Following a TCA chemical peel, or Trichloracetic acid peel , inflammation and redness are normal. Although it takes one to two weeks for the skin to heal after a TCA peel, treating the skin at home will help reduce redness and inflammation, making recovery time more comfortable. Always follow your dermatologist's post-procedure instructions for proper healing of the treatment site. Makeup application may be resumed a couple hours after mild TCA treatments.
Step 1
Cool your skin with a spray bottle filled with cool water. Keeping skin moist and cooled after a TCA peel will help keep inflammation down and reduce redness. Cool water also stimulates blood flow to the skin, speeding the healing process. Spritz your skin often throughout the day and allow it to air dry.
Step 2
Apply a skin moisturizer to the treatment site daily. Moisturizers for mild chemical peels should be lighter according to DermNet NZ's website. Deeper peels require a thicker moisturizer to minimize scabbing and keep skin moist. Avoid using moisturizers that are enhanced with fragrances, as this could irritate sensitive skin.
Step 3
Apply sunscreen to the skin when exposed to the sun's UV rays. UV rays can damage and worsen reddened and inflamed skin, causing damage to the tissue as well. Covering up with clothing and applying sunscreen all year long will ensure healthy skin before and after TCA chemical peels. Sunscreen that is SPF 15 or higher is ideal for proper sun protection.
Step 4
Cleanse the skin nightly with glycolic acid-based cleansers as per doctor's instruction. In some cases, glycolic acid may not be recommended as an option for care after a TCA peel, so make sure to have your doctor's approval before using glycolic acid. Glycolic acids helps keep pores open and helps keep dead skin cells and bacteria from building up on the surface of the skin.
Things You'll Need
- Spray bottle
- Cool water
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen
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