Terra

So I received my kit (18%) in the mail today and am planning on doing my arms first. My questions are, 1.) What do I use to apply it? The instructions say a q-tip but I'm thinking that will be waaay too small for a larger area??? and 2.) The instructions suggest using a glycolic acid (I think that's what was recommended - just from memory) for a few days in advance... how necessary is this? Or just for the facial area?

Thanks so much! (I'll take a before and after shot).

Goatie

I like using a fan brush especially for the hands and arms ( larger areas ) the q-tip will take FORevah! Not fun! The glycolic acid before probably isn't that necessary if you have been exfoliating with the cloth, retin a etc.

Terra

Thanks so much! Ordered the brush. btw, what did you feel like the peel did for your arms and your chest area? I'm hoping to get rid of some sun damage...

Goatie

It does help with the sun damage to remove it. It was especially great for my face. It does help to incorporate the Vit C serum and Retin A and the cloth for exfoliation.

fane8872

I would test a small area on your arm first to see how you react (if you're sensitive). I don't think it would be necessary to exfoliate. Mayble use a small % of glygolic (like 10%) acid 4-5 days prior to your peel. When I did the 15% TCA peel on my face I did not prep it and got a pretty decent results. But before that I had done lasers, RA, HQ, etc. My face has been thru the ringer. Oh one more for thing when I applied the peel I did not use the q-tip but used cotton gauzes which were fine.

Terra

Thanks so much! I too have been doing RA and HQ on my face for many years (off and on as I've had 4 babies in the last 7 years and can't use them while pg). I love the way that RA makes my skin so smooth and clear, but I still have sun damage on areas of my body (particularly my arms and chest) and think I need something a bit "deeper" to really make a difference there. I'm hoping the peel will do it!

My other question is, when they say that results last about 6 months, does this mean that sun damage will start re-appearing after that time? Is there any way to maintain results with really good sunscreen all the time??

I love this site!!! I've been a skin care product fanatic forever and I'm so happy I found a site where I can chit chat about all things skin care related.

Goatie

Just be sure to always wear sunblock when out and to maintain use the TCA every 6 months.