These products are non prescription and are often available at many on-line stores and regular pharmacies. One ounce of medical-grade acid, is often enough to cover a moderate size tattoo, and will normally sell between $40 – $60. These kits normally come with complete instructions and in some cases will require you to dilute the acid. This is usually required where the TCA is a strong concentration. You should use distilled water for the dilution. It is often recommended that you clean the tattoo and the area around it thoroughly prior to use. Application of the TCA acid is normally done with a cotton swab to apply a liberal amount of the TCA to the entire tattoo area. It has the consistency of water so be careful when applying it as it may run.

It is most often recommended that you leave the tca on for approximately 3 to 4 minutes to allow the acid time to sink through the epidermal layers of skin. The entire process will often need to be repeated as many as 6 times for the best results. However, one of the most important steps is always allowing ample recovery time for your skin. Depending on the strength and quality of the tca product you purchased it can often take up to 6 weeks for one treatment cycle. Using the TCA again before this cycle has completed will not give you better results. The skin requires time to heal and it is this process that will lift the tattoo ink to the skin surface. Using tca tattoo removal products is not the fastest method of removing unwanted ink pigment but it is considered safe and definitely cheaper than many alternatives. You can read up on some of these other techniques at: wrecking balm before and after, tat b gone, ipl tattoo, tattoo off and dermasal.

You may experience a mild burning on the area treated with tca for tattoo removal. This is usually remedied with baking soda, mixed together with water. Many retailers sell 35% – 50% solutions of TCA, but you can also purchase stronger products. Mixtures of TCA higher than 50% should be avoided in people with darker skin tones as hypopigmentation may result.

Medium strength chemical peels create a controlled inflammation using one or more chemical agents on the epidermal layers and upper dermis which, over time, results in tissue regeneration.

Common ingredients currently used include one or a combination of glycolic acid (AHA), salicylic acid (BHA), lactic acid, resorcinol, solid carbon dioxide and trichloroacetic acid (otherwise known as TCA) an alpha hydroxy acid. All of these peel agents have been used for years by dermatologists and doctors and estheticians.

Prior to TCA’s use for removing tattoos it was known to provide acceptable results in reducing fine wrinkles, treating acne scars, freckles, birthmarks, discolorations, stretch marks and mild-to-moderate photo aging as well as removing corns. For some time now TCA tattoo removal peel strengths up to 50% seem to have been the preferred strength for these conditions.

At this strength and higher, however, it has been known to cause certain complications including scarring. This has caused this strength to become less popular. 35% TCA formulas have been found to produce equally positive results without the associated side-effects.

The Jessner peel product, in combination with a TCA tattoo peel, is a unique form of chemical peel for lightening areas of hyper pigmentation, treating aged, sun-damaged skin and removing tattoos.

Jessner peel solutions (which contain salicylic acid, lactic acid and rescorcinol) are applied prior to using TCA and have been found to be effective in first removing the topmost layers of skin (epidermal layers) which then allows a deeper penetration of the TCA tattoo peel and a more evenly applied, uniform peeling effect. This two-step combination has proven to be as effective as using only a strong TCA peel solution alone – with a greater margin of safety.

The three main ingredients in Jessner’s Chemical Peel:

Salicylic acid – Is a Beta-Hydroxy Acid (BHA) known to be an excellent deep skin cleanser. It is well known to destroy bacteria which will then allow the skin to breathe better. It is known to produce less irritation than the alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid (AHA).

Lactic acid – Is another beta hydroxy acid (BHA) with an intensity that is slightly less than glycolic acid. So it is an effective, although less intense, agent for chemical peels. It is considered affective for those with sensitive skin who are too sensitive to use glycolic acid (AHA) chemical peels. It is commonly used for its ability to eliminate germs and other toxins. It is known to effectively shed dead cells and protect the pH level of your skin.

Resorcinol – Is an antiseptic that has been used for years to treat a wide variety of skin conditions. It is also effective at relieving itching and preventing infection allowing for a faster recovery time.

