Because they are a naturally occurring product, alpha hydroxy acids have been determined to be safe for use by most people. As with the use of any product, you should consult with your dermatologist to insure that these products are safe for you to use. TCA peels can effectively improve many conditions, including weathered skin, freckling, pigmentation, sun damage, fine wrinkles, and shallow acne scars. TCA is applied to the skin and timed very carefully, with the usual goal being to induce a frosted appearance to the skin. The solution is then neutralized, or washed off.
Most patients experience a slight burning sensation while the solution takes effect.
The peel causes the upper layers of skin cells to dry up and peel off over a period of days, exposing a new layer of undamaged more healthful skin. While recovery times vary with the individual, most people require five to seven days to heal from an average TCA peel. The skin appears sunburned, and will require some care at home. While most people are candidates for this type of procedure, care should be taken to insure even peeling by an experienced cosmetic dermatologist.