Skin: TCA Peels Pre and Post Care and what to expect:
Getting a chemical peel may be a scary thought for some, but there is really no need to fear! Here’s the scoop!!!
TCA peels are for clients looking to correct several of the skin’s issues that annoy us every time we look in the mirror. Now is the time for correction and to start the process of achieving healthier and happier skin. L-T Wellness has former chemical peel training, but it wasn’t until recently that a perfect TCA peel became available. Now that we have an excellent skin care tool using TCA, What is it??? So glad you asked!
TCA is a noninvasive skin treatment (superficial epidermal layer only) used to treat skin discolorations, scarring, and wrinkles. This peel gets its name from trichloroacetic acid (TCA), which is used to clear away dead skin cells to reveal the newer and smoother skin layers below. TCA has a longer dermal reach than other acid peels like glycolic, lactic, and mandelic for example, which in turn delivers a much fast and quicker attained anti-aging result.
It’s really simple! We clean and prep with skin with a specifically formulated solution for this precise type of peel, apply the peel, (layers will depend on client sensitivity and experience, we work together to keep you as comfortable as possible!), then we apply soothing, healing facial oils from L-T Wellness’ exclusive holistic skin care line Naturopathica that will be selected expressly for your skin type and your skin’s needs.
What do I need to do to prepare my skin to get the most effective peel that will allow me to reap the most benefit???
First and foremost, we want to start with healthy and exfoliated skin. Think about how you would paint a wall: spackle, scraping, primer, etc. You need to do some prep work to achieve the best results. If you are not sure if your skin is in the right shape/prepared correctly for a peel, just ask! It is highly recommended that you do a prep of Retinol and Peptide Peels for 14 days before your scheduled TCA peel. If you are more sensitive, you may want to stop your nightly retinol application 3-5 days before your TCA peel. Less sensitive, more regularly exfoliated clients may not have to discontinue the Retinol prior to there TCA peel at all.
L-T Wellness offers target specific Retinols, AHA/BHA Peptide Peels, preps with
Naturopathica’s Holy Basil and Retinol Wrinkle Repair Night Oil, Argan and Retinol Wrinkle Remedy Night Gel Cream, Sweet Cherry Brightening Enzyme Peel, Pear Fig Polishing Enzyme Peel and Pumpkin Purifying Enzyme Peel. (Enzyme Peels are selected by skin type)
Keep in mind that you will continue to use these products in your skin care regimen at home and these products are not just for TCA prep alone. Always remember what you do at home will give you the most consistent and definite results that you are looking!!! For further exceeding your expectations, for your morning routine, Naturopathica has two lightly textured and highly effective daytime skin treats in their
N. Poeticus and French Algae Brightening Essence and Vitamin C 15 Wrinkle Remedy Serum.
These AM greats contain brightening, lightening and wrinkle fighting ingredients like pure L-Ascorbic Acid and Niacinamide will make your skin feel brand new, especially before and after your TCA peel. Preparing the skin with these products will not only be giving your cutting edge skin care that is safe, clean and green, it will give you a 100% more efficient TCA peel with much less chance of irritation.
Put in a little work, reap the big benefit!!!
Here is a quick breakdown of how you will be using the products pre peel and Day 11 ish of your post peel:
AM Protocol:
Cleanse: Naturopathica’s Aloe Cleansing Gel, Manuka Honey Cleansing Balm, Marshmallow & Probiotic Soothing Cleansing Cream or Chamomile Cleansing Milk everyday
Antioxidant Serum: Naturopathica’s Vitamin C 15 Wrinkle Repair Serum everyday (use the 10 spot technique for even application)
Melanin Inhibitor: Queen New York’s 7-in-1 White and Bright Serum (Required for every day use 14 days prior to you peel! You can also continue using it after you peel for continuous dark spot lightening)
Brightening Serum: Naturopathica’s N. Poeticus and French Algae Brightening Essence (hydrating, brightens. lightens, lightly exfoliates)
Sun Protection: (Make sure that you are using a SPF of a least 40 or higher everyday and that you are reapplying every 2 hours or directly after exiting the water)
PM Protocol:
Double Cleanse (first cleanse): Naturopathica’s Aloe Cleansing Gel, Marshmallow &
Double Cleanse (second cleanse): probiotic Soothing Cleansing Cream, Manuka Honey Cleansing Balm or Chamomile Cleansing Milk every night
Enzyme Peel: Naturopathica’s Sweet Cherry Brightening Enzyme Peel, Pumpkin Purifying Enzyme Peel or Pear Fig Polishing Enzyme Peel.
***PLEASE NOTE: Within the 14 days prep, you will do the Peptide Peel 6 times for 10 minutes min/max, no more, no less. You can do this treatment every other night to space it out. Make sure that you are paying attention to excessive redness and/or irritation. If irritation occurs, space the peeling out 2 nights apart and text L-T Wellness for further guidance. Do not use Enzyme Peels on the same nights that you use Retinols!!!
