First Peel - TCA 35% or Lower?

I've never had a chemical peel before. For the past few weeks, I've been using a product with 1% retinol. I have some discoloration and mild to moderate scarring from acne, as well as some very fine lines. Would you recommend a 35% peel, or should I stick with a lower concentration? Thanks

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acne scars fine lines

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4 Doctor Answers | Asked by lucidity in FL

Doctor Answers (4)
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35-percent TCA peel

35% TCA (tricholoracetic acid) is a great superfical peel. It has just enough kick to it to clear many skin dyschromias (brown spots) and it will provide overall facial tightening which is great. However, it is generally not strong enough to eliminate say lower eyelid lines. For that one has to step up to Phenol 89%. The peel can be comfortably performed in a office setting under local anesthesia. Recovery takes about a week where you need to hide out but the skin never goes raw. If... more

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

8 reviews

Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

First time peel

For a first time peel, I would think about using glycolic acid or a TCA peel of 20%. Depending on your response, you can always go stronger. The goal would be a series of peels, each peel stronger than the previous. More importantly is to have the right medical clinic applying your peel that has experience and great knowledge of the skin, e.g. a dermatologist's office.

Benjamin Barankin, MD

10 reviews

Toronto Dermatologic Surgeon

TCA 35 percent or lower for first peel

I would start at 35% TCA peel. But if you are unsure, then use 25% or even 20%. Go to 3 evaluations from expert skin peeling doctors. Regards.

TCA Chemical Peels

A 35% TCA peel may be beneficial in your particular situation. It is important to prep your skin prior to a treatment. This may include the use of products that have hydroquinone or kojic acid. This will help to prevent post peel complications such as a post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Also prepping the skin with a retinoic acid product such as Retin A will help create an even peel application. A TCA peel can be performed at different levels depending upon the degree of skin frosting.... more