title: Evaluation of 70% glycolic peels versus 15% trichloroacetic peels for the treatment of photodamaged facial skin in aging women.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Chronic solar irradiation results in both morphological and functional changes in affected skin. Superficial peels have been shown to improve all symptoms of photodamaged skin.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study was designed to compare the efficacy and tolerability of glycolic acid (GA, 70%) with trichloroacetic acid (TCA, 15%) for the treatment of photoaging.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty female patients affected by photodamage were treated with graded concentrations of 70% GA and 15% TCA peel. Each patient was submitted to 5 sessions of these peels, with an interval of 14 days between each session. Four clinical parameters of surface evaluation of the living skin (hydration, elasticity, melanin, and erythema) were measured. The records were made before each treatment and 3 months after the last application.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The statistical significance in each group of patients was observed with elasticity and hydration. Decrease in melanin content in the skin occurred significantly after the application of a series of treatments with GA. Increase in severity of erythema showed statistical significance after the treatment with TCA.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Superficial peels, such as 70% GA and 15% TCA, proved to be an effective treatment modality for photodamaged facial skin. Both acids contribute to improvement of the photodamaged skin's parameters. Glycolic acid increases skin's hydration faster.
authors: Departments of *Cosmetology and Esthetic Dermatology; †Cosmetic Raw Material Chemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland; ‡Dr Irena Eris Centre for Science and Research, Warsaw, Poland.
authors: Marlena
authors: M
authors: Kubiak
authors: Paulina
authors: P
authors: Mucha
authors: Renata
authors: R
authors: Dębowska
authors: Helena
authors: H
authors: Rotsztejn
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002615:Chemexfoliation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004548:Elasticity; D004890:Erythema / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D006016:Glycolates / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007641:Keratolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008543:Melanins / Q000032:analysis; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D014238:Trichloroacetic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D006016:Glycolates; D007641:Keratolytic Agents; D008543:Melanins; C031149:glycolic acid; D014238:Trichloroacetic Acid