Our skin naturally loses its elasticity as we get older and starts to get wrinkles, fine lines, and solar damage. At-home TCA peels are a quick and affordable way to treat these common skin problems.

You can use TCA peels to get smoother, brighter skin that does not age. All you need is the right information and preparation!

Using trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel, the top layer of skin on your face is chemically removed, revealing healthier, more stable skin. For a lot less money, you can do a TCA peel at home instead of going to a clinic to see a dermatologist.

However, you could hurt yourself if you do a TCA peel without first learning how to do it properly. Due to this, I have decided to give you everything you need to do a DIY TCA peel at home.

I have successfully tried TCA peels from Platinum Skincare on my own and I was able to reverse all the skin issues I had and achieve radiant skin. 

So, if you are ready to rejuvenate your skin and turn back the clock without leaving the comfort of your home, here’s a guide specifically designed with women over 50 in mind. 

These DIY tips will help you achieve glowing, youthful-looking skin without breaking the bank or enduring lengthy dermatologist visits. You’ll learn the safest way to use TCA peels at home, including the most important steps for preparation, the best ways to apply them, and how to take care of your skin afterward.

What Does a TCA Peel Do?

The TCA Peel is a game-changer in your skincare routine. 

A TCA peel, which stands for trichloroacetic acid peel, is a powerful and effective chemical peel that promises to transform your skin, revealing a smoother, more radiant complexion.

This chemical peel works by removing the top layers of dead skin, which starts the body’s natural process of renewal. This reduces wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars, hyperpigmentation,  and sun damage, making your skin look younger and more vibrant. It’s like hitting the refresh button on your skin’s appearance!

You can also use TCA peels in many different ways. You can make a TCA peel fit your skin type and concerns, whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin.

Plus, because there are different concentrations, you can pick a lighter peel for a quick boost or a deeper peel for bigger changes. So, if you have a skin problem, there’s likely a TCA peel that can help!

READ ALSO: Is a TCA Peel Safe for Mature Skin?

Can You Do a TCA Peel at Home?

You can do a TCA peel at home, and it’s a total game-changer for your skincare routine! You could get spa-like results without even leaving your house.

The best part? You don’t even need to be a professional to get all the amazing TCA peel benefits. With the right guidance and preparation, you can safely and effectively perform a TCA peel at home.

However, most dermatologists and skin care experts say that you should not do a TCA peel at home. They say that if you do that, you could hurt your skin permanently. 

To be honest, I wouldn’t have tried a TCA peel at home if I hadn’t received all the help and resources from Peel University by Platinum Skincare.

Peel University has everything you need, like the Official Peel U Worksheet, so you can easily find all the information you need to pick your peel. You’ll learn how to do a TCA peel at home, saving thousands of dollars compared to professional treatments.

Peel University provides the resources you need to do a TCA peel at home on your own schedule. They will also teach you a skill that will help you permanently control your skin.

I recently had an amazing chat with Jen, the expert behind Platinum Skincare. We discussed TCA peels and their incredible benefits for wrinkles, fine lines, and sun damage. From the various stages of TCA peels to proper usage, we covered everything. Jen also shared valuable tips on which skin types benefit most and how to manage sunspots and other skin issues effectively.

Read about my journey with the TCA peel, how I reversed sun damage and achieved radiant skin.

DIY Tips for Safe At-Home TCA Peels

At-home TCA peels can be a quick and easy way to improve the look of your skin, but it is important to put safety first and take the right steps to lower the risk of side effects. 

Here are some very important safety tips:

Do a patch test

Before applying a TCA peel to your entire face, it’s crucial to perform a patch test on a small, hidden area to check for potential allergic reactions or sensitivities.

Patch testing is an essential step before using any at-home chemical peel, including TCA peels. This simple precaution can help you avoid severe adverse effects.

How to Perform a Patch Test:

• Choose a Test Area: Select a small, inconspicuous spot on your body, such as the inside of your forearm or behind your ear.
• Apply the Peel: Using a cotton swab or applicator, apply a small amount of the TCA peel solution to the test area.
• Observe and Monitor: Watch for any signs of irritation, redness, swelling, or discomfort over the next 24-48 hours.

If you experience any adverse reactions during the patch test, stop using the TCA peel and consult a dermatologist. If no reactions occur, you can proceed with the peel on a larger area, following the recommended instructions and precautions.

Even if you’ve used TCA peels before without any issues, it’s still important to patch test each new product or batch, as ingredients and formulations can vary.

Prepare your skin for a TCA peel

Getting your skin ready for an at-home TCA peel is crucial for its safety and effectiveness. To prepare properly, you need to follow a few simple steps.

Firstly, discontinue using certain products like retinoids, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) at least 5-7 days before your peel. This helps prevent irritation and excessive peeling during the treatment.

Before applying the peel, make sure you wash and dry your skin well to make sure it works best and to avoid irritation. On the day of the peel, start by cleansing your face thoroughly with a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser. This removes any dirt, oil, or makeup residue that could interfere with the peel’s penetration. 

Next, degrease your skin using an alcohol-based toner or degreasing solution. This step ensures optimal absorption of the TCA peel by removing any remaining oils or residue from the treatment area.

To protect sensitive areas like the corners of your mouth, nostrils, and hairline, apply a thick ointment or petroleum jelly. This creates a barrier against accidental exposure to the peel solution.

Lastly, gather all the necessary supplies, including the TCA peel kit, to get started. You can find all the information and resources you need on the Peel University by Platinum Skincare website. 

If you follow these steps for preparation, you will make sure that the TCA peel can work well and that you do not have any bad reactions.

