At-Home MUAC TCA Peels (12.5% - 15% - 18%)
I am 44 and trying to correct facial scarring,...
I am 44 and trying to correct facial scarring, large pores, crow's feet + sun damage. I was scarred by a dermabrasion (NOT microdermabrasion) and have paid thousands over the years for laser resurfacings with little improvement. I have been researching TCA peels and figured I'd give it a try. After reading reviews on RealSelf, I decided to try MUAC's at-home 12.5% and 15% TCA peels. I'm glad I chose MUAC because they are a reputable company and provided clear instructions. I also watched YouTube clips on how to apply this peel which I found helpful. I prepped my skin by using glycolic acid for a week prior to the peel (but do not use the day of the peel). I did a spot test with both percentages and nothing happened with the 12.5% peel so when I did the full face peel, I used the 15% peel. My skin is very tough so I already had a feeling I'd need to start with a higher percentage. I think the 12.5% peel is good for those with sensitive skin or for maintenance touch-ups. I did 2 layers of the 15% peel and felt nothing with the first layer but the second layer stung a little bit but using a handheld fan in front of my face helped. My face never turned brown but I noticed a waxy look in certain spots and those were the spots that peeled. My skin started peeling on Day 2. During all of this I felt like I could go out in public (with sunscreen, of course). After the 2 days of antibiotic ointment, I highly recommend using CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion (buy @ Walmart, etc.). I'd say my peeling was complete by Day 4 and it wasn't much.
I have now purchased the 18% TCA peel and plan to try that next since my skin did so well with the 15%. I had realistic expectations that one peel was not going to magically transform my skin overnight so I already knew I'd need 2 to 3 peels to see noticeable improvement but for now I am very pleased with the results and happy that I found something so inexpensive that I can use at-home.
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9-1-2012: I am now on my third TCA peel. For...
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I think it was really smart of you to start out with the lower grade peel, just to be safe. It is fantastic to hear that you are noticing nice changes even with the weaker peel solution!
So glad you are seeing good results!! How long are you waiting between peels? Thank you for your review!!
Glad to hear it worked so well for you! I've been considering doing a peel, but not sure how comfortable I feel doing one at home. Do you use Retin-A by chance? I do, so I'd be curious to hear if you stopped using it a week or so before the peel.
Good info - thanks so much!! I use Cetaphil too, everytime I try something else I always end up going back to it. Still not sure I'm comfortable doing my own peel, but really appreciate you sharing how it went for you!