Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel is a medium to deep chemical peel that effectively treats significant skin concerns such as pronounced wrinkles, sun damage, and acne scars. By removing the outer layers of damaged skin, the TCA peel stimulates the regeneration of new, healthier skin cells, resulting in a smoother and more youthful complexion. The depth of the treatment can be adjusted to suit the individual skin condition, allowing for a tailored approach that targets specific problem areas.
Patients can expect a healing period during which the skin exfoliates and renews itself, leading to noticeable improvements in skin texture and appearance.
Due to the strength of the treatment, TCA peels are performed by our experienced dermatologists to ensure both safety and optimal results.
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The ideal treatment for visibly aged and sun-damaged skin
What is TCA acid peeling?
A peeling is a skin treatment using a chemical solution. Peelings can reduce irregular skin pigmentation, increase the formation of elastic fibers in the dermis, stimulate the production of new skin, and the ground substance of the skin that retains moisture.
Peelings can be used for acne, rosacea, acne scars, fine wrinkles, and pigment changes (including melasma). There are several types of peelings. Very superficial peelings are usually performed by cosmetologists, while medium-depth peelings are performed by specially trained nurses and doctors.
At Apex, we use superficial peelings with Retinol, Jessner peels, salicylic acid peels, Ph peeling (only in Aalborg), and TCA peeling. The latter may only be performed by dermatologists.
TCA peeling is most often used for severe acne scars, wrinkles, and aged skin. TCA peeling is the most effective peeling available, but it can also cause side effects. It is important to consider how quickly you want to see results. The degree of improvement depends on how the skin looks immediately after the peeling. The greater the effect, the longer the healing time (typically up to 2 weeks for TCA peeling).
The best results are achieved on pre-treated skin. The skin heals faster after the peel and has a lower risk of side effects. Pretreatment should last at least 2, preferably 4 weeks, using Retinol creams or our "Face Cream" containing vitamin A acid.
The treatment can be repeated at intervals of 3 to 6 months.
How does the treatment work?
The day before or at the latest on the day of the treatment, antibiotics and herpes medication will be prescribed and sent to the pharmacy system (call the pharmacy before picking up to ensure the medication is ready). The customer picks it up themselves.
Before treatment, the skin must be free of makeup. It is cleansed with alcohol and acetone to remove all dirt and oil. The peel is applied to the skin in multiple layers. A Jessner peel is applied first, followed by TCA in increasing concentrations up to 35%. A TCA peel stings and burns strongly on the skin.
After the treatment, a whitish mask forms on the skin, and some redness is visible underneath. The skin feels warm. In the following days, the skin tightens and becomes very dry, dark, and red. Cracks may appear, and fluid may begin to seep. Peeling starts between days 5 to 8. After the peeling, the skin is slightly red, and the redness gradually fades over the weeks. Makeup may only be used once the skin has completely healed.
In the days following the treatment, the skin must be moisturized several times a day with Epidermal Repair cream (available at the clinic). It is important to keep the skin moisturized with this cream throughout the healing process. Do NOT use other creams or similar products during this time.
If the skin begins to weep (release fluid), vinegar water should be used to clean the skin. Mix ½ liter of boiled and cooled water with one capful of regular white vinegar. Soak gauze pads or cotton cloths in the solution and apply to the skin 4 times daily for 10 minutes each time. The vinegar water prevents infection.
For all types of peeling, it is crucial to avoid sun exposure completely as long as the skin is affected after the treatment. This means as long as there is redness, as sun exposure can cause hyperpigmentation.
Avoid exercise, sauna, chlorine, and swimming in the sea. Avoid direct showers on the treated area to prevent premature peeling. Do not scratch, pick, rub, or touch the treated area unnecessarily to reduce the risk of scarring and infection.
We always recommend using sunscreen both before and after treatment with SPF 50+ including UVA and UVB protection, as TCA peeling causes lasting depigmentation of the skin.
What are the effects of the treatment?
After a few treatments, the result is noticeably smoother and fresher skin with fewer wrinkles and improved texture. The skin can look up to 10 years younger. The result is essentially permanent, but the skin will continue to age naturally.
The longer the healing time, the higher the risk of infections and scarring. Therefore, only superficial peels are normally used on areas like the backs of the hands. On the neck and chest, a TCA peel can be performed, but it may be better to do multiple superficial peels instead.
It is important to agree on expectations before treatment. Refunds are not issued for treatments.
Who should not be treated?
Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals
Individuals with relevant allergies
If there is an active infection in the area, including active herpes
If recent surgery has been performed in the area
If taking Isotretinoin, treatment must have ended at least 1 month prior
Possible side effects
Immediately after a TCA peel, there is a risk of infection, redness, and later scarring. There's also a risk of the skin becoming darker or lighter after the peel, and of an allergic reaction to the chemical solution. Although rare, there is a risk of temporary or permanent pigmentation changes in the treated area. Some individuals are genetically more prone to this than others. The risk of pigmentation issues may also increase with the use of birth control pills or pregnancy after treatment.
In very rare cases, there is a risk of severe scarring, especially in people prone to keloids or abnormal scar formation. There is also a risk of infection from bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Infection may appear as redness, tenderness, swelling, or fever. There is a risk of herpes outbreaks if you have a history of cold sores. Prolonged redness lasting months and possible later scar formation is a rare risk. If this happens, it is important to contact the clinic’s dermatologist as laser, steroid, or other treatments may be necessary.
Recommended aftercare (creams) to optimize treatment results
After healing, we recommend effective creams to support the results of your treatment.
C E Ferulic (day and night) – Antioxidants for anti-aging protection – Strengthens the skin – Protects against free radicals
Face Cream (2–4 weeks before peeling)
Epidermal Repair (day and night) – Strengthens weakened skin – Specially formulated for sensitive skin – Soothes and reduces redness – Ideal after aesthetic treatments
EU General Data Protection Regulation – Privacy Policy
We respect your privacy and are subject to the EU General Data Protection Regulation. You can get an overview of what personal data we collect about you, why we do it, the legal basis, your consent, and your rights here:
https://www.dermocosmetic.dk/privatlivspolitik-forkunder
Information and consent
After reading this written information, you will receive verbal information about the treatment and have the opportunity to ask questions. Here, the client must answer questions about their health condition. Withholding necessary information about your health and medication use may increase the risk of side effects. You may bring a support person with you. After the verbal information, there must be at least 7 days of reflection time (unless there is a medical indication, such as scarring) before giving your consent to the treatment.