4 - Light Chemical Peels

Abstract

Light chemical peelings are classified by the level of injury of the skin in light/superficial and very light peelings. Light chemical peelings penetrate the epidermis and lead to necrosis of the entire epidermis up to the stratum granulosum or the basal lamina, whereas very light superficial peelings lead to a necrosis of the epidermis up to the stratum corneum followed by exfoliation with ablation of superficial lesions with subsequent regeneration of new epidermal and dermal tissue. Indications for light chemical peelings include dyschromias like solar lentigines, melasma and hyperpigmentation, rosacea papulopustulosa, superficial acne scars, and photoaged or light-damaged skin, as well as improvement of the skin texture. Peelings agents of very light or light peelings include alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), especially glycolic acid (GA), mandelic acid, and lactic acid; beta-hydroxy acids, particularly salicylic acid and lipohydroxy acid; pyruvic acid; trichloroacetic acid; resorcinol; tretinoin; and Jessner’s solution. GA peels are popular in the treatment of melasma, whereas salicylic acid is excellent in the treatment of acne. Very light chemical peelings can be repeated every 1 to 2 weeks, light peelings every 2 to 4 weeks. Superficial chemical peelings are safe and have less side effects and complications.