Glycolic acid peels for the treatment of wrinkles and photoaging.
BACKGROUND
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxyacid that is useful as a chemical peeling agent.


OBJECTIVE
To discuss the techniques using glycolic acid to remove actinic keratoses, fine wrinkles, lentigines, melasma, and seborrheic keratoses.


METHODS
Applied in a carefully timed manner, the depth of penetration can be titrated by the timed duration of application of acid on the skin. Chemical peels are left on the skin for 3 to 7 minutes for most patients. For ideal results, the chemical peel can be repeated 3 to 4 times.


RESULTS
Glycolic acid can easily be used to peel skin of all skin types with minimal risk.


CONCLUSIONS
We have found glycolic acid can be an ideal adjunct to other cosmetic modalities such as soft tissue augmentation.
Moy
L S
LS
Department of Dermatology, University of California-Los Angeles School of Medicine.
Murad
H
H
Moy
R L
RL
D002615:Chemexfoliation / Q000379:methods*; D005145:Face / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006016:Glycolates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015595:Skin Aging
D006016:Glycolates; C031149:glycolic acid