Tattoo removal with TCA chemical peels

Approximately 25-35% of tattooed people want to remove their tattoos within 5 years. Tattoo pigmentation is deep and requires a series of treatments to remove. Most green ink contains titanium dioxide, which is very difficult to remove with laser treatments, but easier with chemical peels. Red or black tattoo removal typically requires four or five laser treatments, costing $150 to $500 each. Green tattoos can still be visible after up to 20 laser treatments, costing you time and money. Ankle tattoos are among the most difficult to remove with lasers because the skin is so thin in that area. Skin whitening creams do not give significant results on tattoos and take forever to be effective on most types of discoloration.

Chemical peels are the choice of many, due to the lower cost per treatment and the convenience of the new at-home chemical peel kits. Tattoos and semi-permanent makeup gradually lighten with each chemical peel treatment depending on the type of peel solution used.

WHAT IS A CHEMICAL PEEL?

A chemical peel is the application of an acid to the skin to achieve a controlled burn in order to remove the top layers of skin. Chemical peels are often used to remove fine lines, small scars, discolorations such as tattoos, semi-permanent makeup, freckles or liver spots, sun-damaged skin, and precancerous keratosis spots that can be removed in the upper layers of the skin (the epidermis). . Peels can be applied to the entire face or to isolated areas such as the upper lip. Peels can be applied to most areas of the body, with caution being applied to areas with thinner skin, such as around the eyes. Doctors use various peeling solutions to remove warts, moles, and calluses. The type and concentration of acid controls the depth of the burn used to achieve light, medium and deep peels.

SKIN CLASSIFICATIONS

Chemical peels come in 3 basic categories: light, medium, and deep. TCA falls in the middle category (depending on %) and is the most desired type as it gives quicker results than the lighter alpha hydroxy acids but is not as traumatic as the heavier phenol peels. 25% TCA is considered a medium concentration of TCA and works well on superficial skin blemishes.

Strengths and applications

Light – AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) including glycolic, salicylic and lactic acids

Medium – TCA (trichloroacetic acid) and Jessners solution

Deep – Phenol, which requires application by a doctor

WHERE TO BUY HOME PEELING KITS

Until recently, you had to visit a skin care specialist (dermatologist, esthetician, or cosmetic surgeon) to get a “TCA Peel” (trichloroacetic acid chemical peel treatment). The specialist will ask you to come in for a consultation, advise you on how to perform the peel, and give you a gentle alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) lotion to apply for a week or two before your peel treatment. The AHA lotion or gel conditions the skin and begins the exfoliation process. At your next visit, your specialist would apply the TCA solution and remind you of post-treatment care…avoiding sun exposure and keeping the treated skin protected with an antibacterial ointment, then send you on your way.

Well, now you can buy at-home TCA peel kits designed to give you everything you need to apply a peel treatment yourself in the privacy of your own home, saving you office visits and money. Yavonae Skin Care offers TCA Peel Kits that include everything you need, from TCA peel solution, cotton pads, and lotions made with alpha hydroxy acid to ointments, sunscreen, fans, and concealers. These kits come with full instructions including how to apply a patch test to determine your skin’s reaction to the peel solution and what concentration to use. Unlike deep peels, medium peels can be safely performed on people with darker skin tones. TCA is an excellent alternative when milder peels fail to produce the desired benefits.