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Chemical and Physical Procedures pp 9–18Cite as

Glycolic Acid Peel

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Part of the Clinical Approaches and Procedures in Cosmetic Dermatology book series (CAPCD,volume 2)

Abstract

Peelings are among the oldest and widespread procedures used in aesthetic dermatology worldwide. Chemical peels are classified as superficial, medium, and deep according to the depth of penetration of the peeling solution. The glycolic acid (GA) peel is the most used alpha hydroxy acid peel, producing a very superficial, superficial, or even a medium-depth peel, all of them usually well tolerated by patients and without systemic toxicity. GA peels have been used as an adjunctive therapy in a variety of skin disorders because of its anti-inflammatory, keratolytic, and antioxidant effects. The depth of glycolic acid peel depends on the concentration of the acid used, time of exposure, and skin condition. Acne (inflammatory and non-inflammatory), acne scars, melasma, photoaging, and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation can be treated with GA peel, but the most common indication has been skin rejuvenation. As other AHA peels, it needs to be neutralized to end its action, and it should be repeated several times to achieve the desirable cosmetic result. They have practically no downtime, and results vary significantly from patient to patient, but with proper patient selection and correct technique, GA has great skin improvement potential. In addition, the GA peel can be used or combined with other techniques, such as botulinum toxin injections and dermal fillers to promote the rejuvenation of the aging face.

Keywords

  • Glicolic acid peel
  • Alpha hydroxy acid peel
  • Chemical peeling
  • Superficial depth peel
  • Medium depth peel
  • Acne
  • Fine wrinkles
  • Epidermal melasma

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Mogi das Cruzes, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

    Denise Steiner

  2. Private Practice, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

    Mirella G. Pascini

  3. Clínica Denise Steiner, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

    Denise Steiner

Authors
  1. Denise Steiner
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  2. Mirella G. Pascini
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Denise Steiner .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Clinical Medicine – Dermatology, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

    Ph.D. Maria Claudia Almeida Issa

  2. Clínicas Hospital of São Paulo of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

    Ph.D. Bhertha Tamura

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© 2018 Springer International Publishing AG

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Steiner, D., Pascini, M.G. (2018). Glycolic Acid Peel. In: Issa, M., Tamura, B. (eds) Chemical and Physical Procedures. Clinical Approaches and Procedures in Cosmetic Dermatology, vol 2. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-16805-0_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-16805-0_2

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-16804-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-16805-0

  • eBook Packages: MedicineReference Module Medicine

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