Trichloroacetic Acid Cream ∘ Your Questions Answered
Trichloroacetic acid cream and other various acid creams can actually make your other skin care work better. Exfoliating the top layers of your skin can lift away dead cells, leaving fresher new layers to absorb your favorite ingredients without the obstruction of dead skin cells impeding the effectiveness of those beloved products.
As that topmost layer is shed, signals are sent to the living cells below to multiply and move up, to increase collagen production, to make more hyaluronic acid. All of that results in your skin acting younger, as it once did, bringing the regeneration process up a notch.
Our Glycolic & TCA Exfoliating Cream with TCA, Lactic and Malic Acid is your best all around option for a safe product to use in the comfort of your own home, made with organic plant based ingredients.
What is Trichloroacetic Acid?
Trichloroacetic acid (also known as TCA) was discovered by Jean-Baptiste Dumas in 1839. Since its discovery, it has been widely used in biochemistry all over the world.
Trichloroacetic acid is often used in cosmetic treatments such as chemical peels and tattoo removal, and as topical medication for chemoablation of warts and skin cancer.
You might be surprised to know that many of today’s chemical peeling agents originated from plants and foods. For example, tartaric acid comes from grapes, malic acid from apples, glycolic acid from sugar cane, and lactic acid from sour milk, to name a few.
Similarly, the more potent peeling agent TCA (trichloroacetic acid), is a modified and can be derived from common vinegar.
How does Trichloroacetic Acid Work?
TCA is a powerful solution that effectively exfoliates the skin without any risk for toxicity. Trichloroacetic acid can reach slightly deeper layers, compared to glycolic acids.
Trichloroacetic acid is a remarkable compound that works its magic through a fascinating chemical reaction, penetrating deep into the skin's layers to ignite a transformative process. As it delicately exfoliates the outer layer, trichloroacetic acid triggers a cascade of cellular changes, stimulating collagen production and cell renewal.
On the skin, once keratin proteins are coagulated, they too turn a whitish color. This whitening is called “frosting” on the skin.
Once frosting occurs, the trichloroacetic acid will self-neutralize and is no longer active. This fact alone makes it less intimidating to use at home. You’ll find that it’s a fantastic peeling agent that can tackle concerns of pigmentation, scarring, sun spots, the signs of aging, and even acne.
But beware of acid levels about 30%, which tend to be quite harsh and require a "down time" to heal and shed. This can look rough and unappealing, which is why it's always best to go slow and do frequent, low grade treatments over time.
Our trichloroacetic acid cream is a fantastic option that any skin enthusiast can include in their skin care treatment routine, to help them reach their skin care goals.
If combined with other chemical agents, as our is with glycolic acid as well as lactic and malic acid, it can also show marked changes on aging skin, discoloration, acneic breakouts and the common side effects that acne leaves behind, such as post-inflammatory pigmentation.
What Can Trichloroacetic Acid Do For Your Skin?
It is really exciting when you find out about how many ways trichloroacetic acid (TCA) can be used (in a variety of strengths and concentrations) to improve your skin:
- Smooth fine surface wrinkles
- Correct pigment problems
- Reduce brown spots and age spots
- Improve the texture of leathery or crepey skin
- More glowing skin
- Firm and tone skin, reducing sagging
- Increase the production of collagen and elastin
- Improve melasma
- Treat some types of acne
It can be used at any place on the body but is often used for face, neck, backs of hands, or anywhere there is some sun damage, scarring, or visual imperfections.
Our Glycolic & TCA Exfoliating Cream with TCA, Lactic and Malic Acid is your best all around option for a safe product to use in the comfort of your own home, made with organic plant based ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions When Using Our Trichloroacetic Acid Cream
What exactly is a trichloroacetic cream?
Our trichloroacetic acid cream is a non-toxic plant derived moisturizer that is easier to handle that trichloroacetic acid liquid, because it’s not runny and therefore eliminates any chance of accidentally splashing or getting into your eyes or parts of your face that you’d like to avoid.
The formulation of our very unique cream includes a long list of other plant derived ingredients to hydrate, soothe, heal, and regenerate the skin.
Just apply the cream to clean dry skin, it’s that simple. No need for special tools, brushes, or gloves.
How do TCA peels work and what are the different depth peels?
All peels work by removing a layer of sun damaged skin. Superficial or “light” peels remove only the top layer, mostly the layer of dead skin called the stratum corneum.
Progressing from medium to deep peels, the layer of skin removed is greater with each increase in strength of the peel solution. The stronger the peel solution the greater the risk of complications like uneven pigment or even scarring.
Trichloroacetic acid can be used at different levels from mild to strong, depending on the percentage of the trichloroacetic acid in the product you choose. It’s always best to start out with a low percentage and work your way up.
Anything below 25% is going to have zero to low down time. Above that, you might have a couple days or so of skin that might like a little red (like a wind burn or sun burn) but that will heal and slough away, leaving fresh new skin.
What areas can be treated with TCA?
The face, neck, chest, back, back of hands, arms, and legs – are the most common areas that individuals tend to concentrate on when using a trichloroacetic acid cream or product. But honestly, anywhere on your body is fine with the right amount of preparation or care.
Trichloroacetic acid creams can be very cost effective on the body because larger areas can be done at less cost than a laser or office visit procedure, in the comfort of your own home.
How long do the effects of TCA peels last?
Once your skin is exfoliated, that damaged skin that has been removed is gone forever, allowing you to see and feel fresher layers of skin with less damage.
When will I see results from use of my TCA product or peel?
As soon as a few days after the first time you use of our trichloroacetic acid cream, you might start to see results. Your skin might look firmer, and it will start to slough off a little more and more, with each time you cleanse. Trichloroacetic acid actually has the ability to continue working behind the scenes for another 30-60 days after your first use, as it will encourage the skin to create more collagen and elastin.
How much do TCA treatments cost?
A doctor’s office or spa visit can run from $300 to $1,000, but there are many extremely good options for products that you can find by reputable companies online (like our trichloroacetic acid cream) for a fraction of the cost, in the comfort of your own home.
What does it feel like to use trichloroacetic acid?
That depends on the strength you start with. The sensation can range from very minimal hardly noticeable tingling to a strong, temporary burning sensation. On every level, the feeling will subside and pass after a few minutes. Lower percentages are a great place to start, and then you may want to build your tolerance.
The beauty of using our trichloroacetic acid cream, is that once it’s applied, you can continue on with your day. Apply cosmetics, or other skin care products, which makes it very easy to bring into your skin care routine.
If you do decide to use during the day (as I do) please remember to use a quality sunscreen and take precautions to avoid the sun. It’s easier to do when you work indoors and/or wear a hat as an added layer of protection.
How should I care for my skin after TCA product use?
Generally speaking, it's always best to use gentle products and rich moisturizers when caring for the skin after a trichloroacetic acid treatment. Wash nightly with a gentle cleanser and remove any makeup gently. Apply a rich moisturizer and keep your skin hydrated 24/7. Your skin might temporarily feel dryer until it fully heals.
While our skin naturally sheds (desquamates) its outer layer on a regular basis, this process slows with age. Chemical products are a powerful tool to resurface and rejuvenate skin with instant results. Other skin issues like photo damage and acne can also greatly benefit from chemical peels.
While TCA is very effective when used alone, research has shown that when combined with other acids like ingredients like lactic or salicylic acid, it will enhance the effects of these ingredients and provide a more effective skin resurfacing result.
Our Glycolic & TCA Exfoliating Cream with TCA, Lactic and Malic Acid is your best all around option for a safe product to use in the comfort of your own home, made with organic plant based ingredients:
Conclusion