30% TCA Chemical Peel — What No One Shows (Day by Day Recovery Timeline)
Introduction
If you’ve ever wondered what really happens during a 30% TCA chemical peel, you’re in the right place. I documented my entire journey — from application and frosting, to the peeling process, and finally, the results one week later.
This blog is not medical advice. A 30% TCA peel is a medium-depth treatment that carries risks, including scarring, hyperpigmentation, and infection. Always start with lower strengths (10–15%) and consult a professional before attempting advanced peels.
I’ve been doing TCA peels for years, even sharing my early results on an old Instagram account called PeelMePretty back in 2016. Today, I’m sharing a much more detailed timeline, complete with the products I used and the lessons I’ve learned.
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What Is a 30% TCA Peel?
TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid) is a chemical exfoliant that penetrates deeper than glycolic or lactic acid, making it a medium-depth peel. At 30%, it can:
- Smooth skin texture
- Brighten uneven tone
- Minimize fine lines
- Improve the look of acne scars
But because it goes deeper, it also requires downtime and carries higher risks. With TCA, you’ll typically see frosting (a white appearance on the skin as proteins coagulate), followed by several days of tightness, flaking, and shedding.
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Why I Did This Peel
After using Melanotan 2 this summer, my skin picked up more sun than usual. A 30% TCA peel helps remove that damage and reset my skin.
This is not my first time — I’ve built up to 30% by using lower strengths in the past. If you’re new, please start lower and don’t jump straight into 30%.
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My Peel Kit
For this peel, I used the Makeup Artist Choice 30% TCA Kit, which includes:
- Green Tea Pomegranate Cleanser
- 30% TCA solution (1oz) with dropper
- Post Peel Neutralizer (2oz)
- Gloves
I’ve used MUAC for years, and you can find the kit here:
Makeup Artist Choice 30% TCA Kit USE CODE: KAOS20
My Beauty Lives
Remember, I go live on YouTube every Wednesday at 10 am PST, doing skincare routines alongside you. Join me live so we can chat and you can connect with our large DIY community.
Here’s a recent microneedling stretch mark Live. MICRONEEDLING STRETCH MARKS
My App Community
If you’re looking for a more professional DIY community, I’ve got the one for you. When I’m asked about using my own toxin to prevent wrinkles or where I source Retatrutide, the answer is to join the Natural Kaos App. It’s the world’s largest DIY community with thousands of members who do and share all things DIY skincare and wellness.
Peel Me Pretty Instagram
The first time I shared a TCA Peel video online. This account is called @PeelMePretty, and I shared in September 2016 a 25% TCA Peel. You can see how much my skin has changed since then. Also, how much better I’ve become at sharing information, it’s a true “Skin-time capsule”.
Everything I used during this peel session
LINK TO TCA PEELS SUPPLIES
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I have loved using this Biodance deep collagen mask this year and tested it as a protective cover during nights 1-3 to keep my skin hydrated and prevent early cracking. I thought it worked perfectly, and I will be adding this to my peel routine.
Application Experience
I applied 3 layers of 30% TCA with cotton gauze, waiting 5 minutes between each layer. The burn peaks around the 5-minute mark, then fades — I use a hairdryer set to cool to push through the sensation.
Key changes in my process this time:
- No Ibuprofen — I let the inflammation run its course, since trauma stimulates collagen.
- Minimal Aquaphor — instead of heavy occlusion, I pat a thin layer into my skin.
- Daily Briotech Hypochlorous Spray — antimicrobial and soothing, helps protect new skin.
- SPF + UV Shield — I used d’Alba UV Essence Waterfull+ SPF50 during recovery.
Note: TCA does not require neutralization, but MUAC provides one if you want to stop the burn quickly.
We don’t pick, we clip
This is very important. I know how tempting it is to pick and peel the skin off, especially if it gets itchy and dry, but my friends, this is the time to exert self-control. Around day 4, you will have sheets that release. Instead of picking, you use sterilized, clean scissors and clip the skin flakes off.
We don’t use fan brushes or droppers
Last week, a story surfaced that is incredibly disturbing. A popular esthetician used a dropper to apply acid to this woman’s face. As you can see, using a dropper does not provide any control; it pools, drips, and in no way allows for even penetration. Fan brushes are similar, they can drip and do not apply acid evenly, this is why I always use gauze that I saturate, wring out, and swipe across my face. I hope this horrible example imparts why we don’t use droppers and fan brushes to apply acid, especially TCA.
Sonya Daker illegally burms client face by using a dropper.
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Recovery Timeline: Day by Day
Day 1
Skin feels tight and glossy, no visible peeling yet.
Day 2
Frosting fades, skin looks leathery, tight, and sunburn-like.
Day 3
First flakes appear around my mouth and chin. I don’t pick — that increases risk of scarring.
Day 4
Peak peeling. Sheets of skin lift off. Looks extreme, but this is expected with 30%. Hydration + SPF are critical.
Day 5
Edges still peeling, but tender new skin is visible underneath. Red and sensitive.
Day 6
Most peeling finished. Only small flakes remain, surface looks smoother and brighter.
Day 7
Final reveal! The peeling is complete. Skin looks more even, brighter, and smoother. Still sensitive — SPF is a must.
Day 12
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Lessons Learned
Every time I do a strong peel, I learn something new. For me, the key lessons this time were:
- Don’t underestimate sun protection — it’s the most important part of healing.
- Less product is better — a lighter touch with Aquaphor and targeted soothing sprays helped me heal faster.
- Inflammation isn’t always bad — letting the swelling happen encouraged better collagen response.
- Be careful when you touch your face. I accidentally scratched my nose in the night, and the little red dot took much longer to heal. Wearing mittens to bed could be a good idea to avoid this from happening.
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Final Thoughts
A 30% TCA chemical peel is powerful. For me, it delivered smoother, brighter skin and helped lift summer damage. But it’s not for beginners, and it requires patience, downtime, and proper aftercare.
If you’re curious about chemical peels, start lower, educate yourself, and always prioritize safety.
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New to TCA?
If you’re curious about chemical peels, start with a lower concentration, educate yourself, and prioritize safety at all times.
Makeup Artist’s Choice offers 15% and 18% TCA kits, ideal for beginning your peel journey.
Watch the Full Video
I documented the entire peel on YouTube so you can see the frosting, the flaking, and the final reveal in real time.
Below are more acid peel videos and blogs. I hope you absorb as much of this information as possible before deciding to jump into TCA. I love using this acid to clear and brighten my skin, but I have a high respect for this acid, and you should too. I want your DIY experience to be a good one and not one you regret. Do your research, source from reputable suppliers like Makeup Artist’s Choice, and protect your fresh skin for the best outcomes.
More Resources
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