ascorbic, citric acid.
- Only Touch Peel is designed for precise action on hyperkeratosis, pigment spots no larger than 1 cm in size. Contains trichloroacetic acid 40%, saponins, citric acid, ascorbic acid.
Skin tech cost from RUB 6,000. up to 12,000 rubles, the program includes comprehensive care, the use of regenerating masks and sunscreens.
EGIA
Ultra peel lotion peeling product is created for safe cleansing and removal of dead cells. Suitable for all skin types, has no age restrictions. The composition includes 10% AHA acid, as well as mimosa, lily extracts, and hydrolyzed oats. The procedure is indicated to impart freshness and prevent the formation of wrinkles. It is characterized by rapid recovery and reduced risks of side effects. You can purchase a solution from the Italian company Egia for 4,060 rubles.
PCA
PCA Sensi Peel contains trichloroacetic acid 6% and lactic acid, azelaic acid, and affects only the stratum corneum. Suitable for sensitive, dry and mature skin. Corrects acne marks, superficial wrinkles, treats rosacea. You can buy it for 2500 rubles.
Result
Efficiency directly depends on the percentage of acid in the solution.
15% peeling can even out the face and clear it of blackheads. More concentrated formulations rejuvenate, tighten the oval of the face, and get rid of shallow wrinkles.
Before and after
In some cases, patients noted that after peeling they did not notice any positive changes. This happens if the skin condition is very advanced. To see the result, you need to carry out more than one procedure.
Answers to popular questions
How often can you do TCA peeling and how many procedures are needed?
Experts recommend performing a deep peeling course no more than once a year. Otherwise, the possibility of unexpected side effects cannot be excluded.
Superficial and medium peeling – 1-2 courses every 1-2 months.
You cannot conduct the course more than once every six months.
Why is there no result?
The chemical cleaning procedure involves trauma to the skin. This is necessary to ensure the possibility of starting the process of rejuvenation and regeneration of the epithelium. The result will become noticeable after 2-2.5 months, when the skin is completely restored.
Why did white spots appear in the treatment area?
This problem may occur after spot removal of scars using TCA acid (30%). After 1–2 months, the spots will gradually begin to lighten and then disappear completely.
The possibility of complete destruction of the cells responsible for skin pigmentation cannot be ruled out. In this case, the stains will remain forever.
Skin dryness and tightness persist for a long time
Each patient's skin reacts to peeling differently. The possibility of increased sensitivity and dryness of the skin cannot be ruled out. This is due to insufficient moisture in the epithelial layer. The situation can be corrected with hyaluronic acid injections or mesotherapy.
What is the price of trichloroacetic peel?
The average cost of TCA peeling is 5000-8000 rubles. The determining factors are the number of procedures and courses, the area of the zone, and the concentration of the acid solution.
Patient reviews
On the forums there are mostly positive reviews about the procedure.
A participant writes about the good results of using TCA peeling, the skin became smooth, and post-acne was eliminated.
The user writes that you can get used to the discomfort; with regular use, the pain is almost not felt.
The participant describes his experience of peeling, the recovery period, and is awaiting completion to evaluate the results.
The user writes about a side effect in the form of facial redness, observed even while eating.
Enerpeel
Innovative peeling Enerpil contains trichloroacetic acid 25% and 40%, there are no auxiliary ingredients. It is used for severe hyperpigmentation, to correct scars, scars, to get rid of signs of hyperkeratosis, scars, and acne marks. You can only purchase from official representatives; the cost of a package of 15 ampoules is about 16,000 rubles.
PRX-T33
Medium chemical peeling based on trichloroacetic acid and hydrogen peroxide allows you to achieve a lasting rejuvenation effect. Used to get rid of scars, pigmentation, wrinkles, and signs of photoaging. The universal procedure can be carried out even in summer. The cost of PRX-T 33 is about 2200 rubles.
Advantages and disadvantages
Properly performed manipulations using Trichloroacetic acid have a number of advantages:
- speed of sessions;
- when using solutions of low concentration, the restrictions are minimal;
- preparation for the process does not require much time;
- the results are visible visually;
- frost effect, which allows you to determine the depth of penetration of the product;
- relatively safe, since the drug has a low level of toxicity.
In addition to the advantages, there are a number of disadvantages of the procedure, especially when TCA 20 percent peeling is done. This:
- the presence of a wide list of contraindications;
- the speed of action of the product, which can confuse and delay the determination of the depth of penetration;
- TCA peeling for the face, as well as other parts of the body, causes pain in patients;
- with deep penetration, the skin peels off in large layers.
To ensure that the negative effect is minimal, before prescribing TCA peeling, the cosmetologist determines how many procedures are needed to achieve a good effect and in what concentration.
