TCA is a self-neutralizing peel that when applied interacts with the skin causing the very top layers to separate and lift.

Do you need to neutralize TCA?

It is not usually necessary to neutralize TCA peels, but you should keep a solution handy in case your skin reacts badly to the peel. ... You are not trying to wipe away the TCA peel, just neutralize the reaction between the trichloroacetic acid and your skin by soaking it with the baking soda solution.

How long does it take for TCA to neutralize?

TCA has a protein dissociation constant (pKa) of 0.52, making it an inherently stronger acid than AHAs (pKa of glycolic acid – 3.83). TCA is self-neutralizing within minutes after application, and appearance of a white frost indicates the endpoint of the peel.