Overview
Step-by-step clinical application guide for practitioners
Safety
Contraindications
- Active skin infections in treatment area
- Compromised skin barrier
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Isotretinoin use within the last 6 months
- Topical retinoids use within 72 hours
- Open wounds or broken skin in treatment area
- Fitzpatrick VI skin type (ABSOLUTE CONTRAINDICATION)
- History of keloid or hypertrophic scarring
- History of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Active herpes simplex (HSV prophylaxis required if history)
- Known allergy to TCA or any component
- Recent laser or IPL treatment within 4 weeks
Wash Off Immediately If
- Severe burning or pain not subsiding
- Excessive edema or swelling
- Hives or welts (urticaria)
- Blistering or vesicle formation
Stop the procedure and neutralize with cold water or sodium bicarbonate.
Composition
| Ingredient | Concentration | Role |
|---|---|---|
| TCA | Controlled medium-depth peeling agent, induces coagulative necrosis for dermal remodeling | |
| Arbutin | Natural tyrosinase inhibitor, blocks melanin production at enzymatic level | |
| Niacinamide | Blocks melanosome transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes | |
| Kojic Acid | Copper chelation, inhibits tyrosinase activity for melanin suppression | |
| Vitamin C | Antioxidant protection, mild tyrosinase inhibition, supports collagen synthesis | |
| Glycolic Acid | Surface exfoliation, enhances penetration of other active agents | |
| Lactic Acid | Hydrating desquamation, gentle exfoliation with ceramide synthesis support |
Indications
- Refractory Melasma
- Dermal Pigmentation
- Advanced Cases
Procedure
- 01
Cleanse & Degrease
2–3 minCleanse thoroughly with gentle non-residue cleanser. Remove all makeup, sunscreen, surface impurities. Degrease skin using pre-peel degreasing solution with gauze for 2–3 minutes.
- Thorough degreasing is critical for TCA-based peels. Residual oils cause uneven penetration.
- 02
Patch Test
10 minMandatory patch test behind the ear. Observe for 10 minutes. Assess skin reactivity before proceeding.
- Mandatory for all patients. Do not skip. TCA reactions can be severe.
- 03
Apply prodermic 612
30 sec–3 min maxApply 3–4ml of product using a fan brush. Uniformity is critical. Apply in systematic, even strokes across treatment area. Avoid nasolabial folds, periorbital area, and vermilion border.
- Uniformity is critical with TCA. Uneven application causes uneven frosting and potential scarring.
- 04
Frost Endpoint Monitoring
ContinuousMonitor frosting continuously during application. The intended visual endpoint overrides elapsed time. Stop immediately when the planned endpoint is reached.
- Do not chase dense opaque frost. Final timing depends on skin type, preparation, and live frosting; the treating doctor’s decision is final.
- 05
Post-Frost Observation
5–10 minAfter achieving target frost, observe patient for 5–10 minutes. Monitor for adverse reactions, ensure frost is stable and not deepening.
- Do not apply additional product after frost is achieved. Monitor vital signs if patient is anxious.
- 06
Complete & Recover
2–3 minDo not reapply after the intended endpoint. Use a cool-water compress, dry gently, and begin recovery care.
- Provide detailed written post-care instructions, recovery moisturizer, and SPF 50+ guidance.
Post-procedure
| Day 0 | Peel Day Complete the frost-controlled application in clinic, use a cool-water compress, and apply recovery moisturizer. No actives/makeup. |
| Days 1–2 | Tightness Phase Skin extremely tight, dark, leathery appearance — this is expected with TCA. Gentle cleanser 2x daily. Thick moisturizer 4–5x. SPF 50+. |
| Days 3–5 | Heavy Peeling Heavy peeling begins, often in large sheets. Do NOT force peeling. Continue moisturizer + SPF 50+. |
| Days 5–8 | Active Peeling Active peeling continues. Skin underneath may be pink and sensitive. Continue intensive moisturization. |
| Days 8–10 | Recovery Peeling mostly complete. Skin pink but healing. Resume light makeup if needed. Strict SPF 50+. |
| Days 10–28 | Between Sessions Strict sun protection. Resume normal skincare gradually. Next session in 21–28 days. |
Session plan
| Session | Contact time |
|---|---|
| Session 1 | 30 sec starting window; frost-led |
| Session 2 | Up to 1–2 min if clinically appropriate |
| Session 3 | Up to 3 min maximum; endpoint overrides timer |
| Session 4 | Maximum 3 min; do not chase dense opaque frost |
Expected results
Clinical outcomes from supervised sessions. Actual results depend on skin type, adherence to protocol, and sun protection.
