HOUSTON – Getting a chemical peel can make your face feel refreshed and rejuvenated. Dead skin cells are removed, uncovering a new layer of skin that appears smoother and vibrant.
Lynie Baylor 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," Baylor explained.
But there is a new concern about certain types of chemical peels. Many of the procedures are done using products that contain a chemical called TCA, or trichloracetic acid.
TCA is a very strong acid that goes deeper into the skin than other peel products, producing stronger results. Many spas even promote their peels as TCA chemical peels.
But the Center for Environmental Health claims TCA is a carcinogen. The nonprofit group's research director said, "People are putting themselves at risk for cancer when they use this product."
The State of California requires manufactures to label it as a possible cancer causing chemical. But Dr. Josef Thundiyil said the research is not clear cut.
"There has 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 explained.
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. (But) you could drive yourself crazy with how many things are possible carcinogen," Thundiyil said.
There are alternatives to peels using TCA. Aestheticians said ask for a glycholic acid peel or salicylic acid peel. Neither contains TCA.
Another option for a chemical peel uses the E-matrix laser. Experts say you get the same results.
Click here to learn more about a Houston spas using the E-matrix laser.