TCA can be risky for African-American skin.

Bryan K. Chen, MD answers: What peels are safe for African-American skin?

I have a yellow/tan complexion (similar to Beyonce's), and I'd like to find out what peels are safe for me. I've searched for a long time for this answer and can't find the true answer (for example, some sites say TCA can be used, then some sites say TCA is not for non-white skin). Thank you for your answers!


Bryan K. Chen, MD
10 months ago
By Bryan K. Chen, MD - San Diego Dermatologist

I would start with a salicylic acid peel (20%) or Jessner's peel.  These solutions tend to be less problematic for African-American skin.  TCA peels in ethnic skin should be used with caution and I would not go higher than 10% TCA.  If I was going to use TCA on African-American skin, I would probably do a small test spot and follow up in 1 month to ensure that it did not cause a pigmentary problem.

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