Must-read reminders before doing a TCA cross

 Here are a few reminders if you plan to do a TCA cross:

• If you want to try this, I suggest that you start at a lower concentration (15-25%) and leave the 100% TCA to professionals.

Even if the TCA cross method is simple, remember that TCA is still an acid and can do further damage to your skin when used improperly or when accidentally applied to healthy skin. You want to be on the safe side and do safer applications.

• Make sure to buy from a trusted seller. Are you getting the right percentage you ordered? Where do the supplies of TCA come from? Is the manufacturer reliable and follows standards and local regulation? These are very important questions. Buy only from trusted sellers.

• When expired, the TCA's concentration strengthens. Ask your seller for the expiration date of the solution. Otherwise, you might be using one with a higher concentration than the one you opt for and not know it.

•  TCA cross is not for removing raised or keloidal scars. It is also more effective on scars that are deep and narrow rather than shallow.

• Consult your dermatologist first if you are taking any medication or antibiotics. Some medications can affect skin sensitivity, which may cause bad reaction, or thin the blood, thus spoiling proper coagulation of the blood.

• As with other treatments, there are potential complications for the TCA cross method, such as hypo/hyperpigmentation and formation of keloids, although these are unlikely to occur. Skin types are important in determining the risk for potential pigmentation.

• The TCA cross method is not recommended if you have active acne on the area to be treated, as well as cold sores, dermatitis, or psoriasis, and if you are prone to keloid scarring. Smokers should also be cautioned, as smoking affects the body's ability to produce new collagen. 

•  As far as I know, the TCA cross method still requires much research in the part of the medical community, meaning, it is still in the experimental stage. Also, from what I've read, doctors have different views in certain areas of this procedure (e.g., to use vaseline/moisturize, effectivity of collagen-inducing creams or products after the cross, pressing firmly with the toothpick or pressing repeatedly, etc.). Further studies are needed, so do this at your own risk.

One last thing: please read everything, every material you can find before doing this treatment including the scientific basis and explanations and precautions because the worst thing that you can do is to start without a clear view of how this process works.