How long should you wash your face after a TCA peel?

Question

My TCA peels have always been done by my dermatologist, but I'm thinking about buying a 15% TCA peel and doing it myself. I read online that you have to neutralize the peel with baking soda or something, but my dermatologist has never had me do that. If anything, I'm not to wash my face for 6 hours after the peel. My question is, when I do the peel myself, do I have to neutralize it? does it matter?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Acne scars are usually characterized within the subtypes of atrophic, hypertrophic, pigmented, or inflammatory. These subtypes of acne scars can be visually discerning in ambient light and can cause significant cosmetic concerns. Indented and atrophic scars require a combination approach to stimulate collagen and elastin, thereby smoothing contour and uneven skin. These are usually combined with lasers and depigmentation protocols to reduce inflammatory hyperpigmentation (Melarase AM and Melarase PM). Our Hidef protocols for acne scars include fillers such as Sculptra, Juvederm, Radiesse, and Restylane to improve deep acne scars; Vascular lasers to reduce inflammation and post-inflammatory redness and erythema; Fractional lasers to smooth contour and collagen; and Fractional RF to stimulate production of collagen within atrophic scars. Textural improvement and superficial scarring can be improved with Cosmelan peels, TCA Cross for ice-pick scars, deep chemical peels, and fractional CO2. We offer a personalized approach to your combination of scars and a formal evaluation with consultation is recommended to help you achieve your final results. Our plastic surgery office offers subcision and combination TCA Cross to help reduce deeply pitted scars. In terms of pigmentation and skin resonance, we recommend daily use of Melarase AM and Melarase PM coupled with Retinoid creams to achieve brilliant skin.

Best, 
Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

DO NOT DO A TCA PEEL AT HOME. This type of peel needs an expert and the proper technique and skill.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

I second the DO NOT DO IT AT HOME for higher strength TCA peels. IMO anything than a 8-10% TCA done properly is too strong for home use. We see more TCA burns than you can imagine, even with 15-20%. TCA does not need to be neutralised. Full stop. No matter what anyone says online the only TCA peel that needs to be washed off is a mixed Cook's Gly-TCA peel. Even the most experienced dermatologist would rather use fractional lasers than the Cook's method. All the bestDr Davin LimLaser and aesthetic dermatologistBrisbane, Australia.

How long should you wash your face after a TCA peel?

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How long should you wash your face after a TCA peel?

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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.