How to Apply a TCA Peel

Co-authored by Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD

Last Updated: November 23, 2024 References

A TCA peel is a skin treatment that works by applying trichloracetic acid to your face. TCA peels can be used to treat a number of conditions, including acne, irregular skin tone or texture, hyperpigmentation, fine wrinkles, and scars, including acne scars.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Interview. 15 May 2020.} This treatment can be performed by a dermatologist, but it is quite expensive. In order to save money, you can apply a TCA peel at home. In order to apply a TCA peel, you will need to prepare your skin for the peel, apply the peel, remove the peel, and follow post-procedure care instructions.

Applying a TCA Peel

Wash your face with warm water and a mild facial soap.
Line your eyes, lips, and nostrils with petroleum jelly to protect them.
Dip gauze into the TCA peel solution.
Wipe the gauze on your skin starting at your forehead.
Move down to your chin using smooth horizontal motions.

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Preparing for a TCA Peel

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Determine if you are a suitable candidate for a TCA peel. TCA peels can have positive impacts on your skin by removing signs of aging and acne. However, there are certain instances when you should not apply a TCA peel. Do not use a TCA peel if you:^{[2]
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- Have cuts, broken skin, or received a recent facial surgical procedure.
- Have a sunburn.
- Have active Herpes simplex 1 sores.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Have taken Accutane in the last year.
- Have recently received chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
In order to prepare your skin for a TCA peel and make the treatment more effective, you should use a face product that contains AHAs, such as glycolic or lactic acids. There are a variety of creams, lotions, and toners available for your skin. Begin using this product approximately five to seven days before applying the peel.

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TCA peels can be purchased through online retailers or through a dermatologist. Once you have acquired a TCA solution, you should read and follow all of the instructions provided by the manufacturer. TCA peels can be highly acidic so it is very important that you follow all directions.

Dr. Sanjeev Aurangabadkar, Dermatologist

Chemical peels are a popular treatment option for a variety of skin concerns, including acne, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines and wrinkles. They work by removing the outer layer of skin, revealing smoother, brighter skin underneath.
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Test the TCA on a small patch of skin. This way you will be able to determine if the acid solution is too strong or if you are allergic to the solution. For example, if you want to apply a TCA peel to your face, you should test a small patch of skin under your ear. This area is out of the way and will not be overly visible if you have a negative reaction. Always test the skin near the area you want to treat.
- Rinse the test patch of skin once it starts to burn.
This way you will know how the peel will react on your skin. If the spot that was tested becomes itchy, red, or bumpy, you should not apply the peel to your skin. This is likely a sign that you are experiencing an allergic reaction.

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Applying a TCA Peel

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Immediately before you apply a TCA peel, you need to completely clean your skin. If you are applying the TCA peel to your face, you should remove all of your make up. Washing your face will help to remove any surface oils allowing the TCA solution to peel away a layer of skin.^{[3]
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Remove surface oils using a prep solution. Some TCA peels will come with a prep solution that should be applied to your skin prior to administering the peel. These solutions help to fully dry out your skin and remove any lingering surface oils.
- If you did not purchase a prep solution, you can apply witch hazel or diluted rubbing alcohol to your skin using gauze.
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Apply petroleum jelly around the eyes, mouth, and nose. If you are applying a TCA peel to your face, you want to protect some sensitive areas from the acid. In order to do this, use a cotton swab to apply a bit of petroleum jelly to your lips, and the skin around your eyes and nostrils. This will prevent the acid from damaging these sensitive areas.^{[4]
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- You may want to wear safety goggles to prevent any TCA solution from dripping into your eyes. You will still have to apply petroleum jelly to your nose and mouth, however.
While working with the TCA solution, you want to be careful that the acid does not touch other areas of skin. As a result, you should always wear latex gloves to protect your hands from the acid. This is especially important if you are applying the TCA using gauze because it will likely come into contact with your fingers.^{[5]
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Place a small dish on your counter and pour some of the TCA solution into the dish. This will make it easy for you to dip your brush or gauze into the solution while you are applying the TCA to your skin.
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Use gauze to apply TCA to your skin. Dip a piece of gauze into the TCA solution. Then squeeze the gauze gently. You want the gauze to be wet, but not dripping. This will prevent the solution from running into your eyes. Then apply a thin layer of TCA to the desired area of skin. If you are applying the TCA to your face, you may want to divide the area into sections.^{[6]
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- For example, start by applying the TCA solution to the right side of your face, then the left side, and do the forehead last. This will help prevent you from overlapping the solution.
- You can also apply TCA using a makeup brush, but a brush is more likely to cause dripping.
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Wait 2-5 minutes. Once the solution has been applied to your skin, you should wait approximately two to five minutes. The time will vary depending on the strength of the solution, the number of peels you have performed, and your own skin type. It is normal for your skin to turn red and sting a bit while the peel is on your face.
- If your skin begins to frost (i.e. turn white) or sting uncomfortably, you should begin neutralizing immediately by washing the solution off with water.
- This is more likely to occur when using a stronger TCA of 15% or higher.

