Help! I had a 20% TCA peel and peeled off the flaking skin. How bad is the situation?

Question

I know that this is 100% NOT a good idea, but 5 days ago I had a 20% TCA peel and yesterday when it started peeling I peeled some of the pieces off with my fingers. I know this is bad and I feel SO stupid, it was just an impulse and I couldn't stop. All of the pieces came off easily (i.e. didn't hurt and didn't leave an open wound, and the new skin is reddish but not too bad), and I've been slathering with Aquaphor constantly, so tell me honestly: what am I in for and how bad is the situation??

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

After a chemical peel, the top layers of skin should separate naturally and come off without being picked at. This usually works best in the shower, where the water can gently rinse off the tissue which is ready to come off but leave alone the tissue which is not ready to come off. It is best not to pick at the areas as this can cause premature separation of the skin, bleeding or infection. Continue to moisturize your skin with the Aquaphor and follow up with your plastic surgeon for a recheck.  It doesn’t sound like you have done any harm, but control the impulse to pick at your skin in the future.  Best wishes.

Lewis H. Kaminester, MD · Answer

A properly applied 20% TCA peel to facial skin should produce a finely desquamating peeling reaction. You should avoid the sun and use a sunscreen with a non-comedogenic base (does not promote acne), use emollients and be patient. The peeling should be all gone in a week. Although you should not pick off the peeling skin off your face, prematurely, since it could cause a color change.

Help! I had a 20% TCA peel and peeled off the flaking skin. How bad is the situation?

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Help! I had a 20% TCA peel and peeled off the flaking skin. How bad is the situation?

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about TCA Peel

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.