Chemical Peels: Understanding the Protein Coagulation Process

What happens to the protein in the skin during a TCA peel?

The protein in the skin coagulates and turns white during a TCA peel, which is due to the denaturation of proteins like keratin.

Understanding Protein Coagulation in TCA Peels

TCA peel: Trichloroacetic Acid peel

During a TCA peel, the protein in the skin undergoes a coagulation process that results in it turning white. This phenomenon occurs as a result of the denaturation of proteins, particularly keratin, in the skin.

Denaturation: Denaturation is a process in which proteins lose their natural shape and structure due to external factors such as chemicals, heat, or pH changes. In the case of a TCA peel, the TCA solution applied to the skin causes the proteins to denature, leading to the coagulation and whitening effect.

Effect: The whitening effect observed during a TCA peel is often referred to as "frosting" due to the appearance of the skin post-peel. The intensity of the frosting can vary depending on the strength of the TCA peel, which influences the depth of the peel and the level of protein coagulation.

Benefits: TCA peels are classified as medium to deep chemical peels and are commonly used to improve the skin's appearance by exfoliating damaged skin cells and promoting the regeneration of new, healthy skin cells. The protein coagulation process plays a crucial role in achieving the desired outcomes of a TCA peel.

Overall, understanding the protein coagulation process during a TCA peel provides insight into how this chemical peel works to rejuvenate the skin and address various skin concerns.