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Removing a TCA Peel

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Apply a post-peel neutralizer to your skin. If you begin to experience frosting, you should apply a post-peel neutralizer to your skin. This typically comes with the TCA peel kit. Apply the neutralizer to your skin using a gauze or a soft cloth dipped in the neutralizer.
- You can also make your own neutralizer by mixing 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 and a half cups (355 ml) of water.
After the peel has been on for five minutes, you should wash it off by splashing water onto your face. You can also apply water by dabbing your skin with a wet cloth. This will help to remove the TCA from your skin and will help to neutralize the area.^{[7]
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Once your skin is dry, apply a healing ointment to the skin. For example, try using emu oil or Bacitracin to help heal your skin following a TCA peel. You should reapply this solution a few times a day for at least 48 hours following the peel.^{[8]
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Recovering from a TCA Peel

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Your skin will likely peel for approximately five to seven days following the procedure and during this time you should avoid exposing your skin to the sun. Make sure to use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher during this time.^{[9]
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Research source} Remember to reapply every two hours, or more if your skin has gotten wet or sweaty.^{[10]
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Expert Source

Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Interview. 15 May 2020.}
TCA peels will dry out your skin. You can replenish the liquids in your skin by drinking lots of water. Try and consume at least eight cups of water per day following the application of a TCA peel.
If you used a stronger TCA solution, you skin will likely peel for a few days following the treatment. Do not pick at your skin. Instead, let it peel on its own.^{[11]
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Expert Source

Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Interview. 15 May 2020.} Picking the skin can lead to skin damage.
Do not apply another peel during this time. Although your skin may stop peeling prior to 14 days, the solution is still working on your face and the results will not fully appear for 10-14 days. Once the results are visible, you can determine if another treatment is necessary. TCA peels are quite strong, so if you notice positive results after the first peel, you likely do not need to perform another peel.

Expert Q&A

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Is it normal for my skin to peel and scab after a TCA peel?

Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Margareth Pierre-Louis is a board certified Dermatologist and Dermatopathologist, Physician Entrepreneur, and the Founder of Twin Cities Dermatology Center and Equation Skin Care in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Twin Cities Dermatology Center is a comprehensive dermatology clinic treating patients of all ages through clinical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, and telemedicine. Equation Skin Care was created to provide the best in evidence-based, natural skin care products. Dr. Pierre-Louis earned a BS in Biology and an MBA from Duke University, an MD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, completed a residency in dermatology at the University of Minnesota, and completed a dermatopathology fellowship at Washington University in St Louis. Dr. Pierre-Louis is board certified in dermatology, cutaneous surgery, and dermatopathology by the American Boards of Dermatology and Pathology.

Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD

Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

If you do a deeper peel, like a TCA peel, you're going to get peeling or scabbing of the skin a few days later, just because it goes deeper in the skin.

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Things You’ll Need

TCA peel solution
Latex Gloves
Gauze
Post-peel neutralizer
Washcloth

Tips

A TCA peel may leave your skin peeling for approximately 5-7 days depending on the strength of TCA used.^{[12]
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Expert Source

Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Interview. 15 May 2020.} As a result, you may want to book time off work or set aside a few days of down time following the peel.

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TCA peels can be performed about once a month depending on the strength of the TCA solution.

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Chemical TCA peels come in 8%, 13%, 20%, and 30% strength. You should begin by using a mild 8% TCA peel and then you can work your way to a stronger solution. This will prevent you from damaging your skin.

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Keep your skin care routine as simple as possible following the peel—just mild soap and water. Use coconut oil or jojoba oil to help your skin retain moisture. If your skin feels inflamed or tingly, aloe vera gel can help calm things down.

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Warnings

If you get TCA in your eye, flush it out immediately with water and then seek medical attention.

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TCA peels are strong and can damage your skin if applied incorrectly. If this is your first time doing a chemical peel, you should try a milder solution before doing a TCA peel or have a dermatologist apply the peel.

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