At Home Chemical Peel?

I cannot afford to do all of the things I want to do in the salons/doctor's offices. I purchased a 12.5% TCA chemical peel but have not yet used it. I'm afraid to. I am caucasion, reddish facial skin, sun damage and lines/wrinkles, 40 yrs of age and I want a more youthful look. Can you advise me how to do this? If I do it right, is it safe for me? I certainly don't want to make things worse. Please let me know what you think. If you have directions/suggestions pls give them to me. Thanks.

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4 Doctor Answers | Asked by tonygareth in Texarkana, TX

Doctor Answers (4)
Community Comments (1)

Avoid at home chemical peel

I agree with my colleagues and do not think it is a good idea to do a chemical peel at home. A chemical peel should be done by an experienced and licensed aesthetician, nurse or doctor due to potential risks. These include but are not limited to: burns, scars, redness, poor cosmetic outcome, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation. If a nurse or aesthetician performs the chemical peel, they should be supervised by a physician who is knowledgeable with chemical peels. I... more

Do not do a home peel.

You have reason to be afraid of doing a home peel. You may end up with scarring that would be much more costly to repair than a peel in a doctor's office, not to mention the emotional effects of scarring.

TCA can be a dangerous chemical if used inappropriatelyl

Just not a good idea even with 12% TCA solution. You have very fair skin and you may sustain more damage to your skin than without the peel. These chemicals when used properly by an experienced physician work very well. I have seen some horrific burns and even corneal ulceration from the use of these chemicals by untrained individuals. Selling these chemicals over the internet is definitely dangerous and should be condemned. My suggestion is to get your... more

Not a good idea

Home peels can be dangerous for several reasons: 1) Are you sure you have purchased what you think you have? Where was it made? Who sold it to you? Was it genuine? Are you sure? 2) Do you know how to apply it? Are you sure? 3) Do you know how to neutralize it? When I apply peels I closely watch the skin for changes. As the skin reacts, I add more to certain areas and limit in other areas. There is... more

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Comments (1)

tonygareth 31 Dec 2012

Thank you doctors for your input. I will not use this peel on my face. I may experiement with my hands though after going over directions, or maybe even my neck wrinkles. I may not use it at all. I'll go to a professional to have something done to my face if I can ever afford to. I have had some things done that have improved my appearance from the photo I have on here, but I want to do more. I have a question regarding lower eye lids if anyone can talk to me about that. thanks again

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