With the start of school, already two weeks ago, I have been super busy, but this time of year also means the start of my TCA chemical peel series.
I don’t do medium chemical peels during the summer (to reduce UV exposure to newly peeled skin). Being in Illinois where it gets crazy cold and snows for months, I have a great opportunity during the winter to do a series of peels without the risk of UV exposure (that I usually have during the summer since I’m outside so much more).
Occasionally, I will do a 30% glycolic acid peel during the summer if I have an acne flare up, but I’m at the point now where I only need one, or possibly two, during the entire summer, and I make sure to protect myself carefully from UV rays afterward.
That being said, it’s time to start preparing for this season’s chemical peel series. I dug out my generic Retin-A last night and applied it for the first time since the spring. This is available from Amazon; I don't get it from a doctor, but it's prescription strength! I use .6% retinol cream but I generally have sensitive skin. If I did not have sensitive skin, 1% retinol would be my choice for a more aggressive preparation, which will yield better results for the entire peel series.
I’ll use the retinol cream 1-2 times a week for two more weeks before my first peel, which I have scheduled for September 20th.
My first chemical peel will be a 12.5 to 15% TCA solution with a pH level of .6 which means I will peel.
Follow me through my at-home chemical peels: see photos, read my stories, learn about peels and recovery, know what to expect from AHA, BHA, TCA, and other chemical peels to improve acne, acne scars, fine lines, sun spots, age spots, oily skin, freckles, sun damage, and wrinkles. I am neither a doctor nor a licensed esthetician. Use chemical peels at your own risk, and remember that my experience should not take the place of professional advice.
Hi Gabi - I have begun too, a bit later than I wanted but I finished a 35% glycolic with a 50% second layer for 8 full minutes. I have been doing retinA continually 3x a week in evening and VitC in morning before sunscreen. I might just jump ahead to the tca 15% on the 18th. I would like to be done with the peelies by Oct 12th.
ReplyDeleteI also did glycolic on my hands. Used Cu3 on both. I am considering my arms but I will need to reduce the strength of my 50% to 12.5%. The recipe calls for 1 part 50%tca with 3 parts water for a 12% solution. Will give it a go :)
~~Barb (Sammie from FB)
Good luck! Why are you cutting back the strength on your arms? I didn't see any peeling at all with that strength, but I think it's because my arms were just so sun damaged. Sounds like you have something fun planned for Oct 12th ...
ReplyDelete50% tca on arms? I am skeered ;). But maybe I will do just a little tweek on the tca for the face to 20%. It will be the first time I "make my own." No fun planned for me (provisional hearing I believe it's called?). Filed for separation...life goes on. ~~Barb
ReplyDeleteHey,
ReplyDeleteGood post about Chemical peels. Though these take time to show results when compared to facial cosmetic surgeries, a regular treatment would give lasting effects.
Hey,
ReplyDeleteGood post about Chemical peels. Though these take time to show results when compared to facial cosmetic surgeries, a regular treatment would give lasting effects. Lianna