I just did a 3 layer tca peel and the first 2 layers weren't bad at all. The third layer kinda sucked but I really think that had to due more with being on 15 minutes and getting annoyed. I think especially since you have done peels before you won't really need it.

 

thanks for the reply. what percent TCA did you use for your peel?

 

thanks for the reply.  what percent TCA did you use for your peel?

Oh sorry thought I included that. I did 12.5% also

 

Has Anyone tried using numbing cream for a TCA peel?  I saw a Dermatologist on youtube use it before doing a 35% two layer peel ( yeah deep!--and no I'm not considering that level at home !!!!)  but wondered if anybody here had any experience with using is for a lesser peel and if it helped with the burning. I've done 50% glycolic peels with no problem, but I want to do a 2 level frost TCA  and I thought using a numbing cream might make it easier.

Using a numbing cream is iffy. It could interfere with penetration of the peel unless you completely remove it prior too. I would take 2-4 ibuprofen 45mins-1 hour prior to the peel. Get a good fan, drink a glass of wine, be sure no kids are in the house (in case you scream) and just suck it up and apply!! I had a numbing cream I was going to use until my Derm talked me out of it. Not real safe as you could really burn yourself not being able to feel the pain. Makes it hard to judge if you are really doing some damage. What % are you wanting to do?? I would not go over 21% doing a home peel. Anything higher, pay a professional.........it's worth it!!

 

gymrat--you make some great points! thnxs. I'll forgo the numbing cream--at least until I have a LOT more experience! I am planning to spot test 18.5 percent to see what kind of frost I get with one or two layers. and then make a decision as to what % and level makes sense ( less or more) I've got some fairly substantial wrinkles ( age 62) that I want to improve significantly--so I really want to " peel like a snake" and I'm hoping I can get to a level 2 frost at least. I know this is probably a little ambitious for my first TCA but i won't be able to have a chance at a second go at it until after Christmas so i really hope I can make this one "count". ( I'm buying 25% and planning on diluting to what % it looks like I need)

I'm an actress and I have a window of time to get'er done this spring but will have to be onstage the rest of the year--and cannot be looking hideous and peely!

Advice and thoughts are welcome--that's why I'm here!!!!

 

gymrat--you make some great points! thnxs.   I'll forgo the numbing cream--at least until I have a LOT more experience!  I am planning to spot test 18.5 percent to see what kind of frost I get with one or two layers. and then make a decision as to what % and level makes sense ( less or more)  I've got some fairly substantial wrinkles ( age 62) that I want to improve significantly--so I really want to " peel like a snake" and I'm  hoping I can get to a level 2 frost at least.   I know this is probably a little ambitious for my first TCA but i won't be able to have a chance at a second go at it until after Christmas so i really hope I can make this one "count". ( I'm buying 25% and planning on diluting to what % it looks like I need) I'm an actress and I have a window of time to get'er done this spring but will have to be onstage the rest of the year--and cannot be looking hideous and peely! Advice and thoughts are welcome--that's why I'm here!!!! 

Peels work best done in a series. Don't expect results over night. Peels take time. It is not a quick process, and not a process you want to rush through. The higher % of the peel does not necessarily mean better results. If there is any peel I would ease into, its a TCA. Totally up to you what % you want to use. However, I have great success using 18% and double layering it. I recommend doing some serious research prior to applying. Read the pros and the cons of using a high % and not being under a Dr's care. After all, it is your skin and your face. We have some great threads here by several members who have experience with peels. I would use the search menu and read through some TCA threads. Here is one thread that you can read through. Sandia gives a very detail oriented thread on a TCA/Jessner peel. Another member with experience is Goatie. Read through some of her threads as well. http://www.skincaretalk.com/t/21944/jess-tca-nl-folds-jaws-look

 

I didn't feel any pain when I had my TCA peel, which I think was 15%.

 

Just read that thread great info!