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. METHOD: 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. RESULT: Glycolic acid can easily be used to peel skin of all skin types with minimal risk. CONCLUSION: We have found glycolic acid can be an ideal adjunct to other cosmetic modalities such as soft tissue augmentation.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Moy et al. (1993) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched one closely related paper. Consider it for comparative context: