TCA Skin Peel

Combining a TCA skin peel with other chemical peel and skin care products can help make your TCA skin peel more effective and show you better results. Here are some of the skin peels and products that can be safely and effectively combined with TCA.

AHA Skin Peels and TCA

AHA peels, which typically use lactic or glycolic acid to remove dead cells from the skin’s surface, are frequently combined with TCA peels to enhance their effects. Many dermatologists perform a mild AHA peel before administering a mild or medium TCA skin peel. Most recommend preparing the skin for a TCA peel by applying AHA creams nightly for four to six weeks prior to the peel.

Skin Lightening Creams and TCA Skin Peels

Skin lightening creams are often used in conjunction with TCA peels to enhance their skin lightening effects. If you’re considering TCA skin peeling to treat discolorations like melasma or sun spots, your dermatologist may prescribe Retin-A® or an equivalent product to be used nightly for four to six weeks before your treatment. Such creams help discolorations to fade in advance, so that hyperpigmentation is already somewhat diminished before the TCA skin peel begins. Naturally, this helps the TCA to better remove skin discolorations.

Even if your doctor doesn’t prescribe a skin lightening cream, you can use an over-the-counter product. Over-the-counter products containing hydroquinone can help enhance TCA’s skin lightening effects. Apply the product nightly for four to six weeks before your peel.

TCA and Other Skin Peeling Solutions

For deeper peels, dermatologists often combine TCA with other skin peeling agents. TCA may be combined with glycolic acid for a mild to medium skin peel. TCA is often layered on top of Jessner’s solution to achieve a deep peel. Dermatologists also sometimes apply dry ice, or CO2, to the skin before applying TCA; this method can achieve a very deep peel.