Concern over product often used in chemical peels

Center for Environmental Health says TCA puts people at risk

ORLANDO, Fla. – Chemical peels are nothing new, but there is a new concern: TCA or Tri-Chlora-See-Tic acid. It's pretty popular and found in a number of chemical peel products. Lynie Baylor said she had her first chemical peel a year ago.

"I loved to have one, anything that will make my face glow, so I wanted to try it," she said.

So what's a chemical peel? Esthetician Ashley Peskind removes dead skin cells from Lynie's face to uncover a new layer of skin that will appear smoother and vibrant.

While Healing Solutions Spa in Orlando does not use TCA products, a Google search finds many spas do. That's because TCA is a very strong acid and goes

deeper into the skin than other peel products, producing stronger results. Some spas even promote their peels as TCA chemical peels.

The problem is, according to the Center for Environmental Health, TCA is a carcinogen.

The nonprofit group's research director said, "People are putting themselves at risk for cancer when they use this product."

California has identified TCA as a chemical the state knows causes cancer and requires manufactures to label it so consumers will know.

Cindy Zwarich said she also gets chemical peels.

"I actually have heard of it, and it's actually really bad," she said.

However Dr. Josef Thundiyil of Orlando Health said it's not clear cut.

"There have never been any human studies to show that it is carcinogenic; however, there have been some animal studies which suggest it may be carcinogenic to animals," Thundiyil said.

Both the Environmental Protection Agency and the International Agency Research on Cancer label it as a possible carcinogen.

"You'll find if you look at your labels, you could drive yourself crazy with how many things are possible carcinogens," Thundiyil said.

While many people have never heard of the chemical, millions are using it without knowing the risk, even buying it online. Peskind said she does not recommend any do-it-yourself TCA peels.

"It's not going to be done properly. It's actually kind of dangerous," she said.

But she recommends two alternatives.

1. Glycholic acid peels
2. Salicylic acid peels

Neither contains the questionable chemical.

Another option for a chemical peel is using the eMatrix machine.  Experts said you can get the same results.