TCA CROSS for dark skin

Dark skin contains more active pigment-producing cells, so inflammation from a concentrated acid can be followed by darker marks or areas of reduced colour. TCA CROSS is intended for selected depressed acne scars and is applied to scar points, not casually brushed over the face. A clinician should consider your natural tone, previous reactions, current acne or irritation, and how well you heal. The procedure may improve texture gradually, but it does not guarantee an even colour outcome.

Have the treatment planned by someone experienced with darker skin tones. Share any history of post-inflammatory darkening, raised scars, eczema, cold sores, or recent tanning, and list irritating products you use. Follow the clinic's cleansing and moisturising instructions, avoid picking or rubbing treated points, and pause active ingredients for the advised period. Protect healing skin from sunlight because exposure can reinforce uneven pigmentation. Never use concentrated TCA on yourself or increase treatment frequency without review.

Contact your clinician if pain, redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge is increasing rather than settling. Get urgent help for eye symptoms, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or widespread blistering. Arrange a review for persistent dark patches, sharply pale areas, thickened healing, or sensitivity that lasts beyond the expected recovery.

Ask whether a test spot is appropriate, how pigment risk will be managed, which products to pause, and what follow-up is available if colour changes appear.