FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Anais Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) Peel, is one of the BEST CHOICE for treatment of fine wrinkling of the skin. Trichloroacetic acid treatments can be used in varying concentrations from as low as 8% to as high as 80% and TCA cross 100 method for localized scars-- The higher the concentration, the deeper the peel. TCA peels produce improvement in collagen and elastin in the skin and reduction of fine wrinkling, acne scars and dark spots. It will lighten or even diminish tattoos (depending on darkness and depth of tattoo). Medium peels produce a deeper penetration than light peels such as glycolic. The draw back is that a medium peel causes the skin to appear to have a severe sunburn for about one week. A person having a medium peel must stay in for one week (maybe longer) to recover.
Warning to Client/Patient: Skin condition and overall health are factors in determining whether you are a good candidate for a TCA Peel. Whether pre-treatment medications may be needed, the strength of solution to be used, and duration and depth of the peel should be determined by a qualified skincare practitioner. Applying this product without proper medical consultation constitutes using it at your own risk. (The seller of this product is not familiar with buyer’s skin type, condition, skin history, or sensitivity and does not make personal recommendations of any kind to any buyer. Seller is not liable for negative or damaging results that may be obtained by proper or improper use of this product on any person.)
Side Effects:
The first week after the peel the skin will be red and perhaps swollen. The skin may also burn and may weep slightly.
Peels can sometimes cause persistent redness of the skin and ultimate de-pigmentation.
The most common side effect after a peel is brown discoloration of the skin. This is usually reversible but can rarely be permanent. This side effect usually occurs only in those who have had sun exposure after the peel and who are not using sunscreen SPF 25 or higher.
If the client gets cold sores, a peel can cause them to flare. Client should begin taking Lysine 1-2 weeks prior to a peel (or consult their doctor).
Precautions to Clients:
If the client has any of the following problems (contraindications), a doctor’s advice is recommended so that precautions can be taken:
-Warts
-Prior bad reaction to a peel or dermabrasion
-Past herpes simplex (cold sores)
-History of sun allergies
-Recent radiation treatment for cancer
-Keloid or hypertrophic scars (thick scars)
-Pregnant or breast-feeding
-Accutane use within the past six (6) months. Accutane should not be taken for at least six months after the peel either. There are reports of scarring in people who have taken -Accutane after a peel.
-Sunburn or significant sun exposure in the last two days
-Surgery or cryosurgery within the last six weeks to the area that is to be treated.
What to Do Before The Peel:
At least three to four weeks before the peel client should stop using exfoliating sponges or buff pads. All forms of hair removal should be discontinued at least three to four weeks before the peel. Client should avoid shaving the day of the peel.
Each night before client goes to bed, starting at least two weeks before the peel, client needs to begin applying a mild AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid 3-8%) cream or lotion to the entire face and to any other areas that will be treated. This conditions the skin and begins the exfoliation process. It enhances the TCA treatment, resulting in a more even peel.
REMEMBER DO A PATCH TEST
How the Peel is Done:
Always do the patch test before undergoing a complete peel. ALWAYS do a patch test to determine the skin’s reaction to the solution, starting with a weaker solution. Determine the appropriate strength to use. Not everyone’s skin reacts the same to skin peel solutions….some peel more than others and some less. Also, using too strong of a solution could result in darkening of the skin and scarring.
ANIS LACERTE TCA peel is Medical Grade
Procedure: First cleanse the skin with a mild cleanser and toner (alcohol free). For extra protection, you may want to apply a small amount of ointment around the eyes to protect that area. A full treatment with 50%, 60% OR 70% TCA is NOT recommended - Using too strong a solution may result in scarring or discoloration. Skin around the eye area is thinner; a weaker solution should be used there. Avoid getting the solution too close to the eyes. After examining the patch test and determining what strength to use, apply an even coat of the TCA solution using a cotton swab. Do not scrub any areas with the swab that may need more exfoliation than others. The solution will be left on the skin for several minutes (3-4), depending on the skin type, condition, and results desired, determined by the skincare specialist. The skin will burn and tingle. The skin may “frost” or turn white temporarily. (This is normal and will subside. The frost will fade within 20-30 minutes after the treatment). Rinse the treated area with cool water and apply cool compresses (water dampened cotton or cloths) after the 3-4 minute application, gently blotting the skin to remove excess solution and to cool the skin. Do not rub the area, as it is now somewhat sensitive. A neutralizer is not necessary, but if you prefer to use one, you can make your own by mixing one cup water with one teaspoon baking soda; simply apply it with cotton pads on the treated area. The treated area will soon begin to take on a pink/brownish color. Next apply a thin coat of protective triple-antibacterial ointment. During this time the skin will begin to feel better, although a very slight burning sensation may continue for a while.
Post Treatment Care:
For 7-12 days after the peel, clean the skin with warm water using the mild liquid cleanser. Use fingertips (not a wash cloth) since the skin is very sensitive at this time. Avoid the use of abrasive or exfoliating sponges. After cleansing, pat dry with a clean towel, and then apply ointment to keep the exfoliating skin soft and the new skin protected.
The skin will turn brown, wrinkle up, and crust, much like a bad sunburn. It is this browned outer layer of skin that is in the process of exfoliating. Keep it moist each day with ointment. Do not peel, pick, or scratch the exfoliating skin. Advil, Nuprin, or Ibuprofen (200 mg) may be taken 3-4 times daily with food to reduce swelling and discomfort, if needed.
