Dont Try This at Home! 25% TCA - Nashville, TN

Thank you for your advice on TCA peels at home. Your skin has healed where no one would notice. Your skin looks beautiful and I appreciate your advice on not trying this at home.

Recegirl, Without knowing your credentials, I can perhaps shed some light on your question. Many types of peels are generally considered to be totally safe to self-administer, such as AHA and BHA and even lower % TCA peels. When it comes to higher % TCA peels, many, in fact most, people an get a good result if they don't go higher than 25%. My experience was in fact the exception, but still important for people to be aware of. But there is another component to your question...all things being equal, why not have a professional administer the peel? In fact, this was my initial intention. Sadly, because people can achieve such great results, doctors grossly overcharge for this procedure (in my opinion). In my personal opinion, they are preying on the ignorance of the consumer. If you knew that the total cost to the doc was $2 for materials and maybe $25 if you consider labor and overhead, would you think $650 was a fair price? A good deal might be $350. Anyone can successfully apply a peel with a little education. There are important details to know, but it's far from brain surgery, if you get my drift. Lastly, to address your concerns about companies selling these products direct to consumers, I fully support them. These are not controlled substances and many people are benefitting. To those of you who choose to proceed with at home peels (even though I don't recommend it at least initially), do your research and start slow. Do your patch tests, start with full face Lowe TCA peels, like 8%. Best of luck to everyone and remember, it may be worth it to just go to the doctor and overpay for the race of mind..

I am a licensed clinical esthetician, and due to the instability of chemicals on skin I would NEVER recommend you do it alone, hence what happened in the case of the person who posted this, (might be you) When you are buying these chemicals online, you never fully know what you are actually putting on your face nor do you know what type of outcome you will experience, TCA in the wrong hands can be extremely dangerous not to mention where you are getting this product from, what are the additives, when is the expiration, TCA does in fact get stronger as it ages. Don't believe everything you read over the internet, it isn't in fact safe to do at home. There are take home peels that can be done at home, however, TCA is NOT one of them. And it scares me that sites like these exist making someone whom is untrained think that it is ok to put such things on the skin alone. Save your money and allow a profession to take care of you. No its not brain surgery, but it is in fact, YOUR FACE!

Recegirl - what is the title of this post?

yes, I certainly can read, but also read the comments as well, which goes on to talk about the benefits and savings of doing them yourself.

Obviously there are benefits and drawbacks - she was telling people that overall it wasn't worth it to her. No one appreciates sharing there story and warning people and then having judgmental people jump on to chastise them even though on the opening sentence she says don't try this at home. You said you don't like sites like this? Then find another where estheticians can bash people and no one minds.

I am the person who posted the review and as you can see, I fall squarely in the 'dont try this at home' camp (so much so that I made it the title of my review!)...and the reason is exactly what you stated, it may not be brain surgery, but it is your face and its worth it for the peace of mind that everything was done properly. I was trying to address your statement "Please explain to me why any of you are putting acids on your face at home" (which to be honest sounds a bit condescending to the reader, although that may not have been the intention). If people are doing it, there is a good reason; and that reason, in my opinion, is the extremely high cost of getting it done professionally. If I were able to find a doctor's office that was charging $250, I would have absolutely gone to the doctor. To state it another way, I wanted to have it done by a professional. That was my first choice. But my dermatologist wanted $650. I believe that the reason people try this at home is not because they are stupid or ignorant, but possibly they have tried to get it from the doctor and have been told it would cost the down payment on a small car. I wish these peels were better priced. At least for me, it would have made a difference. Lastly, while there are certainly risks, there are a number of reputable dealers where you can get top quality TCA. Also, while there are risks, they are truly minimal. Even my scarring is barely visible, but still worth making others aware of. Had a possibly been more cautious in my approach and heeded the bad results of my patch test, I would not have been in this mess. You might wonder why I address this at all if I dont believe people should do these at home. Its because I know that people are going to do it anyway, even after reading this, and I hope that they at least decide to take as much precaution as possible.

PinchPoke, I appreciate your concern; I really dont think recegirl meant to bash anyone by her comment. I think it may have sounded that way unintentionally :) I appreciate and welcome her concern. I would really like to hear what her thoughts are regarding the high cost of getting the procedure done in office, as that was one of the most vexing aspects of the TCA peel. Any thoughts on that, recegirl? I would love to get your professional feedback on the reason for the high cost of a TCA. thanks to the both of you and have a great day!

