32245 Efficacy of superficial versus medium-depth peels: Quantitative and qualitative analysis

Abstract

Chemical peeling is a common mode of facial restructuring that promotes the growth of new skin with increased collagen deposition, reduced scarring, and improved overall tone. Contemporary peels incorporate actives such as alpha or beta hydroxy acids, phenol, and trichloroacetic acid (TCA). TCA in particular has gained wide acceptance as a peeling agent; low levels of TCA present in “superficial peels’’ primarily target the stratum corneum and viable epidermis while higher levels present in “medium depth peels” demonstrate efficacy in the deeper dermis.