Avoid sun exposure -- this includes tanning beds. Sunlight on the skin after a peel can cause brown discoloration of the new skin. A sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher should be applied every morning before going outdoors. With trichloroacetic acid peels, scarring and brown discoloration of the skin is unlikely unless the client goes to a tanning salon after having the treatment or lies out in the sun. Daily sunscreen use should continue indefinitely to prevent new photo damage from occurring. The new skin will have a pinkish color for several days, perhaps weeks after the peel (depending on solution strength and skin condition). If there is persistent redness in an area that doesn’t seem to be fading after the first few weeks, let the doctor know. Persistent redness of the skin can lead to brown discoloration of the red area and a scar if it is not treated right away.
For a minimum of one month after the peel, do not have hair removed by any technique. It can cause severe irritation of the skin. Make-up application may be resumed one week after the peel, provided there is no crusting or tenderness.
Touch-ups or a second peel may be needed after the initial peel. Wait at least 26 days before re-applying the TCA peel.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: Will TCA actually remove acne scars, spots, and wrinkles?
A: Yes, depending on the depth of scars, TCA will greatly improve the appearance, if not remove them altogether. TCA removes the outer 2 layers of skin (epidermis) and therefore decreases the depth of wrinkles and fine lines; also removes discolorations and age spots. Q: Is there any pain involved?
A: Yes, you will feel some burning for 3-4 minutes. But you will notice the burning diminishing as the minutes go by. After rinsing the skin with cool water, the burning subsides.
Q: How do I know what strength to use?
A: The instructions you’ll receive explain how to do a patch test with a diluted solution of TCA to determine for yourself how strong of a solution to use. You’ll use a weak solution (10-15%) for a "lunchtime peel" or a stronger solution (20-35%) for a medium depth peel. Usually peels stronger than 35% are for thick skin problems such as calluses.
Q: Is TCA okay to use on different skin colors?
A: Yes, TCA does not penetrate into the pigment layer of the skin, so it will not permanently change skin color as does a stronger peel such as Phenol. Although the new skin after a TCA peel may appear somewhat lighter, it will normalize back to it’s usual color in a matter of weeks. This is due to the new skin having never been exposed to the sun. The surrounding skin appears darker since it is tanned.
Q: Do I need to take time off from work for the peel?
A: If a light peel is applied, the skin will mildly peel and you should be presentable enough to go to work (Note: you will need to stay out of the sun even with a light peel). Deeper peels will look bad since the skin darkens and crinkles up somewhat. Because of your appearance you may want to take time off. Also, you must keep the skin moist with ointment and keep it out of the sun for the 7-10 day treatment.
Q: Will I be able to wear makeup during the peel?
A: No. Starting on day 1 you will need to keep the treated skin moist with an antibacterial ointment. Ointment is to be kept on the skin until it has peeled (about 7-10 days), so makeup cannot be applied during that time (other than makeup applied to areas not treated such as the eye lids or lips).
Q: How do I know if I am a good candidate for this peel?
A: Review the list of contraindications included in the instructions and check with your doctor to be sure you are a good candidate for a TCA peel. Your skin type, condition, history, and any allergies you may have could effect the outcome of your treatment. Even if your doctor says the peel is okay, DO THE PATCH TEST.
Q: Is there any thing I should do to prepare for the TCA peel?
A: Each night before you go to bed, starting at least two weeks before the peel, you should apply a mild alpha hydroxy acid cream or lotion (2-8% AHA) to the face and/or any other areas that will be treated. This conditions the skin and begins the exfoliation process. It ensures a more even peel from the TCA treatment. You should also discontinue use of any harsh exfoliants and hair removal products (includes exfoliating creams, buff pads, waxing of hair, etc.).
Q: Are there any products I should not use when considering a TCA peel?
A: Accutane is a prescription used for acne. It should not be taken for at least six months before and after the peel. There are reports of scarring in people who have taken Accutane after a peel.
Q: How is the peel treatment done?
A: First a determination is made as to how strong a solution is to be used on your skin, based on your skin type, condition, and the desired results. The instructions you’ll receive explain how to do the patch test. The solution is applied with swabs, covering the area 1-3 times. The TCA solution has a pH of less than 1 and burns intensely for 3-4 minutes. A hand fan is good to have at this time for cooling. After timing the treatment, the treated area is rinsed with cool water to relieve the burning. A neutralizer may be applied at this time, although a neutralizer is not required to deactivate the solution. Immediately after the 3-4 minute application and rinsing, the skin will "frost" or turn white temporarily. This is normal and will subside within 15-20 minutes, returning to a natural pink color. The antibacterial ointment is then applied. Before too long the treated skin will take on a brownish color and will remain this color until peeling begins. Total treatment time is about 20 minutes.
Q: Will my skin be red or pink after the peel and how long does that last?
A: Yes, your skin will have a pinkish color for a few weeks after peeling has completed, depending on the strength solution used. This can be concealed with makeup. (Note: A yellow based foundation will counteract redness)
Q: What precautions / care do I need to take after the treatment?
A: While you are healing you should stay out of the direct sun (including tanning beds), and always use a sunscreen of at least SPF25. Direct sun can cause the skin to darken and you may reverse the benefits of the peel. But with TCA (Trichloroacetic) acid peels, scarring and brown discoloration of the skin is unlikely unless the client goes to a tanning salon after having the treatment or lays out in the sun. Daily sunscreen use should continue indefinitely to prevent new photo damage from occurring.
Q: When can I begin wearing makeup again?
A: You can resume wearing makeup around day 7, after the skin has completely peeled.
Q: Is one treatment enough?
A: One treatment is all that is needed for many skin imperfections. For serious skin problems, more than one treatment may be required.
Q: How often can I apply a TCA peel?
A: The TCA solution can be applied more than once for deeper skin problems. Wait at least 4 to 6 weeks between treatments. The skin needs to be totally healed before applying the solution again. |
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