I agree. Performed professional peels for 20 years. TCA travels very fast in to the skin. To get good results 30% is needed and professionals should do that. Lower is exfoliation

Go to a medical aesthetician that specializes in chemical peels and has the credentials. Pay half of what a Dr would.

I paid $150 per peel for 6 peels ( mother's Day specail at a DR office) . she changed peels during this time. I also was alternating with IPL . 6 weeks peel next 6 weeks ILP. She was a 2 layer peel first took all of 10 min. later she changed brands and did 5 layers. Some was so close to my eye a very very very small amount got into my eye. She again in and out 5 to 10 mins. I do a way better job here at home then she did. Also burned me with the ILP BAD .I was blistered and scared, went back within 2 hours crying and in pain she said it was just a deeper peel in those spots were the ILP burned me. $2000 and 18 months of treatments and I use a site online that it products seem good they have youtube videos customer support excellent, warnings step by step directions. More professional and better results then a trainned Dr.

I've done several 25% peels to myself, and it turned out just fine, healed quite nicely. I refuse to pay outrageous prices for something I can do myself. I did thorough research on it for many months before testing it. I've been to a few "professionals"... Many of them haven't a clue what they are doing. They don't deserve to be called "professionals", because professional, they are not.

Yes. I've had professional dermatologist perform my TCA peels and left my face like a porcelain, And she suggested to do glycolic peels to maintain. I've used glycolic peel, salicylic peels 20-35% and Love them and it feels like a deep facial except it only took 4 mins;). I've also come across articles that after you've done your sessions with a professional dermatologist that they also advise to do your own peels. First time they die a TCA peel i wanted to scream mostly because i didn't know what to expect. and that was 5 years ago. I did my patch test with a TCA 15% and it almost did nothing for me. I'm waiting the full 48 hours before i do my entire face bc I am very pre-cautious. And I'm like that with everything. Thats why I'm not doing a 20 or 25% peel, I'm starting off with a low 15%. and remember i had to reapply the peel after 5 mins for my patch test. I think overall, if you know your skin has handled glycolic peels, lactic and salicylic peels well then i say go for it but at low levels first. We all know its an acid and its your skin. BTW whats up with these dr's I asked a question last night and they didn't answer my question appropriately. They were assuming i wanted to do a peel at home...hmm..talk about quick to judge...lol

Agreed 100%

Hi recegirl, Since it is the second time I've seen it, I would just like to let you know that typing in caps (LIKE THIS) is the typing equivalent of yelling, rather than adding emphasis. :) that may be why you got that passionate response from PinchPot (lol)! I'm not sure what you are referring to when you say 'professional.' I dont think you mean a medical professional, because they go much higher than that routinely. Generally, 25% is considered on the lower end of a deep peel. You can review the doctors comments on this site and I think you will find that it is considered the lower end of a medical grade peel. I would be curious to know why anyone would bother with a lower % TCA peel, since the goal of the TCA is to penetrate as deeply and evenly as possible? Perhaps those who cannot take time off work to deal with the very real down time? I'd love to know more about this! Regarding the cost, I dont think anyone is in disagreement that it is preferable to see a professional. I would really appreciate your professional insight into why the cost is generally so high? That was something that I was always left wondering and would love to know more about why. I'm sure anyone who reads this thread would love to know more about that :)

I do not mean to sound condescending to any of you, but it just shocks me when I come across these sites, you may invite me to go somewhere else as well but as a professional it is important to share with you what the risk are when using chemical peels on the skin at home. First and foremost, there is a difference between an acid and a chemical peel, the results are drastically different as well as the rate in which these products react in the skin. The molecular size of peels are all so different. What is most fearful of all is sites that sell these products to unlicensed people, without real knowledge on what these products can do to the skin, or at what level and layer within the skin these chemical and acids go. It sounds like what took place with you was a deep level peel in which the skin responded with a post inflammatory response, in which more times than not these cant be corrected. Also, depending on how the skin was treated before introducing "TCA" to the skin and the skin tone and type of your skin - not to mention the pigment. There are many many clients with skin types and skin color that should never put TCA on the skin EVER. That is why I am so passionately telling you NOT to do this at home (yes, I yelled NOT) - on the subject of why the high cost, first off, you can seek less expensive ways to have a chemical and or acid peels, I own a medspa in Atlanta, and I do not charge 750.00 for a chemical peel, but I do charge 250.00. Perhaps seeing a licensed esthetician is a less expensive way to address your skincare issues. I don't know where you bought your chemical from nor do I want to know because I know enough about TCA to know that it should NEVER be sold to just anyone. Please just know that when you aren't trained in skin you should never ever ever put a chemical on your face alone. The risk are just far too great. Find yourself a local medspa, an esthetician you can trust, build tolerance in the skin before deciding to go through the process of chemicals. It really is serious ladies. Again, I am sorry if I sounded rude, I just wanted to stress the importance. (by the way, I am on day one of my own TCA peel and even after 20 plus years in the field, I still let another esthetician manage my chemical peel). Good luck girls. Hope what I shared was helpful enough. :))

