title: Effects of glycolic acid chemical peeling on facial pigment deposition: evaluation using novel computer analysis of digital-camera-captured images.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Chemical peeling is becoming increasingly popular for skin rejuvenation in dermatological cosmetic medicine. However, the improvements seen with chemical peeling are often very minor, and it is difficult to conduct a quantitative assessment of pre- and post-treatment appearance.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We report the pre- and postpeeling effects for facial pigment deposition using a novel computer analysis method for digital-camera-captured images.
  
  
  METHODS
  Glycolic acid chemical peeling was performed a total of 5 times at 2-week intervals in 23 healthy women. We conducted a computer image analysis by utilizing Robo Skin Analyzer CS 50 and Clinical Suite 2.1 and then reviewed each parameter for the area of facial pigment deposition pre- and post-treatment. Parameters were pigmentation size and four pigmentation categories: little pigmentation and three levels of marked pigmentation (Lv1, 2, and 3) based on detection threshold. Each parameter was measured, and the total area of facial pigmentation was calculated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The total area of little pigmentation and marked pigmentation (Lv1) was significantly reduced. On the other hand, a significant difference was not observed for the total area of marked pigmentation Lv2 and Lv3.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This suggests that glycolic acid chemical peeling has an effect on small facial pigment disposition or has an effect on light pigment deposition. As the Robo Skin Analyzer is useful for objectively quantifying and analyzing minor changes in facial skin, it is considered to be an effective tool for accumulating treatment evidence in the cosmetic and esthetic skin field.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan.
authors.forename: Natsuko
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kakudo
authors.forename: Satoshi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kushida
authors.forename: Kenji
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Suzuki
authors.forename: Kenji
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kusumoto
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D044466:Asian People; D002615:Chemexfoliation / Q000379:methods; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D006016:Glycolates / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D007641:Keratolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012060:Rejuvenation; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects*; D012880:Skin Pigmentation / Q000187:drug effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D006016:Glycolates; D007641:Keratolytic Agents; C031149:glycolic acid
keywords: chemical peeling; computer analysis; glycolic acid; pigment deposition