How does TCA differ from glycolic acid?

Glycolic acid (AHA) is a mild superficial peel. TCA is a strong medium- to deep-depth peel. TCA produces frosting, flaking over 5-10 days, and stronger per-session results, but requires longer recovery and carries higher risk.

PRX-T33 is a bioactive combination treatment of TCA and low-concentration hydrogen peroxide. It delivers results without flaking or downtime — so-called bio-revitalisation. A premium variation of traditional TCA peeling.

Can TCA be done on all skin tones?

TCA at lower concentrations can be done on all skin tones with the right protocol. Medium-depth TCA on Fitzpatrick V-VI requires specialist training and pre-treatment with tyrosinase inhibitors to avoid PIH (dark patches after inflammation).

How long is TCA peel downtime?

Superficial TCA: 1-3 days of mild redness. Medium TCA: 5-10 days of flaking and swelling. Deep TCA: 2-3 weeks. The PRX-T33 variant has no downtime. Sun protection is mandatory for 4-6 weeks regardless of depth.

TCA: glossary | Dibélle

Also known as: trichloroacetic acid, TCA peel

What is TCA?

TCA (trichloroacetic acid) is a strong organic acid introduced in aesthetic medicine in the 1940s. It is one of the most documented peel acids. Concentrations from 10 to 50 percent give different depths: superficial (10-20%), medium (25-35%), and deep (40-50%).

How it works in treatment

TCA denatures protein in the skin's outer layers (frosting) and triggers controlled inflammation and cell death. The skin's outermost layer flakes off over 5-7 days and is replaced by new, more even epithelium. Collagen and elastin production are stimulated in the dermis. Deeper peels give stronger results but longer downtime.

Where it is used

TCA is used for sun damage, actinic keratosis, melasma, acne scars, fine lines, and skin-tone evening. At Dibélle, TCA is part of PRX-T33 (a bioactive form that gives no flaking despite the chemical effect) among other protocols. Not suited to everyone — Fitzpatrick V-VI need caution and active herpes is a contraindication.

Results and safety

Effect on sun damage and pigment shows after one treatment; structural and wrinkle improvements after 3-4 sessions. Downtime for medium-depth peels is 5-10 days with redness and flaking. Sun protection is absolutely mandatory for 4-6 weeks afterward. Risks: PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), scarring with poor technique, herpes reactivation.

Common questions about TCA

How does TCA differ from glycolic acid?: Glycolic acid (AHA) is a mild superficial peel. TCA is a strong medium- to deep-depth peel. TCA produces frosting, flaking over 5-10 days, and stronger per-session results, but requires longer recovery and carries higher risk.
What is PRX-T33?: PRX-T33 is a bioactive combination treatment of TCA and low-concentration hydrogen peroxide. It delivers results without flaking or downtime — so-called bio-revitalisation. A premium variation of traditional TCA peeling.
Can TCA be done on all skin tones?: TCA at lower concentrations can be done on all skin tones with the right protocol. Medium-depth TCA on Fitzpatrick V-VI requires specialist training and pre-treatment with tyrosinase inhibitors to avoid PIH (dark patches after inflammation).
How long is TCA peel downtime?: Superficial TCA: 1-3 days of mild redness. Medium TCA: 5-10 days of flaking and swelling. Deep TCA: 2-3 weeks. The PRX-T33 variant has no downtime. Sun protection is mandatory for 4-6 weeks regardless of depth.

TCA