For even application of the solution, the area must first be cleaned thoroughly, Septisol® is very effective at doing this by removing skin oils. Additionally, the tattooed area can be cleansed with an antiseptic, vegetable-oil based, dye and perfume free glycerin soap.

This step needs to be followed by thorough rinsing and drying. Next, an acetone (a solvent used as a sanitary cleaner) can be used to debride (remove) dead contaminated tissue and other foreign material. The purpose of this is to remove anything on the skin surface that could cause infection and slow healing.

Jessner’s peel solution can then be applied with a q-tip or gauze. The solution should be applied evenly using one to two coats until an even, light frosting is observed. The frosting achieved with Jessner chemical peel solution is much lighter than that produced by TCA and the patient is usually only mildly uncomfortable, feeling only heat. The capillaries will often dilate during this process causing a redness known as erythema.

Next, the TCA tattoo removal acid is applied using one to four q-tip applicators using lighter or heavier amounts, as required. The q-tip applicators are useful in modulating the amount of chemical solution applied.
Within 30 seconds to 2 minutes the usual white frosting will begin to appear over the tattooed area. If the frosting is uneven or not appearing in some areas, the TCA tattoo peel solution should be reapplied, carefully.

A tattoo peel solution should remain on the tattooed area for about 3 – 4 minutes to ensure the frosting has maximized. Frostings are done to three levels:

Level I acid frosting results in redness with a blotchy frosting (whitening). This effect is common with light chemical peels.

Level II is seen as white frosting with redness showing through the tattooed area.

Level III frosting occurs when the peel travels through the stratum corneum (outer layer of the epidermis and through the lower layers into the papillary dermis. It appears as a solid white frosting with little or no redness showing through. These more aggressive peels should be avoided for most cases of tattoo removal as they travel deeply into the dermal layers and can cause scarring and other complications.

Medium-depth tattoo peels should use no more than level II frostings, this is especially true on sensitive skin.

Careful feathering of the solution at the rim of the tattoo will help conceal the line between the acid-peeled and non-peeled areas. Saline compresses can be applied to dilute the solution. A highly diluted .25% ethanoic acid mixture (one tbsp of vinegar to one pint of water) will assist the skin to heal. Additionally, a mild emollient cream to soften and soothe the skin should now be used.

For the first day, users are instructed to soak the tattoo four times daily with the diluted ethanoic acid compress. A mild emollient cream should also be applied to the tattooed area(s) after these soaks. After 24 hours, you can start showering again using a mild cleanser – glycerin and vegetable oil cleansers are recommended. The reddening (erythema) can intensify as the shedding of the outer layers of skin continues.

This cycle normally completes within 4-5 days. Healing is typically completed within 7 to 10 days. Most often at the end of the first week the bright red has turned to pink and may give the appearance of a sunburn. This may continue for 2 – 3 weeks but the area can be covered over using cosmetics.

To review, success with this technique for tattoo removal is really dependent on these three steps:

1) Thoroughly degrease the area to be peeled.
2) Apply the Jessner’s peel solution.
3) Apply a TCA tattoo peel product.

The amount of each of these three agents will determine the intensity and therefore the end result of this tattoo chemical peeling technique. The three variables may also be adjusted depending on your skin type and the area of the body that the tattoo is on.

Finally here are some considerations to keep in mind if you are considering using a Jessner peel with a TCA chemical peel:

• Those who have used Accutane in the past 12 month’s should not use Jessner’s Peel.
• If you are currently lactating or pregnant this product should be avoided.
• If you have a history of scarring easily, this sort of tattoo peel product should be avoided.
• Avoid using Jessner’s peel on any areas where a hair removal product has been used within the past 3 days.
• Jessner’s peel should not be applied to sunburned skin
• Avoid direct sunlight for at least one week.
• Avoid repeating Jessner peels too often, it is usually recommended to wait at least 4 weeks before repeating the peeling process, however be sure to follow all instructions in the kit carefully.

