TCA Chemical Peel Safe for Under Eye Use?

I have used TCA for the lower eyelids with excellent results but it sounds as if this may be too aggressive for you given the thin skin you describe.
Retin-A may actually thicken the skin. I think your problem is twofold.
Gel is absorbed but it is incredibly drying. You may want to consider a cream preparation.
Retin-A can create the sensation of dry flaky skin.
To this end, I would recommend liberal use of moisturzing agents and slow but increasingly progressive applications of the Retin-A.
I hope this helps.

I would defer this treatment to a specialist. Chemical peels around the eyes are great, but have risks if not properly performed. We recommend TCA peels in our Los Angeles office. Raffy Karamanoukian MD

Loooreee, TCA peels are very effective for the lower lids. However, if you are considering anything more than the concentrations that you have already tried at home, then you should have your doctor do it. We commonly do 25% and 35% lower lid TCA peels in the office and have great results. It takes about a week for the skin to heal.

I am really surprised to hear that you were able to obtain a 20% TCA solution and told to use it yourself. There is a risk of scarring and other problems if it is not done right, and if you get too close to the eyes and get some in it could cause serious vision problems friom burning the cornea. This is something that should be done by a medical professional and it is a safe procedure under those circumstances.

Loooreee
I would recommend that you consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon before attempting a 8% TCA peel on your under eyelid skin. This skin is much thinner than in the face and cheek and care must be taken to avoid going too deep or accidentally getting the TCA in your eyes. I also recommend pre-treating patients for 2 to 6 weeks with the Obagi system, sunscreen and Retin-A before a chemical peel depending on their skin type. Tanning and Retin-A should be stopped 2 weeks before and Accutane stopped 1 year before a chemical peel.

Thank you for your message! Often, a combination of treatments are best for diminishing the appearance of fine lines under the eyes. I would recommend avoiding Retinol under the eyes. Small amounts of Botox can be performed under the eye by an experienced injector in order to help prevent lines and over time soften resting lines. Laser resurfacing is another option to help take away layers of skin, leading to healthy rejuvenated skin underneath. TCA peels can be used in a lower concentration with help a bit with fine lines under the eyes, but may not give the exact results you are looking for! I would suggest an in person consultation with a provider in your area so they are able to assess the area further! 

For the lower eyelid crepey thin skin, both TCA peel and laser resurfacing do wonders for smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles, while also creating a tightening effect. I would highly advise against using Retin A in this area as it can cause for harm with thinning out the skin and cause a reaction as it is irritated. For lower eyelid resurfacing, we recommend either fractional CO2 laser of TCA peel 35%- both do an amazing job of smoothing out the skin. As long as a trained clinician is doing it and you are a good candidate ( no significant dry eyes or concerns for poor lid tone) then you will see the results. Please check out photos posted in one of my reviews that shows the results after undergoing a TCA 35% peel.

I do TCA peels of varying strengths frequently on the lower eyelids and it is very safe and effective.  The more aggressive the peel, the more downtime, but the greater the result.  However, not everyone is a good candidate for a TCA peel on the lower eyelids.  From what you have described, it sounds like you are using products incorrectly and that you are very sensitive to certain products. I recommend you consult with a board-certified dermatologist for evaluation of your lower eyelids fine lines. 

The lower eyelid skin can be effectively treated with chemical peels.  In my office, we often use TCA 30-35% with Jessner's to give an even coating and consistent results.  Chemical peels can encourage new collagen formation, so overtime your skin will thicken-- not thin.  

I would caution you against doing this at home.  TCA is NOT something you want to get in your eyes.  Higher percentage TCA peels can cause scarring, dark pigmentation, and even blisters.  

I would recommend you see a Board Certified Dermatologist who has experienced with chemical peels to get the best results.

Best of luck!

-Dr. Mann

The skin of the upper and lower lid is much thinner than the rest of the face. If a TCA is to be used, a low concentration must be used and very few times only.