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The trichloroacetic acid chemical peel is generally known by its acronym, the TCA chemical peel. The TCA chemical peel uses a strong concentrated acid that is based from chlorine which as anyone who has left commercial grade bleach on their skin for too long, is a powerful acid that attacks the skin.
In the TCA chemical peel, the surgeon will mix a slightly diluted form of the acid with other chemicals like sugar cane, vinegar as well as fruit extracts prior to exposing it to the skin. From the moment of exposure the TCA chemical peel begins attacking the outermost layer of skin and if left on to long it will begin to penetrate deeper into the skin’s layers. This process basically dissolves the skin cells leaving the lower layers exposed and raw but also allows them to develop normally.
When thinking about a TCA chemical peel it is important to think of it as it is, a chlorine based acid and if you have ever left commercial grade bleach on your skin for extended periods then you are well aware of the effects. At first the skin will begin to tingle as the acid starts penetrating the layers of skin. After the layer has surpassed the outermost layer of skin, the tingling sensation develops into an irritating burning/itchy feeling. At this point the tissue in the skin becomes agitated by the acid and begins to turn red and puffy. It is usually at this point that the surgeon will begin to remove the acid but will not completely remove it until the job is done. Most people who undergo a TCA chemical peel ends up with 2nd degree chemical burns as a result of the procedure but these burns will go away naturally.
It is important that the physician you decided to perform this treatment is experienced in chemical peels as well as certified to perform them because there is a fine line between a 2nd degree chemical burn and leaving the trichloroacetic acid on too long. If left on too long the results can be devastating as well as bad for your health as it is possible to receive unsightly scars as a result of the chemical burns associated with the TCA chemical peel. |
