Chemical peeling: How, when, why?

Abstract

General description Chemical peeling is a procedure frequently used to treat unaesthetic cutaneous alterations such as photoageing, actinic keratosis. chloasma, senile lentigo, and post-acneic scars as well those of a non-strictly aesthetic nature such as seborrhoeic keratosis and flat warts. Several chemical agents are used depending on the depth of peeling to be obtained. The most commonly used agents are: alpha hydroxy-acids, resorcinol, Jessner's solution, and trichloroacetic acid. In the present study the characteristics of the individual substances, technical procedure, and applications are taken into consideration. Finally, the main risks and side-effects, depending on the depth of peeling, are considered.Learning objective The reader will have learned what a chemical peeling is, what chemical agents are available, and how to perform chemical peeling in the office. The mechanism of action of different chemical agents, expectations from this procedure, potential risks and complications are also reviewed with insight into criteria for selecting patients.

Trichloroacetic Acid Versus Salicylic Acid in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris in Dark-Skinned Patients

“…Salicylic acid has been formulated in a hydroethanolic vehicle at concentrations of 20% to 30% for use as a superficial peeling agent. 21 Trichloroacetic acid has a particularly long history as an effective agent for rendering histological and clinical improvements to the skin and represents a safe option when used as a superficial peel or in "combination peels" of medium depth of acne scars. 22 In this study, which focuses on treatment of mild and moderate acne with 25% TCA, improvement of total lesions occurred in 85% of the patients.…”

Comparative study of 15% TCA peel versus 35% glycolic acid peel for the treatment of melasma

“…[1] The exfoliative effect of chemical peels stimulates new epidermal growth and collagen with more evenly distributed melanin. Chemical peels are classified by the depth of action into superficial, medium, and deep peels.…”

Nail Swelling as a Pre-formulation Screen for the Selection and Optimisation of Ungual Penetration Enhancers

“…Mannitol was selected on the basis that it is a small (MW=184), hydrophilic molecule and would, therefore, be expected to permeate the nail over a relatively short amount of time. Each of the screening methods was performed using the same four reported test PEs which were selected due to their potential as ungual penetration enhancers; resorcinol (20), TA, H 2 O 2 (21) and cysteine (22).…”