Choose the right at-home TCA peel strength for your skin type

A TCA peel kit has everything you need for an at-home peel, but many kits require you to dilute the TCA solution yourself. To stay safe, especially if it’s your first time, choose a kit with a TCA concentration of 15% or less.

Lower concentrations are gentler on your skin and help you build tolerance, making the experience more comfortable and effective. Always follow the instructions and do a patch test before applying the peel to your whole face.

I used the Platinum TCA peel kit for my treatment. This powerful anti-aging peel stimulates collagen, glycosaminoglycans, and elastin fibers. It’s a professional-grade “cool-action” TCA peel available in concentrations of 7%, 13%, and 20%, with an unbuffered pH of 1.3. TCA peels have been trusted for decades due to their effectiveness and reliability. 

What I can tell you is that this is also what dermatologists used for TCA Peeling. 

You can choose from four available Platiunum Skincare TCA peel strengths based on your skin type:

• Level 0 TCA 7% (1.3 pH): For extremely sensitive skin, great for crow’s feet and loose eyelids.

• Level 1 TCA 13% (1.3 pH): Ideal for beginners seeking more flaking than hydroxy acids provide. Best for ethnic skin.

• Level 2 TCA 20% (1.3 pH): For those who have been using the 13% peel consistently and want more intense results. Apply in layers with caution. Maximum strength for darker skin tones on the body with melanin inhibitor prep for 2-3+ weeks.

• Level 3 TCA 30% (1.3 pH): For diluting, CROSS, or body use only. Not for beginners or ethnic skin tones.

Choose the right strength for your skin type and enjoy long-lasting, dramatic changes.

If you’re ready to start your own journey, click here to take the quiz and learn which peel is best for your skin type.

Apply the TCA peel

It is time to do the at-home TCA peel once you have done all the essential steps to get ready. Follow this step-by-step guide carefully:

• Wash with a good cleanser: Use a cleanser like our Revitalizing Cleanser or AB Cleanser to thoroughly clean your skin. Avoid hydrating or creamy cleansers, as we want squeaky clean skin.

• Prep the skin: As mentioned above, use an alcohol-based toner or the alcohol preparation that comes with the TCA peel kit to prepare your skin. You can also use 70% alcohol or pure acetone to strip the skin.

• Prepare your gauze pad: Make sure your gauze pad is wet but not dripping. Apply the solution evenly to the pad, then shake and squeeze out any excess to avoid dripping into your eyes or pooling in facial crevices.

• Apply your peel: Start from the top and work down, or from the outside of your face towards the center. Keep the gauze pad wet during application. The face should look shiny and wet for about 30 seconds.

• Time your peel: Keep track of the time as you apply the peel, and rinse well when you’re done.

• Heal and protect: After rinsing, apply a product like our Essentials Healing Blend or Pure AEA Emu Oil to calm inflammation and aid in skin healing and comfort during the flaking phase.

If you follow these easy steps, you can be sure that the TCA peel will work and be comfortable.

If you’re ready to start your own journey, click here to take the quiz and learn which peel is best for your skin type.

Post-peel care and recovery

It is very important to take the right care after a peel in order to get the best results and lower your risk of complications. 

Here are some important steps to follow after performing an at-home TCA peel:

• Avoid sun exposure: Protect your treated skin from direct sunlight by wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat or protective clothing when outdoors.

• Keep the skin hydrated: Use gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers and serums to keep the skin hydrated and supported during the healing process.

• Avoid picking or peeling: As the skin begins to peel and flake, resist the urge to pick or pull at the peeling skin, as this can lead to scarring or uneven healing.

• Use gentle cleansers: Go for mild, non-foaming cleansers to avoid irritating the delicate, newly formed skin.

• Monitor for signs of infection: Watch for signs of infection, such as excessive redness, swelling, oozing, or fever, and seek medical attention if these occur.

• Be patient: The full results of a TCA peel may not be visible for several weeks or even months, as the skin continues to renew and regenerate.

If you’re ready to start your own journey, click here to take the quiz and learn which peel is best for your skin type.

Mistakes to Avoid When Doing AT-Home TCA Peels

While at-home TCA peels can be a safe and effective way to achieve smoother, more radiant skin, it’s important to be aware of common mistakes that can compromise your results or lead to adverse effects. 

Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the patch test: Neglecting to perform a patch test can increase the risk of allergic reactions or sensitivities, potentially leading to severe skin irritation or damage.

• Using the wrong concentration: Choosing a TCA peel strength that is too strong or too weak for your skin type can result in either ineffective results or excessive irritation and peeling.

• Improper skin preparation: Failing to properly cleanse and degrease the skin before applying the peel can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment and increase the risk of irritation.

• Leaving the peel on too long: Exceeding the recommended time for the peel can lead to excessive skin damage, prolonged recovery, and potential scarring.

• Neglecting post-peel care: Failing to follow proper post-peel care instructions, such as avoiding sun exposure, using gentle skincare products, and keeping the skin hydrated, can compromise the healing process and results.

• Overusing or misusing the peel: Applying TCA peels too frequently or using them in combination with other harsh skincare products can lead to excessive irritation, peeling, and potential long-term damage.

Closing Thoughts

Learn how to do safe and effective TCA peels at home by doing research, getting ready, and being very careful with your technique. You can get glowing, refreshed skin from the comfort of your own home by following professional advice, putting safety first, and using extra skin care products.

Remember that the best results from TCA peels come from being patient and consistent. Trust the process, pay attention to your skin, and change how you do things as needed to make sure you have a good time.

If you want to take your skin care routine to the next level and see how at-home TCA peels can change your skin, you can get all the help and resources you need from the Peel University.

If you’re ready to start your own journey, click here to take the quiz and learn which peel is best for your skin type.

♡ Love ♡,

Schellea