More Americans have been diagnosed with skin cancer than any other form of cancer. In fact, one in five Americans will develop this disease during their lifetime. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer. Chemical peels have been helping patients improve common issues with their skin like poor texture, acne, or dull complexion, but according to a report last month in the Houston News, certain cosmetic chemical peels may also be effective in the prevention of SCC.

In the study, Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) Peels were shown to effectively eliminate sunspots. These sunspots have long been known to be a precancerous indication of the development of SCC. Nearly 10% of these spots will eventually become cancerous.

Treating Sunspots with TCA Peels

These sunspots generally appear in the areas of greatest sun exposure, such as the shoulders, face, neck, arms and the top of the head. These scaly or flaky flat spots could be easily overlooked, but proper identification by your board certified plastic surgeon can play a crucial role in preventing skin cancer formation from these small growths.

The TCA peel is a short, minimally invasive procedure that can be performed in very little time. Generally, the peel is applied for just two to three minutes. A peel of at least 30 percent is often recommended to give the full preventative benefits for skin cancer.