Glycolic acid chemical peeling agent

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid. Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid, as are lactic acid, citric acid, and many others. Hydroxy acids are compounds that are both alcohols and acids at the same time. Hydroxy acids are used as chemical peeling agents. Alpha hydroxy acids can make the skin more sensitive to ultraviolet light by removing the skin s protective outer layers. Some alpha hydroxy acids ... 

Tretinoin 1% has also been used as a chemical peeling agent [22,23]. The efficacy of tretinoin peels was compared with glycolic acid peels in the treatment of melasma in dark skinned patients [23]. In a split face study of ten Indian women, 1% tretinoin was applied to one half of the face, while 70% glycolic acid was applied to the opposite side. Peels were performed weekly. Significant improvement occurred on both sides as assessed by photographs and a Modi-... 

Unlike some other chemical peeling agents that pose a risk of hyper or hypojrigmentation to darker skin types, glycolic acid peels can be used on all Fitzpatrick skin types 1 through VI, male or female, teens to adults. The most sensitive skin types appear to tolerate glycolic acid peels in lower concentrations (20-35%) only. Patients with rosacea and atopic dermatitis and patients of Asian descent appear to fall into this category. 

Ditre CM, Nini KT, Vagley RT 1996 Introduction practical use of glycolic acid as a chemical peeling agent. Journal of Geriatric Dermatology 4 2-7... 

Superficial chemical peels, including salicylic and glycolic acids, and Jessner s peels target the stratum corneum to the papillary dermis. These agents can be safely used to facilitate the resolution of PIH (Figs. 16.2,16.3,16.4 and 16.5). To assess for variability in response and limit further PIH, when possible, chemical peels should be initiated at the lower concentrations and titrated to higher concentrations if necessary to increase efficacy while minimizing side effects (see Darker Skin Section). 

Superficial peels Various chemicals have been used as peeling agents, out of which the most fruitful one is the alpha-hydroxy acid such as glycolic acid. Alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) works inducing epidermolysis and subsequent desquamation within few... 

It is a superficial chemical agent which has been found to be safe and effective in darker-skinned races including Asians, as well as due to its predictable response, less downtime, and efficacy compared with glycolic acid peels [16]. As the white pseudofrost occurs, uniformity of application is easily achieved. 

Main chemical agents used in chemical peeling will be developed in Sect. 4.12.1. Let us just illustrate here by in vitro experiments the diffusion and the pH control for glycolic and trichloroacetic acids. 

Chemical peels can be classified by the depth of penetration into the skin (Table 9.2). Superficial peelings (epidermis to upper papillary dermis) are the most commonly used peels in all phototypes. These agents include tretinoin 1-5%, TCA 10-35%, glycolic acid solution 30-50% or glycolic gel 70%, salicylic acid 20-30% in ethanol and Jessner s solution (Combes formula). 

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