Present day status of the chemical face peel

Abstract

A phenol chemical face peel restores a clean, youthful appearance by removing the fine wrinkles of the tired, aged face. This procedure has the additional advantage of decreasing the rate of appearance of precancerous and probably early cancerous lesions of the photoaged skin of the face. Knowledge of the history, theory, histology, and technique are made current. A comprehensive review demonstrates that pigmentary changes, third degree scarring, and cardiac arrhythmias appear to be the main complications. The technique is safe and effective if used in a judicious manner.

Medium-depth Trichloroacetic Acid and Deep Phenol–Croton Oil Chemical Peeling for Facial Rejuvenation: An Update

“…15,16 Several years later, Litton published the composition of his formulation that he apparently had obtained from Coopersmith in Fort Lauderdale. 15,17 From an obscure anecdotal technique, chemical peels emerged gradually to their present acceptance as a scientifically based procedure for skin resurfacing. 18 With the assumption that phenol is the active ingredient responsible for epidermal and superficial dermal coagulation, Baker 19 detailed in November 1961 the exact composition of a peeling formula containing 1.2% croton oil in 47.5% phenol.…”

“…On September 1961, Litton reported chemical face lifting in an oral communication then published his work in 1962 describing chemical peeling with a “minute amount” of croton oil and a 50% solution of phenol with glycerin and water 15,16 . Several years later, Litton published the composition of his formulation that he apparently had obtained from Coopersmith in Fort Lauderdale 15,17 . From an obscure anecdotal technique, chemical peels emerged gradually to their present acceptance as a scientifically based procedure for skin resurfacing 18 …”

The Efficacy of Various Degreasing Agents Used in Trichloroacetic Acid Peels

“…Acetone is the most commonly used degreasing agent used 1–6 . Some physicians prefer rubbing alcohol, and others have proposed the use of a nonflammable skin degreaser, Freon Skin Degreaser (Miller‐Stevenson, Dan‐bury, CT) 7 . Though very effective, acetone is highly flammable.…”