Chemical peels are used to smooth and improve the texture of skin as well as treat wrinkles, blemishes and areas of hyperpigmentation. They are commonly made up of acids, such as trichloroacetic acid (TCA), which then burn the outer layer of skin, helping the younger layers of skin rise to the surface. Other chemical peels contain phenol, or alphahydroxy acids, which work similarly. This article describes how to perform a TCA peel, though the process is much the same for other types of peels.
Step 1
Mix up your chemical peel solution. A mixture of one part TCA to three parts water is a good medium-strength chemical peel.
Step 2
Do a quick "patch" test to figure out the concentration of chemical peel that you want to use. Take a moderately strong chemical peel solution (such as one part of TCA mixed in three parts water) and apply it to a small area near where you will be doing the chemical peel. Leave on for three to four minutes, then rinse and see if your skin blisters or burns severely.
Step 3
Wash the area that you will treat with a mild cleanser and then wipe it down with rubbing alcohol.
Step 4
Using a cotton swab, apply a thin even layer of the chemical peel solution to the area you wish to treat. Leave on for three to four minutes.
Step 5
Rinse the treated area thoroughly with cool water, and then apply cool compresses (cloths soaked in cold water) to the area.
Things You'll Need
- TCA
- Water
- Cleanser
- Rubbing alcohol
- Cotton swab
- Cloth
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