Will 50% TCA chemical peel burn my skin? I can tolerate a 60% Glycolic peel. How to dilute TCA so it's safe on face? (photos)

Question

I want to DILUTE my 50% TCA AQUEOUS SOLUTON... so that it won't burn my skin. Can I empty out ~half the tiny bottle & add ~1/2 of bottled water? Shake it up, test behind my ear and see what happens? Or should I just throw it away & buy the 35% TCA? I just thought I'd be more red & it would sting more and I wouldn't leave it on very long. I want smooth skin, small pores, no blackheads on nose, treat fine lines around orbital area. Any advice or tips to dilute the solution? Thank you!

Faiyaaz Kalimullah, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for submitting your photos.  Chemical peels, particularly those with higher strength acids, are a very complex procedure and require a great deal of expertise.  If not applied properly, there is a relatively high risk of side effects and complications even with 35% TCA.  As for the 50% TCA you purchased - I don't know of a single dermatologist or plastic surgeon who would use 50% TCA for a full face peel.  
I would strongly recommend against attempting this procedure at home.  I have seen a number of patients who have attempted TCA peels at home, and have permanently damaged their skin as a result.  Please consider seeing a cosmetic dermatologist or plastic surgeon with extensive experience in chemical peels for a consultation.  Best of luck!

Sameer Bashey, MD · Answer

TCA 50% peel is not a safe peel. None of the dermatologists and plastic surgeons I know perform it. I can get amazing results using a 28% TCA peel using the controlled depth blue peel. This kind of peel can correct pigmentation issues and skin laxity. I would NOT recommend you perform a TCA 50% peel on your own face. Please see an expert when performing such procedures.

Will 50% TCA chemical peel burn my skin? I can tolerate a 60% Glycolic peel. How to dilute TCA so it's safe on face? (photos)

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Will 50% TCA chemical peel burn my skin? I can tolerate a 60% Glycolic peel. How to dilute TCA so it's safe on face? (photos)

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Everything you need to know about TCA Peel

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