Neutralization glycolic acid peels

Applying large quantities of pure acid to the skin (during a glycolic acid peel with a non-neutralized solution) saturates its natural buffer capacity, and the excess acid must be neutralized to avoid burning the skin. 

Not all glycolic acid peels are the same as far as the skin is concerned. The peels that are the most difficult to use are glycolic acid in simple aqueous solution and glycolic acid masks (because it is difficult to monitor how the skin is reacting). The most effective peel would be one that does not need neutralizing, in spite of having a pH of 0.5 for a solution with a pK, between 3 and 4. 

Long-term preparation starts 4—6 weeks before a water-based AHA peel, ft can be non-specific or specific, ft is not essential, but noticeably improves results by ensuring deeper and more even penetration of the glycolic acid peel. Greater vigilance is required when applying the peel, however, as it must be neutralized more quickly. 

Only the most superficial layer of the stratum corneum should be removed. Any deeper abrasion that destroys the stratum corneum completely is to be avoided, as the active components of the EPS would penetrate the skin too quickly and soon saturate its defenses, its buffer capacity. When using this abrasive technique, it is essential to have the necessary equipment at hand to neutralize the peel (see the section on neutralizing glycolic acid in Chapter 9) in case it penetrates more deeply than desired. This technique can be repeated at a minimum of 2-weekly intervals only. 

The time of application depends on the indication for treatment and the skin type. Weekly, once in 2 or 3 weeks, or monthly applications are used to obtain optimum results. The acid is neutralized with cold water or 5% sodium bicarbonate after a few minutes. The glycolic acid peels are well tolerated, and postpeel erythema and burning may be accompanied by peeling and exfoliation for 1-3 days. 

A brief study of the chemistry of the molecules and solutions used in chemical peels immediately questions the hypothesis that acidity is the only basis for the action of peeling solutions. In fact, with the exception of trichloroacetic add (TCA) and non-neutralized glycolic acid solutions, the most commonly used peeling solutions are only weakly acidic, and phenol and resorcinol mixtures may not be acidic at all, having a pH greater than 7 in some formulations. 

A partially neutralized glycohc acid peel formulation refers to the combination of the acid with a base for example, with ammonium hydroxide to yield the salt ammonium glycolate. The pH of this solution is then increased [mean pH is 3.8). 

Glycolic acid, an AHA, has become one of the most widely used organic carboxylic acids for skin peeling. Glycolic acid formulations include buffered, partially neutralized, and esterified products. Previous studies have recommended the use of a buffered or partially neutralized glycolic acid, which is safer than free glycolic acid. 

When performing glycolic acid peeling, the agent should be neutralized after the predetermined duration of time (usually 2-3 minutes). However, if erythema or epa-dermolysis occurs, the peel must be neutralized immediately, with neutralizing lotions or 10-15% bicarbanate solutions followed by rinsing off with water. 

The effectiveness of a peel with glycolic acid in aqueous solution depends on the amount of time for which the acid is contact with the skin and therefore on how soon it is neutralized. Neutralizing too soon only allows a small proportion of the acid to act. 

The glycolic acid solution is applied quickly (in 15-20 seconds maximum), so that the contact time is the same for the whole face. The solution should be applied to the most resistant areas first (the forehead) and to the more sensitive areas last (the eyelids). It is important to develop application habits and always use the same system, both for applying and neutralizing the peel. 

PIH after a peel with 70% unbuffered glycolic acid neutralization with a sodium bicarbonate solution as soon as erythema appeared. There is no visible frosting. Postoperative developments were normal. On the 8th day, the patient consulted the doctor about the appearance of PIH 3 days before (a). Treatment consisted of tyrosinase inhibitors, topical antioxidants, sun avoidance and protection, (b) The patient after 5 weeks, (c) After 8 weeks. The hyperpigmentation has improved significantly. A telephone call revealed that the problem has cleared up completely after 3 months. 

Glycolic acid (GA) is the most commonly used agent in Asian patients and is considered the most versatile of all due to good penetration of the skin due to its low molecular weight increased bioavailabiUty as the pH dcCTcases it can be easily neutralized its effect is mostly superficial (considered safe) and has very few postpeel complications. Also used as lunch time peels and its results are time dependent [8,9]. 

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