Best of luck with your peel, recegirl! Rock on \m/ Hope you see great results! Have you posted a review on RealSelf on TCA peels? That might be a great place to share your concerns and help bring down the 'Worth It' Rating. I would really like people to think twice before doing this at home as well. I have never heard that post inflammatory hyperpigmentation cannot be treated. Is that what you are referring to? I have read that lightening agents, such as hydroquinone, are effective, but take time. I am in month two of my second round of hydroquinone and retina. It has helped things greatly, but progress is slow and that is ok. I am really the only person who notices the unevenness in my quest for perfect skin, so if it takes a little while, that is fine. I am actually looking into getting a v-beam treatment to help tone down some of the mildly persistent redness. I already got one (ohh...I need to review it!), but the redness seemed to come back; I think the settings may have been too low. Take care and no more yelling on my review, lol! So many passionate people when it comes to TCA! haha!

I know this is an old post. I found your information on chemical peels very upfront and honest. I personally would never do a TCA peel on my own. I had one years ago when I was 30 by a dermatologist and it turned out well. When I read about ladies doing these peels at home it frightens me to think they could do a lot of permanent damage to their beautiful faces. I think because of the high costs of procedures some people can't afford, they get desperate for clear, smooth skin and try it at home. Even though they do a lot a research on the procedure and are very careful when applying the acid , when that acid touches the skin and goes deep , the burning sensation is so great, they must in a state of panic trying to get rid of the burn. In the mean time the acid is going deeper and deeper. For those that do it on their own with good results, I am very happy for them as well as very relieved they didn't ruin their skin.

Did you use other products working up to the 35%? Glad you had good results.

Retin a for a while.

Glad it worked out!

Thanks. Since then I have done two layers around my eyes and its taken a good 5 years off my age.

My pleasure, stardusty. And by the way I really appreciated your very thorough review on Ultherapy I have heard that some people like it, while others dont get the results they're looking for. My sister and I worshiped the sun in our childhood, so even though we are in our early thirties, our skin is experiencing aging much earlier than it should. I have wondered what I will do when these little jowls arent so little anymore!

Thank you cc1010! I have been shocked by the comments as well, but community members like yourself have made a huge difference. I actually suspect that the negative comments were all left by one individual with multiple accounts, but that is just a personal hunch. :) I really do hope that others do think twice before considering doing a TCA peel at home. Its really not worth it. I researched it so much and knew everything there is to know about it and still, it just needs to be done by a professional with experience, in my personal opinion. Thanks again.

Thanks! the brown is faded now. I have persistent erythema (some of which I had before the peel), and on days when I just cant stand it or feel totally ugly, I use Mirvaso and it makes such a difference!

1) I have used hydroquinone off and on for years (and its great!), thank you for the suggestion. 2) I did start with a lower %, in fact, and had no issues with it whatsoever. Just had a major reaction to the 25%. Again, I believe it is due to my thin skin :( 3) Let's get some perspective here...I don't think one bad review is getting anything pulled from the market (please!). I'm glad your happy with TCA...that GREAT! I wish I was too! I do believe that it works great for most people, but not everyone. And people need to tell their stories so that people can be informed when they decide to do this at home. This aint painting your fingernails, this is something that can scar a girl! I speak from experience!

You are not the only one with a bad review on it. Read the amazon reviews. I agree that people need to take it seriously which is why I wish people would go about it more gradually. A little redness is not unusual. I had several TCA peels at the doctors office so I knew how my skin would react and also wasn't scared about how it looked after. It is annoying that it will eventually get pulled from the market. I feel like it's such a rip-off to pay for it at the doctor's office. The prices will go up when it's banned. I actually had one doctor quote $2500. What a joke. I bought 2 more bottles to stock up, so at least I'll have some for awhile. Hope it has a long shelf life.

I think the doctors office is a rip off too (as I state in my review), but asking people not to share their experience or concluding that they must have done something wrong seems unfair as well. If it worked great for you (as it does most people, which I state clear as day throughout my review), then post your story, but please don't try to minimize mine.