What are the chemical peelings?
Chemical peelings are based on the application of specific solutions of chemical exfoliants (trichloroacetic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic, mandelic, etc.) on the skin depending on the case, in order to remove its dead cells and to provide renewal of the epidermis.
In which cases are they used?
- Dull and damaged skin
- Wrinkles, photoaging
- Freckles and other color disorders
- Acne scars
- Acne
How many types of chemical peelings exist?
There are light, medium depth and deep peelings.
Fruit acids (AHA), glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, Jessner solution, lipoudroxy-acid, salicylic acid, azelaic acid and many others are also included to these peelings.
The doctor will choose which peeling is suitable foryour case.
What is the TCA peeling and where it is used for?
This is a trichloroacetic acid peeling which is of medium depth or of deep depth, depending on the concentration used. It is mainly used for:
- Smoothing fine surface wrinkles
- Removing superficial blemishes
- Correcting color issues
At the clinic we use the Cosmo peel of the French company Dermaceutic.
Is a special preparation required for the application of a trichloroacetic acid TCA peeling?
Dr Anastasia Tzouma will give you instructions on how to prepare your skin for the peeling treatment with TCA.
The preparation is not necessary in all cases but it provides much better results.
Retin A is sometimes used and a prescribed medicine that contains Vitamin A for preparation of the skin.
This thins the surface layer of the skin, allowing the TCA solution to penetrate more deeply and evenly.
Due to the fact that the use of retinol can be irritating in most cases, we can alternatively use as preparation an AHA cream or hydroquinone.
The preparation takes at least two weeks and it should be stopped 5 days before the peeling.
It is advisable to avoid facial waxing, the use of blonding cream and hair dying before the treatment day.
What is the TCA trichloroacetic acid peeling procedure?
Initially a thorough cleansing of the face with soap and water is done and all traces of makeup are removed.
Then for 5-10 minutes, a specialized dermaceutic foamer with 15% glycolic acid is applied for the preparation stage of the skin.
After removing the foam from the face with water and wiping it well, Dr Anastasia Tzouma applies the solution of TCA trichloroacetic acid on the face with special cotton buds.
The concentration of the solution 15%, 18%, 20% is selected by Dr Anastasia Tzouma based on the problem and the quality of the patient's skin.
Finally, a soothing cream Cosmo Peel and sunscreen formulation are appliedon the face.
How will the skin be in the following days?
There will be only a mild erythema which normally allows the daily activities.
The next day the skin is dehydrated, it will be mild red or light brown at thebiggest peeling depthsand it will gradually peel off for 4-7 days.
The degree of peeling depends on the concentration of the chemical agent and the depth of treatment.
What are the precautions after the treatment with TCA peeling?
For the next few days, the doctor will recommend the use of a rich moisturizing and regenerating cream, avoiding the sun and the use of a sunscreen formulation will also be needed.
