Alpha-hydroxy acids tretinoin

Immediate post-peel care is described in detail in the chapters dealing with each type of peel. As a general rule, tretinoin and creams with an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) concentration of over 10% should be avoided before the exfoliation phase is completely finished. 

Recall that benzoyl peroxide, alpha-hydroxy acids and tretinoin thin the stratum corneum and enhance penetration of the acids. 

The best results are achieved when the skin has been prepared for 15 days beforehand see Chapter 2. If the skin has been prepared with tretinoin or alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), if the patient has used products (benzoyl peroxide) or techniques (scrub, or abrasion with a massage glove) that increase the permeability of the stratum corneum, the resorcinol paste should not be left on too long. 

These include 10-15% trichloroacetic acid (TCA), alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), beta-hydroxy acids such as salicylic acid, topical tretinoin, and one to two coats of Jessner s solution [14% resorcinol, 14% salicylic acid, 14% lactic acid, and ethanol). These peels penetrate the stratum corneum and possibly the upper layers of the stratum spinosum. Because of the very superficial depth of pene-... 

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