Get the real deal on beauty treatments—real doctors, real reviews, and real photos with real results.Here's how we earn your trust.
Thank you for your question. Skin care following a Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) peel can affect your final result therefore following the instructions of your provider is extremely important.In our San Francisco Bay Area practice we advise all patients to protect post-peel skin from the sun by wearing SPF +50 and a hat as well as avoiding sun exposure as much as possible. Excessive rubbing or peeling off of the skin is highly discouraged as doing so can lead to permanent scarring and/or discoloration of the skin. In addition, our patients are carefully counseled on appropriate skin cleanser and moisturizer application after each peel. I hope this helps.
The post treatment phase of a chemical peel is probably the most important part of the treatment. In the early days it is important to keep the skin covered and moist. I put patients on aquaphor. Starting day 2, I have patients wash their face with a dilute white vinegar solution several times per day. Once the peeling is mostly completed, patients will then switch to a gentle cleanser and moisturizer until the healing is done. It is also very important to stay out of the sun. Good luck!
The best way to avoid complications of a chemical peel is to have it performed by a skilled plastic surgeon or dermatologist. Any of the chemical peels, even if superficial, can cause hyperpigmentation or scarring. Be very cautious about peeling anywhere other than the face. Match the depth...
Red raw spots are not super common. I see this more often if the peel went too deep, if there was secondary trauma to the peeling skin ie. scratching it while sleeping, or if proper post-peel wound care was not followed. You must make sure areas stay moist at all times as this facilitates and s...
Do not make the mistake of doing an at home TCA peel. You may be left with significant permanent scarring. This is a dangerous topical agent that is available over the internet. It is not appropriate or safe for at home treatments at any strength.