When I first started doing TCA peels, I had no idea what I was getting into. Like many people, I was nervous about how my skin would react and whether I was applying it correctly. Fast forward to today, and I’ve refined my technique, switched to a better TCA brand, and completely upgraded my process. If you’re just starting out with TCA chemical peels, let me walk you through my journey and what I’ve learned along the way.
Looking Back: My First TCA Peel Experience
I still remember my first TCA peel watch the full journey in the video above. At the time, I followed some common DIY advice that, looking back, I would eventually change. I used baking soda to neutralize the peel, washed my face immediately after, and didn’t have the best prep routine. But even with those missteps, I still saw great results, and it pushed me to learn more about how to do it safely and effectively.
What’s Different Now? My Upgraded TCA Peel Routine
2018 FIRST TCA PEEL
2025 TCA PEEL
Now that I’ve had experience with multiple TCA peels, I’ve switched to a professional-grade peel from Makeup Artists Choice the 30% Adjustable TCA LINK: Makeup Artist’s Choice. Code: Kaos20(use Kaos20 for a discount 💖). The difference? Better control, improved results, and less irritation. Here’s what I do differently now:
1. No More Baking Soda
One of the biggest changes I’ve made is not using baking soda to neutralize the peel. TCA is self-neutralizing, meaning your skin will naturally stop absorbing it after a short time. Using baking soda can disrupt the process and lead to unnecessary irritation.
2. No Washing the Face Immediately After
When I first started, I used to wash my face after applying the peel, but now I know that leaving it on without rinsing allows the acid to fully penetrate and work more effectively. Washing too soon can weaken the results and make the peeling process uneven.
3. A Better TCA Peel Formula
I now use a higher-quality TCA peel that gives me more consistent results. MakeupArtistsChoice.com has been my go-to because their peels are medical-grade, well-formulated, and easier to work with compared to the brand I started with. (If you want to try it, use my code Kaos20 for a discount!)
4. Prepping the Skin Properly
Before applying TCA, I always prep my skin by:
✔ Stopping retinoids & acids a few days before to reduce irritation. HOWEVER, I do use tretnoion later to help shed the peel (you can see those in my blogs linked below).
✔ Cleansing with an enzyme cleanser to exfoliate.
✔ Using alcohol or acetone to remove any oils so the peel absorbs evenly.
5. Post-Peel Skincare: Hydration is Key!
- First 24-48 Hours: I keep my skin moisturized with a gentle, hydrating product like Aquaphor or Cicaplast B5.
- Peeling Stage: I do NOT pick or force peeling! I let my skin naturally shed.
- Sunscreen Daily: Peeling skin is sensitive to UV exposure, so I wear SPF religiously after every peel.
My Top 3 TCA Peels (Recent Favorites) ALL PRODUCTS I USE NOW ARE LINKED IN EACH BLOG AND ALSO LINKED IN THIS BLOG BELOW.
Here are my go-to TCA peels based on what I need at the time:
LET’S START HERE:
1️⃣ ANYONE CAN DO PEEL- THE BIEN PEEL– Perfect for pigmentation, and first-timers.
2️⃣ TCA 20% (Medium Depth) – My go-to for deeper exfoliation, acne scars, and fine lines.
3️⃣ TCA 25% (Strongest Peel) – Only for experienced users, great for tough hyperpigmentation & deep skin renewal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re new to TCA peels, my biggest advice is: start low, go slow, and be patient. Your skin will thank you! And if you want to try a professional-quality TCA peel, MakeupArtistsChoice.com has been my top pick for results I can trust. Don’t forget to use Kaos20 for a discount! 😉
📌 Have you tried TCA peels? What’s your experience? Let’s chat in the comments!
PRODUCTS:
For My CURRENT TCA PEELS
LINK: Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Clay Mask
LINK: Aquaphor
LINK: GLOVES
LINK: Makeup Artist’s Choice. Code: Kaos20
💡 MY TIP:
I spray a little colloidal silver on, then I add on my soleil toujours SPF50
LINK: SOLEIL TOUJOURS
I really like that this SPF is fully mineral based, only Zinc 12% as the physical barrier. It has squealing for hydration which is super important since we want to keep the skin from cracking prematurely.
Your mouth is typically the first place you can start cracking since it’s a very active region of your face. I like to add aquaphor on top of my SPF on areas that move a lot, like the mouth area.
#TCApeel #ChemicalPeel #SkincareJourney #MakeupArtistsChoice
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Hi Kim! I typically use a 30% TCA every month to face, neck, deck and hands. I cannot tolerate alpha hydroxides, even with numbing, too itchy…I do continue to use RetinA 0.1% for several days before during and after the peel, I think it jump starts the shedding process and allows for improved penetration of the solution. I prep my skin with acetone or Platinum skin Care’s prep solution B. It has phenol plus alcohol and acetone. I would make my own, but don’t know how to get my hands on phenol, so I order it. Anywho, thank you sharing your knowledge, I personally appreciate your dedication to health and beauty!