Will the redness after TCA peel go away?

I had a 15% TCA peel done at a clinic 5 days ago. I'm not sure but I think I may have had a bad reaction as some areas still feel hot and a bit sore when I put cream on. Anyway, I was very stupid to peel some skin away myself on one side of my face, and my skin is fairly red/pink under it. Is this likely to fade in time? I wish I'd just been patient and left it.

4 answers to “Will the redness after TCA peel go away?”

A: Redness after TCA peel

Steven Hacker, MD

Redness is common following a TCA peel so do not worry. Your skin may take 3 weeks to completely restore itself to it's normal state. Expect a lot of peeling and irritation and make sure you stay out of the sun.

A: Redness after Trichloroacetic Acid Peels (TCA)

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD

TCA chemical peels can be performed safely at varying depths of the dermis. In most cases, healing is dependent on the rate of epithelialization of the skin. Redness may be prolonged but will generally subside after several weeks.

A: Remember to moisturize as well

Kamran Jafri, MD

Hello Ange, Excellent advice given to you by Dr. Hansen. I would also add that you should remember to do basic things like use only mild /sensitive skin soaps for the next few weeks and moisturizers to help "calm & soothe" the skin. Aquaphor is a nice water based moisturizer that is... more

A: It will fade but it may darken if you get too much sun on it

David Hansen, MD

If you prematurely peel off the dead skin too soon then it turns red then brown in many cases.  If you use a cortisone cream on the red areas it will fade to pink then to normal color faster.  Be sure to stay out of the sun and use a sunscreen and even a bleaching cream  to prevent dark... more

Comments

ssanders
20 posts
20 Oct 2008

One of the strongest points an Aesthetician makes after a TCA peel is to "leave the skin alone"!  Much easier said than done.  When we help our skin along by taking long showers and rolling the excess skin off or by over-washing...what we are really doing is delaying the healing process.  The redness you are seeing is normal under those circumstances.  You will probably peel in those areas of soreness again!  Keep those areas lubricated with a healing ointment, use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer all over and STAY OUT OF THE SUN!  The redness should go away.  Patience is definetly a virtue right now. 

Post your question

TCA peel before & after photos

Post your question
IMPORTANT: As noted in our Terms of Service, the information found on RealSelf.com, including that provided by professionals in the Questions & Answers area, is a general educational aid. The Questions and Answers contain opinions and views created by community members. RealSelf.com is not responsible for the accuracy of any information posted by community members. Do not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical or healthcare advice, or for diagnosis or treatment purposes.