The staple of a proper anti-aging regimen remains the peel. The cellular rejuvenation that results from controlled damage to the skin cannot be matched by popular creams like tretinoin, however inconvenient this might be for us. Recent advances in dermatology have brought us novel treatments like the full-face phenol peels, that are so harsh that they require continuous cardiac monitoring to prevent heart failure. These methods of no place in a practical anti-aging regimen, and very few doctors would be willing to perform such a treatment in the first place, not to mention the prohibitive costs. This blogpost will be an introduction to the most powerful chemical peel that can reasonably be performed on a regular basis, with relatively minimals risk: the Modified Jessner + TCA peel.
The standard Jessner’s solution is a peel composed of 14% lactic acid, 14% salicylic acid and 14% resorcinol. The maximally tolerable soution of tricholoroaecetic acid (TCA) is usually given 35%, and the side effects reported in the literature are minimal at this dosage. Combining these 4 in a single treatment drastically reduces the risk & toxicity associated with higher solutions of the individual acids, while allowing for better penetration. In a study treating acne scars the authors compared the efficacy of Modified Jessner + TCA to treatment with just the TCA:
“In Group I (Jessner’s peel and 20% TCA), mild improvement of acne scars was seen in 8% cases, moderate improvement in 32% cases and marked improvement [Figure 1a and b] of acne scars was seen in 60% patients. In Group II (20% TCA alone), mild improvement of acne scars was seen in 32% cases, moderate improvement [Figure 2a and b] in 40% cases and marked improvement of acne scars was seen in 28% patients.”
The Modifieder Jessner’s + TCA peel is performed by initially applying 1-4 coats of the Jessner’s solution to the area of treatment. After 5 minutes the acids in the Jessner’s solution are neutralized with water. At this point the skin should show a slight reddening. After the remaining acid is washed off the TCA 35% is applied much more carefully on the same skin surface. After a few seconds the treated area should turn ghostly white. The entire procedure can be pretty painful, but scarring is pretty rare.
After a few days the dead skin cells will begin to slough off. It is important not to rip off the scabs, as this might cause bleeding or at wost scarring. The skin under
Disclaimer: The content of this blog primarily consists of speculation & personal opinion, and does not constitute medical advice. Medical professionals, scientists and everyone more knowledgeable and intelligent than the author of this blog are invited and encouraged to voice their criticisms, corrections and objections.
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