TCA peel protocol

Hi ladies ! It's been awhile since Ive been on , I have a concern regarding the tca peel I did on myself. Being the newbie that I am (3yrs) I have only had experience with glycolic and lactic peels with my clients and myself. I decided to finally do the skin script tca peel protocol on myself to lift my hyperpigmentation primarily on my cheeks. Well, I applied the tca in two layers. I had slight redness all over but more so around my mouth area. I also experienced frosting mainly around the mouth , near the corners of my nostrils. I had some frosting to occur on a few of the spots too. Withing the 2nd and third days the crusty skin started to appear and the peeling began. I am now about three weeks post but I cant say that I see much difference in the pigmentation. In fact I broke out in a few pustular pimples which will cause me to have MORE issues with spotting. The next step in the protocol is to do the tca again in 4 weeks (next week for me) but to do 4 or more layers. I wonder is it worth it? I'm not sure what to expect since I did not get the result I hoped for previously. Should I just spot treat ? or Just do as the protocol says and the results will appear in time ? Your thoughts are appreciated

Tags: peels, script, skin, tca

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Summerr on October 29, 2013 at 10:40pm

Hi Sandra

I have the same problem when I try to do aggressive peels on myself. I would not do 6 layers of TCA what I have found that works for me is to do less aggressive peels but do them more often,usually weekly for a few weeks. The lemon zest and Lactic work great for pigment, you could even do a layer of TCA after the lemon zest or spot treat your pigment. The glycolic cleanser and Glycolic pads help with pigment. I have pigment from breakouts and this has really helped me.

Permalink Reply by Sandra Hicks on October 31, 2013 at 11:41am

Thanks Summer, I agree with that I shouldn't do a lot of layers on my next round. Instead I will only spot treat. I have done the lemon zest and lactic on myself previously, I liked the end result and have used the lemon zest several times. but like the TCA I got a breakout a couple of days later when I combine the lactic. I am on schedule to do my next TCA round next week, but I think I am going to do a really hydrating facial on myself today to include the lemon zest enzyme.

Permalink Reply by Lisa VanBockern on October 30, 2013 at 8:40am

I love Summerr's response below; it's meant to be progressive, rather than aggressive; mild peels spaced closer together are my philosophy. Are you using the glycolic/retinol pads daily at home to work on the pigment? Are you exfoliating at home with either the glycolic cleanser and/or the retinol scrub? Did you do the lactic and glycolic prior? Or did you jump to Week 4 with 2 layers? Use your best judgment on Week 8 for applying. I would not apply more than 4 layers based on how you responded in week 4.

Permalink Reply by Sandra Hicks on October 31, 2013 at 11:35am

Hi Lisa, I actually did 4 weeks of light peels first (one glycolic and three lactic) THEN did the TCA. I am using the glycolic cleanser/pads, etc. Admittedly I was afraid to use the glycolic products or any exfoliation for the first week, I thought it would be too much. It was my first time experiencing peeling on that level. Although it is not a huge difference, I can see some change. Perhaps my expectation was greater than it should have been ? lol ! I am now acting like some of my clients ;) . I think on week 8 I will not do my entire face, but will spot treat with the TCA a few layers. Do you think my application had anything to do with why I got that wicked break out ?

Permalink Reply by Lisa VanBockern on October 31, 2013 at 11:44am

Sandra - I think anyone can breakout after a peel. I either (1) keep going with the peels to get the breakouts under control, or (2) do a clean-up facial with a gentle enzyme to clean the pores with extractions. Have patience with peels; 50-80% improvement is within range. Finish the series and then report back. Also, when I have questionable results after peel series, I go back and question why. Could the client have had sun exposure? Heat exposure? Heat exposure can include working in a kitchen over a hot stove or oven. Start some investigation before proceeding with more aggressive peels.

Yes, you can spot treat and don't have to peel the entire face.

Dave says "remember the cellular cycle which is 28 days; it can continue to change". Your skin will keep improving.

Permalink Reply by Cheryl Bruss on October 31, 2013 at 12:10pm

I did 2 layers of TCA on my client on a wednesday she had very mild flaking for 2 days then on 5 th day she went into her sauna and when she got done she dais it hit here and she was peeling . Did the heat from the sauna have something to do with it as well ? How long after a TCA should they not over excert the skin or any heat like a sauna ? Juast giving a little in put as it does help us all to understand how and when and why things happen Thnaks for a ll the info :)

Permalink Reply by Lisa VanBockern on October 31, 2013 at 2:43pm

Hi Cheryl: I'm surprised to hear she was peeling at Day 2. Normally, I would think peeling would occur starting with day 4-6. I do feel the steam from the sauna would encourage the peeling to come off sooner. Generally, I do a mild enzyme with light steam on Day 10 or 14 of a peel to help slough off any remaining skin.

Permalink Reply by Cheryl Bruss on October 31, 2013 at 3:21pm

No peeling just kinda flakey. Started peeling on day 5 after sauna use also she is not using any exfoliating at home. I am waiting the 3 weeks we will do another few layers of TCA Thanks Lisa

Permalink Reply by Sandra Hicks on October 31, 2013 at 12:23pm

Thanks Lisa, of course your so insightful ! It helps a lot to have veterans like you to keep us newbies thinking better. One thing I always have to remind myself is that I can approach skin care in many different ways outside of the box. I sometimes let fear of making mistakes keep me from exploring...especially on my on face ! have a great day, and thanks again.

Permalink Reply by Casandra Ocampo on October 30, 2013 at 8:56am

I had a client with melasma and I noticed little improvement during the protocol but she has been very consistent with her home skincare, and now we see she is getting better. Instead of wiping with the Glycolic/Retinol Pads, she leaves them on the stubborn areas until they dry (about an hour or so). I'll recommend her to come for a series of Lemon and Lactic peels. Summer, do you remove the Lemon/lactic and then apply the TCA and leave it on or do you layer it on top and remove all together??

Permalink Reply by Lisa VanBockern on October 30, 2013 at 9:08am

Hi Casandra - I have question. Was your client removing the glycolic/retinol pad solution? The solution should stay on the skin all day to reach the melanocyte and suppress the action and gently exfoliate. Treat it as a toner under your moisturizer.

Permalink Reply by Casandra Ocampo on October 30, 2013 at 10:59am

Hi Lisa, she was using them after cleansing and before serums morning and night, but only as a toner (quick wipe), until we decided to let them on (at night while watching tv or reading on bed) until they dry or she is ready to sleep and then finish with serums and moisturizer. Looks that is working better this way.