Jessner’s Peel often sells for approximately $89.99 for a 1oz bottle, so it is not inexpensive. However, when compared to other tattoo removal techniques that can cost well into the hundreds and even thousands, this product may be a great option for you to remove an unwanted tattoo. Try it and you will see the results for yourself. They are fast and marketed as superior to any other over the counter lotions, removal creams and serums available.

There are good reasons why practitioners charge so much for these Jessner chemical peel procedures. The good news is you can now do it yourself in your own home quickly and without any visits to day spas, clinics etc. The Jessner peel kit and others come with detailed instructions that will include usage precautions, preparation guidelines, after peel care and healing process procedures.

Nuviderm’s TCA tattoo fading product is marketed as a simple-to-use, safe and effective home tattoo removal option.

The company claims that user’s of its product can save up to 60% of the cost of having their tattoo removed, how is this you ask?

Well they claim that since the cost of having a tattoo removed by laser can cost approximately 10x more than having it put on to begin with – pre-fading it (prior to undergoing laser sessions) will cut your costs that dramatically.

A TCA tattoo removal home fading kit may mean you’ll require fewer laser sessions. What this can also translates into is less-painful laser therapy. This is because the TCA tattoo peel will have a chance to pre-fade your ink using a controlled chemical inflammation. Less ink absorbs less pain-causing heat from the laser. An added bonus to Nuviderm (as well as many other sometimes cheaper TCA products) is a shorter recovery time after your laser tattoo removal or intense pulsed light tattoo removal sessions because the pre-faded ink is easier to remove.

As with other TCA peel products, Nuviderm’s chemical peel is not ‘color-selective’ that means it will work with equal effectiveness on all color pigments, the same cannot be said for tattoo laser treatment where a variety of wavelengths are required to target specific pigment colors.

Prices for these trichloroacetic acid tattoo removal peels can vary quite a bit depending on the size and strength of the concentration (20% to 30% strengths or quite common). As for how much of the peeling agent you will need a rough guide would be one ounce for a 3 x 3 tattoo, however, this is not based on science only from feedback from those who have used these sorts of products.

Other factors also need to be taken into consideration – such standard things as:

Your skin type
The age of the tattoo
The ink composition (since tattoo ink manufacturing is currently unregulated there is an unbelievable number of possible ingredients in tattoo ink like iron oxides, plastics, cinnabar, copper, titanium dioxide and carbon just to name a small fraction)
The depth of tattoo ink colors – it tends to ‘sink’ into the dermis over the years.
Whether or not you follow the product’s instructions – consistent use is often the key with these tattoo chemical peel products.

Many are priced from between $25 and $45 for .5oz to 1oz. As you can see, TCA tattoo peels are an affordable alternative by comparison to other tattoo removal techniques.

Once you begin treatment you should start to notice the borders beginning to soften, this may happen after just a few treatments. The truth about laser tattoo removal is, although they are considered very affective, they are very expensive and it usually takes a long time to get the results you want.

Some people are under the impression that the tattoo is magically zapped off in a single laser treatment, this is far from true. On average people need between 5 and 15! visits for laser removal. Multiple those numbers by the average cost per laser session (say a conservative $150.) and it gets really expensive.

If you’re serious about getting rid of a tattoo giving one of these TCA tattoo removal products a try is definitely worth a shot. If you have concerns about burning or scarring keep in mind that these peels have been used for over 50 years (and are still very popular) for things like removing wrinkles and lines from people’s faces.

There is occasionally a slight stinging sensation associated with TCA peels like Nuviderm but this can be relieved using a baking soda and water mixture which neutralizes the acid – these instructions are usually in the kit.

Why do people sometimes prefer TCA tattoo removal products over tattoo fade creams?

One reason is if you visit many of the tattoo removal cream websites some will list their ingredients while other will not. Their ingredients lists will often include chemicals such as soothing agents different types of oils, preservatives (parabens), fragrances, and in some cases you’ll find abrasives and finally a skin bleaching agent or fading product.