Retinol Facial Oil: Naturopathica’s Holy Basil and Retinol Ageless Night Oil every night (Speeds healing, Thins out dead skin, lightens pigmentation and increases collagen production)
Retinol Moisturizer: Naturopathica’s Argan & Retinol Wrinkle Remedy Night Gel Cream every night (smooth, firm, lift)
***Please remember not to use physical/mechanical exfoliants (scrubs, spinning facial brushes, etc.) prior to your peel. After you did the prep listed above, there will be not need or reason to exfoliate any further. If you scrub, you create an uneven epidermis and you will have an inconsistent peel.
Now you may be thinking, “That sounds great, but what should I expect as far as downtime after the peel and what should I be using on my skin???”
Great question! The reason for this treatment is to help aid in the reduction of inflammation and encourage the healing process post peel. After you leave your treatment session, usually by day 3 or 4 the skin may start to peel beginning from the nasal area and working its way outward towards the hairline. This process, the natural flaking and peeling, typically lasts for about 4-6 days depending on the client’s skin condition. All in, you will need to wait to see your revitalized skin revealed at the 9-11 day mark. It is very important that you do not peel of or pick at your skin during this period!!! You can use clean tepid water washcloth and Naturopathica’s Oat Facial Polish (a 3-in-1 cleanser, exfoliant ((uses jojoba wax beads instead of harsh, physical scrubs materials)) and mask) in circular motions to add soothing hydration and to help move residual peels along a little. You can apply it while you are in the shower as as mask and it is just heavenly how soft your skin will feel! With its Beta Glucan and jojoba wax beads to soften and gently loosen the peels naturally, it’s a much safer way to handle those last remaining skin cells waiting to slough off.
In addition, while you are waiting on your gorgeous new skin to be uncovered, you can add more hydration such as
Naturopathica’s Seed Facial Oil, Carrot Seed Facial Oil or Gotu Kola Healing Balm.
These facial oils and balm will nourish and repair the skin during this period and you will be able to easily incorporate them into your daily regimen outside of your active peel times as well. (L-T Wellness will recommend a product based on your skin type)
If you must wear makeup during this time, consider purchasing a tinted SPF such as Australian Gold tinted sunscreeen SPF 50 (sold at at L-T Wellness) instead because liquid foundation or powder mineral makeup will not look as good during this period, keep it fresh and natural! As you are waiting for the skin to purge all of the old, dead skin, that old layer may look “crepey” and even darker in some areas as this layer becomes unattached to the skin’s superficial surface. Yikes! Not to worry though, this is totally normal, but just wait and BE PATIENT! It will be worth it! To the point that you may be inclined after you see the improvement to book again right away, but it is very important to let the skin recover for a minimum for 28 days.
Now for the NO NO’s:
No Accutane in the past year
No pregnant clients
No active herpes breakouts (If you are not in a flare, you have have a Rx for your condition)
No Rosacea (If you still want a peel, you can receive a Mandelic peel, just let L-T wellness know you are interested!)
No freshly tanned skin or excess sun exposure (excess melanin will lead to spotting with peels)
No facial waxing, dermaplaning or shaving for 24 hours before your peel
You cannot have a peel preformed if you have fresh or open extractions
Wait 1-2 weeks post peel for waxing (you wan to have completely finished the peeling process)
No clients prone to keloids
No open wounds
No active infection
You cannot get a peel with out getting LED Therapy, this treatment is necessary to promote healing
No illness or poor health
No Retin-A for 3 days before a TCA peel
No Microdermabrasion for 2 weeks pre and post peel
No Microneedling for 2 weeks pre and post peel
Use this time to take a break from vigorous running/workouts, steam rooms, Hot showers (especially sticking your face under the hot shower faucet), Hot yoga, NO SWEAT (excessive heat) sweat can get trapped under the skin as it is healing as cause bubbling and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. If you must workout, think walking or gentle yoga. Don’t worry, your muscles won’t forget you during this quick respite and your skin will look incredible if you adhere to these suggestions!
Why YES, of course!!!
Sunscreen of at least 50, Big floppy hat and large fabulous sunglasses (polarized if you have them) are your friend as your skin is healing!
Pro Tip:
If you haven’t been keeping up with your monthly skin care treatments (Shame on you! ;)) or your at home routine needs improvement, it highly recommended and maybe necessary that you come in for a preparatory facial. That will include a through skin analysis where together we can address all of your concerns and issues before we dive into the fun of getting you one step closer to your best skin yet!
Other questions about TCA Peels?
When dealing with a TCA peel in this percentage, it is recommended that you wait 4 weeks in between peels for more sensitive skin types and a minimum of 14 days for more normal and easier peel tolerant users.
What happens if you get a peel and don’t notice much or any peeling? Just because you don’t see any visible flaking,doesn’t mean the peel is not working. This acid’s job is to dissolve the bond that holds the outermost layers of dead skin to the face. Most of the loosened skin comes off during your routine cleanings. If you skin “feels” smoother, it’s working! Remember that a peel is not a 1 x event. You should do a series of 6-8 peels before judging it’s effectiveness.
Remember, beautiful skin can be yours with consistency and perseverance, but you WILL get there! It is highly recommended to receive at least 6-8 peels to reveal skin that looks totally rejuvenated from the inside out! Ready to get started??? Better skin is just a text/call/email message way!
Let’s get started!!!
As always, please feel free to text/email me directly with any further questions and concerns!
910-232-3233 | ltwellness06@gmail.com