Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) is often used to lighten wrinkles, fade tattoos, and even get rid of acne scars. TCA tattoo removal results are undeniable when it comes to removing old and unwanted tattoos but is equally effective in removing acne scars from the first few layers of skin. A TCA peel can remove the top layers of skin and the acne scars with it. The process is a simple one and can even be done at home and will greatly reduce the appearance of scaring.

About two weeks before you do the peel you will want to stop exfoliating the area that you will be doing the peel. Use a gentle cleanser without any exfoliating properties. It is also important that you stop removing hair as well. This means no shaving, waxing, or any other form of hair removal.

During this two weeks of preparation you will want to treat your skin with a 2-8% alpha hydroxy acid cream or lotion each night. This will condition your skin and begin the process of removing the layers of skin.

Now it is time to do the trichloroacetic acid peel. If you want a light peel you will dilute the TCA to about 10-15%. If you want a medium peel you should dilute it to 20-25%. It isn't recommended that you do more then a medium peel at home. It is better two do the peel more then once to achieve your desired looks. Allow the peel to sit on the skin for 15-20 minutes. Then neutralize it with baking soda water. You can now wash your skin gently with a mild soap.

If you used the light peel then your skin will turn pink and peel, but it won't look very bad. It also needs no special treatment and you can return to work immediately. If you use a medium peel then your skin will become dark pink and possibly even red. It is also likely to get brown and crispy at the edges making time off from work recommended. You will want to keep it moist with ointment and stay out of the sun seven to ten days.

Trichlorocetic acid is a great way to get rid of acne scars. It can even be applied to any part of the body with the exception of the genital area.

A TCA (trichloroacetic acid) peel has steadily gained in popularity as an effective treatment for acne scars, facial wrinkles and age spots, in addition to being used as a tattoo removal remedy. TCA works by being applied to the skin in order to remove the outer layers of skin known as the epidermis, erasing lines, wrinkles and any pigment discolorations. It's a remedy that's particularly effective for removing the pitted scarring caused by prolonged acne.

To prepare for a TCA peel procedure, a mild alpha hydroxy acid cream or lotion should be applied to the intended area nightly for two weeks prior. By doing this, your skin will be conditioned and you will experience more satisfying peel results. Also during this period you should refrain from using any chemical exfoliants. Although people of every skin color can use TCA, there will be a temporary lightening of the skin that will get back to normal a few weeks after a peel. Any candidate using accutane, a prescription for acne, should discontinue use six months before and after a peel to prevent scarring.

Though an application of TCA tattoo removal can be done at home without a professional, when using TCA as a facial peel, it should be administered by a licensed dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Usually local anesthesia is used because there is an uncomfortable burning sensation ranging from mild to severe that occurs as the TCA goes to work. Your doctor will ask about any allergies or previous skin conditions that might affect the outcome of the TCA, in addition to doing a patch test to determine the strength of TCA solution that is appropriate for you.

For treatments such as removal of tattoos, more than one TCA treatment may be required, usually scheduled 4 to 6 weeks apart. During the skin's healing process, it may appear reddish or pink in color and should be protected by staying out of the sun and out of tanning salons. Make-up or moisturizer with a sunscreen of at least SPF25 should become a daily regimen after a TCA peel to promote healthy skin. Avoid wearing make-up or any cosmetics for at least 7 days after a TCA peel.

The procedure can take anywhere between 15 and 60 minutes depending upon the extent of skin treated. Costs range from $100 up to several hundred dollars depending upon the number of treatments needed and the extent of the peel.