Glycolic Peel, TCA Peel, SA Peel

Various kinds of chemical peels are used for treatment of wrinkles, sun damage, excess pigmentation (melasma), and actinic keratoses (“sun spots”). Depth of chemical peel needed is determined by pathology being treated.

TYPES OF CHEMICAL PEEL

Light chemical peel, which remove the very outer layers of the skin (stratum corneum), have traditionally been used as exfoliants in the treatment of acne and excessive oiliness of the skin.

Medium depth chemical peel, which extend into the papillary dermis, are effective in managing the textural and pigmentary changes that accompany early photoaging of the skin. Superficial wrinkling, scattered lentigines, and early actinic keratoses are all effectively managed by peeling agents which injure the upper dermis.

Deep chemical peel, which extends into the deeper (reticular dermis), has been used for treating more advanced photoaging changes, in particular deep wrinkles and severe solar elastosis. In modern times, this type of peeling has been largely replaced by CO2 laser resurfacing.

TRICHLOROACETIC ACID / TCA PEEL

Trichloroacetic acid or TCA peel is a popular, old technique for treating photoaging and melasma. The frequency of adverse reactions is low and the chemical is free of major side effects. Concentration used varies between 10-35% depending upon of depth of penetration desired.

Low (10-20%) concentrations of TCA are helpful in the management of acne, oily skin, prominent pores and people on anti-aging program. Healing is usually complete within two to four days. The skin is sensitive for approximately one week after the peel, during which time sun protection and moisturizers are used. It may be repeated every few weeks or months as needed. Higher concentrations are used for improvement of skin texture, pigmentary alterations, and other changes of photoaging. Early actinic keratoses are also effectively removed in this manner. As expected, there is more peeling, inflammation, and swelling than is seen with superficial peels. When the areas around the eye are peeled, eyelid swelling can be severe enough to shut the eyelids.

TCA Peel can be combined with Jessner’s peel as well for higher effeicacy.

GLYCOLIC PEEL

Glycolic peels have become quite popular for treating acne, minimal sun damage, pigmentary change and textural irregularities. Various concentrations of glycolic acid (up to 70%) have been used for a more freshened, rejuvenated appearance. Usually, a series of 6 peels are done with an interval of 2-4 weeks.