Here’s a list of the most common skin fading/bleaching ingredients used in theses tattoo removal products – along with some of their most common side effects:

Hydroquinone – Is an organic compound which is a type of phenol. In human medicine it has been a common topical application to lighten skin. There is some testing evidence, although currently considered inadequate by some, that for human use it does have potential for carcinogenicity. It has been banned for cosmetic use in all of the EU (European) nations, 21 countries in all. It has also been banned in Australia and some other Asian nations. It is still available in reduced strengths for over-the-counter purchase in Cansa and the United States.

Kojic Acid – Is an produced by a few different species of fungii and is a by-product of the fermenting of malting rice used to make sake – a popular rice wine in Japan. It is considered an inhibitor of pigments in skin, and is commonly used in cosmetics and various foods often to preserve color. It is often used to prevent oxidation (rusting) that happens on many cut fruits and vegetables. It is also used on seafood to preserve its fresh red appearance. For tattoo removal and cosmetics it is used to lighten skin. It’s also used as an antibacterial and antifungal ingredient. It is often used as a substitute for hydroquinone but has been known to irritate skin and there is growing evidence that it may be have carcinogen potential.

Alpha-Arbutin – Is an alternative to the above two products and is generally less expensive. It is known to act quickly to lighten skin. Alpha-Arbutin inhibits your body’s production of tyrosinase. This is an enzyme in the epidermal (top) layers of skin that produce the melanin which darkens your skin when it is exposed to ultraviolet rays.

Arbutin – A crystalline glucoside found in the leaves of a wide variety of plants – sometime referred to as Bearberry Extract. It is considered less effective than Alpha Arbutin alone. Arbutin and Beta Arbutin are very cheap ingredients to manufacture and use in tattoo removal creams, they have been known to cause skin irritation in some people. It is now a very common agent found in numerous cosmetics.

Parabens – A class of chemicals used widely as preservatives in cosmetic and pharmaceuticals. They are considered effective preservatives and can be found in many shampoos, moisturizers, shaving products, topical pharmaceuticals and even toothpaste. They are also widely used as food preservatives. They are, however, becoming more and more controversial and some organizations object to their everyday use. Some of the more common ones you can find in tattoo removal products include: butylparaben, propyl-paraben and methyl/ethyl-parabens. The main concerns regarding these ingredients is that, once again, it is believed they may have carcinogenic potential.

Mercury - also called quicksilver (meaning watery silver). It is commonly used in cosmetics and can also be found in some tattoo removal cream products but not in TCA tattoo removal products. It is the only heavy metal that remains a liquid at room temperature. It occurs mostly in deposits of cinnabar or (mercuric sulfide). This is a common source of the red pigment vermillion. Cinnabar is also a common ingredient in red tattoo ink. It has been considered highly toxic by ingestion (swallowing) or inhalation of its dust particles, mercury poisoning can occur from exposure to its soluble forms (mercuric chloride or methylmercury). Also, inhalation of a mercury vapor, or eating fish that is contaminated with mercury can cause mercury poisoning. Just check out youtube for more on its poisoning potential. Since the FDA does not certify cosmetics products (which include tattoo removal creams) this element is still in wide use, this could change someday soon.

Many fading products such as tat b gone and wrecking balm are criticized as not being able to penetrate deeply enough into the skin layers to get at the ink. These removal products need to get into the second layer – the dermis – this is where the ink resides. Lighteners may lighten the natural melanin in your epidermis providing the appearance of a lighter tattoo but is the product really acting on the pigments at the deeper layers?

Exfoliation or fragmentation are two of the keys here. Somehow the ink has to be destroyed and fragmented as is the case with laser tattoo removal or IPL tattoo removal. Or, the second technique involves bringing the ink to the skin surface, this is where tca removal products come in. The chemical agents in TCA peel products cause a slow peeling action on the skin and they have been shown to penetrate the deeper skin layers. Over time they are known to bring the ink to the surface. You can use them too often though and the healing time between peels is crucial, several weeks of healing is usually needed before doing another peel.

Be sure to follow the instructions in the tca removal kit.

See tattoo removal before and after photos of various removal methods.

Also read about controversial fading cream ingredients that are not in TCA peel products.