Final answer:
A full frost TCA peel reaches the reticular dermis, penetrating and possibly destroying the full thickness of the skin, including the epidermis and upper parts of the dermis. It is considered a deep chemical peel used for treating more severe skin conditions, like deep wrinkles and sun damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
A full frost Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) peel is a deep chemical peel that reaches the reticular dermis. Since the epidermis consists of several layers (stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum, and stratum corneum), a full frost TCA peel affects all these layers and extends into the upper layers of the dermis. Notably, the stratum corneum is the topmost layer of the epidermis, consisting of dead skin cells that offer a protective barrier. A full frost TCA peel effectively removes these layers, promoting regeneration of new, healthy skin cells. This kind of peel is typically used in treating deep wrinkles, severe sun damage, or pre-cancerous growths.
In therapeutic terms, such a peel is classified as a third-degree burn, as it penetrates and destroys the full thickness of the skin, both the epidermis and the upper parts of the dermis. Due to its intensity, this procedure should only be performed by a qualified healthcare professional. Post-procedure care is crucial to avoid complications such as infections and to ensure proper healing.