There are multiple TCA peel benefits that can help patients improve the visible appearance of their skin. TCA peels are most commonly used to treat the skin on the face and neck, but they may also be used on the chest, back, arms, and legs, or other areas of the body frequently exposed to sunlight. Depending on the strength of the chemical peel, those containing TCA can help you achieve the following benefits with noticeable improvements to the skin.

Reduced brown spots and age spots

Improved texture of leathery, sun-damaged skin

Reduced appearance of certain types of acne

Fewer fine lines and wrinkles

Improved appearance of skin with melasma

Increased skin elasticity and hydration

Trichloroacetic breaks down keratin, a protein found naturally in the skin, causing keratin to cease proper function and allowing the skin to lighten and peel away over the course of several days. As patients shed layers of damaged skin, healthier and smoother skin is revealed. Peels with lower strengths affect only the topmost layer of skin, but medium-strength peels can penetrate the papillary dermis to treat damage located in deeper layers of skin.

The concentration of TCA used determines the depth of the peel. Lower concentrations offer subtle improvements, while higher concentrations significantly improve overall skin tone and texture. TCA peels with 10–15% concentrations (light) can treat skin issues like hyperpigmentation, while peels with a 20% concentration can treat sun-damaged and aging skin or skin with minor scarring. A peel with a concentration of 30–35% treats deep wrinkles, more severe scars, and precancerous skin lesions.

TCA peel for acne scars and other skin conditions work by removing a layer of sun-damaged skin. “Light” or superficial peels remove only the outermost layer of skin, while medium-deep peels remove greater layers of skin with each increase in strength of the peel solution. TCA peels may be performed at different depths, ranging from shallow to deep. The several strengths of TCA peels allow various formulations to work at different depths in the skin.

The specific formula and strength that work best for your needs depend on multiple factors, such as the type and severity of the condition you seek to treat. Depending on your unique needs, our dermatologists might recommend a specific type and strength of TCA peel, in order to best accommodate your skin-care goals. The lasting power of results from a TCA peel depends on the depth of the peel and the extent of a patient’s current sun exposure.