TCA Depigmentation Treatment

Hello,

I'm new to Skin Script and in the process of figuring out what back bar and retail products I'm gonna need and have a question regarding the TCA peel home care.

For the TCA treatment, I know the retail kit comes with:

Green Tea Cleanser

Glycolic Cleanser

Retinol 2% Scrub

Glycolic/Retinol Pads

Now, for someone with normal/dry skin, is this too much exfoliation? I think (from what I've read) as far as the Glycolic cleanser and Retinol Scrub 2x a week is sufficient? What about the Pads? How often and when would they use them? I know with this treatment one of the main goals is to remove as much dead skin as possible and even promote some lite peeling but I was just concerned as to how often and when my clients should use the exfoliating products.

In general, when retailing the Pads and the Retinol scrub...I know both are great at cell turnover, breaking up oil and blackheads...would my normal/dry skin clients love this just as much as my combo/oily clients? How do you go about recommending these two?

Thanks!!

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Lisa VanBockern on January 23, 2013 at 9:16am

Hi Kelly:

You, the esthetician, need to regulate how often your client is using the Glycolic Cleanser, Retinol Scrub and the glycolic pads. Normally, I start people out at 5 tx per week. Then, after 10 days, I back them down to 2-3 times per week. With the glycolic pads (lightening product), if we are in the TCA series, I keep them on the pads 2 times per day directly on the pigment (yes, I spot treat a lot). Once the pigment has lifted I have them use the pads as needed. Depending on what you are working on, you will need to adjust the usage of these products so the client isn't getting too dry. I also love the Cucumber Toner and Ageless Hydrating Serum to offset any dryness.

I know this is vague, but use your best judgment on each skin type to receive the effective results, without overdrying the skin. If my clients say they are feeling dry, I add the Cucumber Toner in to offset this.

Permalink Reply by Kelly VanMeter on January 23, 2013 at 12:07pm

Awesome, thank you so much. That helps tremendously.

Permalink Reply by Brigitte McDonald on February 10, 2013 at 6:10am

How do you suggest the client uses the sample glycolic/retinol pad solution? Since there are no pads in the sample size do they just pour in on some cotton rounds? Is a cotton ball sufficient? How long should a sample size last the client?

Permalink Reply by Lisa VanBockern on February 11, 2013 at 8:45am

Hi Brigitte: You are right, you would pore that solution onto a cotton ball and apply it. The sample size should last 2-3 applications.

Permalink Reply by Brigitte McDonald on February 11, 2013 at 8:57am

Thanks Lisa! I was trying to create "sample" take home kits" for any of my TCA peel clients and was trying to create at least a weeks worth of "try before you buy" kits.

Just a few more questions: What do you usually suggest the price range for this "8 wk TCA/Melasma peel" (each facial, each week - not total price for all) and what does the cost per application (each week) for me end up being?

If they can't come in once a week, will the peel still work?

Permalink Reply by Lisa VanBockern on February 11, 2013 at 9:03am

Brigitte:

The closer the treatment, the more we are "standing on top of the skin" which makes it more effective. When you space them out, I don't feel we see the best results.

As far as pricing, it depends on (1) your location - are you in a medi-spa? a spa? a salon?, (2) your experience level. I, personally, charge less for the glycolic and lactics peels ($25) because they take me 15 minutes. I generally charge a little more for the TCA peels. This may sound low, but keep in mind that the client agrees to purchase the homecare ($250) to support the series. After I finish the series, the client is very happy and continues to be a regular, monthly client at the full facial price to maintain her results from the peel series.

Permalink Reply by Brigitte McDonald on February 11, 2013 at 10:02am

Interesting concept Lisa. I am a spa in a small town in Pennsylvania but near a very large premium outlet and a few well known colleges. Most of my clients come from the small town, but I do get "visitors" as well. Most of my "peel" type facials I charge between $65 - $95 each.

But if I understand this correctly, you are suggesting to not charge per facial but instead charge one price for the whole series which would include shorter time frame peels and the homecare retail product and then afterward switch to a maintenance type peel at regular facial price?

Also, which type would you consider the best monthly peel type for Aging, Melasma combo skin (Lactic, Glycolic or TCA)?

Permalink Reply by Lisa VanBockern on February 11, 2013 at 10:21am

Brigitte: Yes, I see all ways of pricing your services so they are appealing to your client. I, personally, charge per treatment as they come, but you can charge up front for the series. I tend to get faithful, long term clients this way.

Regarding your question about what is the best monthly peel type? I actually use facials to maintain. I use the Lemon Zest for dry, aging, pigmented skin. I use the Pomegranate enzyme for oily, aging, pigmented skin. I use the Coconut enzyme for sensitive skin.

I only put people through peels when I feel I need a corrective change in their skin. Once I have accomplished a clinical end point, then I maintain with the correct enzyme, boosted with a peel.

Normally, I use lactic for dry skin, glycolic for aging and acneic skin, salicylic for oily and acneic skin, and TCA for pigmented skin.

To learn more (and the whole story), please join in on my next webinar. Wednesday, February 13. The 9 am webinar covers retail products. The 10 am webinar covers the professional products. To register, visit https://skinscriptrx.com/training-schedule/

Please feel free to call or e-mail or blog with more questions. Thanks!

Permalink Reply by Brigitte McDonald on February 11, 2013 at 10:53am

Thanks for all your help Lisa! I will definitely try to tune in!

Permalink Reply by Kelly VanMeter on February 21, 2013 at 6:33pm

Good stuff. I was actually going to message you the same thing...thank you

Permalink Reply by Brigitte McDonald on March 15, 2013 at 9:48am

Hi Lisa:

I have been using your TCA protocol on a client who has a lot of melasma around her eyes and cheeks. Has had it for years, but very regularly uses sunscreen. We have started the protocol and done the glycolic and lactic and home care products. Everything seems to be going fine until recently after the lactic. She started to peel around her cheeks and under her eyes (I did not put the peel under her eyes for obvious reasons and I had warned her she might flake). Her skin was extremely dry in that area when she returned and she complained she would rather have the spots than "look older"...lol I opted to do a hydrating treatment on her that week instead of the TCA and sent her home with some samples for help. Her skin looked good when she left, however now the timing is off a bit for the TCA peel. I felt like her skin needed to balance before we did the TCA. Is this typical of the series? Did I offer the right "fix" or do you have any other advice? Is it OK to do the TCA next week or is there anything else I should be aware of? Also, her melasma is just slightly starting to lift, though she is not noticing it, what should I expect? Does this sound like a correct result at this stage in the game?