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Review
. 2013 Nov 11:6:281-8.
doi: 10.2147/CCID.S34029.

Glycolic acid peel therapy - a current review

Jaishree Sharad  1
Affiliations
Review

Glycolic acid peel therapy - a current review

Jaishree Sharad. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. .

Abstract

Chemical peels have been time-tested and are here to stay. Alpha-hydroxy peels are highly popular in the dermatologist's arsenal of procedures. Glycolic acid peel is the most common alpha-hydroxy acid peel, also known as fruit peel. It is simple, inexpensive, and has no downtime. This review talks about various studies of glycolic acid peels for various indications, such as acne, acne scars, melasma, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, photoaging, and seborrhea. Combination therapies and treatment procedure are also discussed. Careful review of medical history, examination of the skin, and pre-peel priming of skin are important before every peel. Proper patient selection, peel timing, and neutralization on-time will ensure good results, with no side effects. Depth of the glycolic acid peel depends on the concentration of the acid used, the number of coats applied, and the time for which it is applied. Hence, it can be used as a very superficial peel, or even a medium depth peel. It has been found to be very safe with Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV. All in all, it is a peel that is here to stay.

Keywords: acne scar; alpha-hydroxy peel; chemical peel; melasma; photoaging.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Post-acne scars and pigmentation before glycolic acid peel.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Post-acne scars and pigmentation after eight sessions of glycolic acid peel.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation before glycolic acid peel.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation after glycolic acid peel.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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