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. 2013 Nov 11;6:281–288. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S34029

Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current review

Jaishree Sharad 1,✉
PMCID: PMC3875240  PMID: 24399880

Abstract

Chemical peels have been time-tested and are here to stay. Alpha-hydroxy peels are highly popular in the dermatologist’s arsenal of procedures. Glycolic acid peel is the most common alpha-hydroxy acid peel, also known as fruit peel. It is simple, inexpensive, and has no downtime. This review talks about various studies of glycolic acid peels for various indications, such as acne, acne scars, melasma, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, photoaging, and seborrhea. Combination therapies and treatment procedure are also discussed. Careful review of medical history, examination of the skin, and pre-peel priming of skin are important before every peel. Proper patient selection, peel timing, and neutralization on-time will ensure good results, with no side effects. Depth of the glycolic acid peel depends on the concentration of the acid used, the number of coats applied, and the time for which it is applied. Hence, it can be used as a very superficial peel, or even a medium depth peel. It has been found to be very safe with Fitzpatrick skin types I–IV. All in all, it is a peel that is here to stay.

Keywords: acne scar, melasma, photoaging, chemical peel, alpha-hydroxy peel

Introduction

Alpha-hydroxy peels have been popular in dermatological practice for years and are well-established. They have practically no downtime, and are usually superficial or medium depth peels. They have therapeutic as well as cosmetic benefits when used on skin.1 Glycolic acid (GA) obtained from sugarcane is used in the most common alpha-hydroxy acid peel.2

GA has the smallest molecular weight amongst all the alpha-hydroxy acids. It penetrates skin easily, making it a popular peel agent.3 GA has two carbon atoms: one carbon atom is with a carboxyl group and the other carbon atom is with a hydroxyl group. GA is extremely hydrophilic. The pH of a non-buffered solution ranges from 0.08–2.75.4 Previous authors have recommended the use of a buffered or partially neutralized GA, which is safer than free GA.5 Glycolic acid peels are commercially available as free acids, partially neutralized (higher pH), buffered, or esterified solutions.6 They are available in various concentrations ranging from 20%–70%. The higher the concentration and lower the pH, the more intense the peeling will be.7 In general, gel formulations have a slower penetration time and are easier to control.8

Fabbrocini, in 2009, classified glycolic peels as: very superficial (30%–50% GA, applied for 1–2 minutes); superficial (50%–70% GA, applied for 2–5 minutes); and medium depth (70% GA, applied for 3–15 minutes).8 GA peels have antiinflammatory, keratolytic, and antioxidant effects. GA targets the corneosome by enhancing breakdown and decreasing cohesiveness, causing desquamation.9 The intensity of GA peel is determined by the concentration of the acid.10 GA peels need to be properly neutralized in order to stop acidification of the skin.11

Material and methods

Application methods

Before starting a series of GA peels, the status of the skin should be assessed for the occurrence of any dry or scaly patches on skin, open sores that may have become acidified through the use of GA/tretinoin creams.12 Priming the skin with hydroquinone, or topical retinoids, before performing a peel has been found to increase peel efficacy and reduce the risk of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.13 After the skin has been cleansed and degreased, GA solution is applied using cotton buds or a brush in a sequential manner starting from the forehead to the left cheek, chin, right cheek to cover the entire face. Care is taken to protect the eyes and the corners of the nose and lips. The peel is neutralized within 3–5 minutes, or when uniform erythema is seen. If frosting is observed in any particular area before the set time or end-point, it is important to neutralize the peel immediately. It is always better to start with a low concentration (20% GA) and increase the concentration and application time during subsequent sessions.3 Peeling is repeated once every 15 days for 4–6 months until the desired result is achieved.14

Mechanism of action

Glycolic acid peels have antiinflammatory, keratolytic, and antioxidant effects. GA targets the corneosome by enhancing breakdown and decreasing cohesiveness, causing desquamation.9 The intensity of peel is determined by the concentration of the acid, the vehicle used to carry it, the amount of acid applied, and the technique used.10

GA peels need to be properly neutralized to stop acidification of the skin. Applying acid to the skin saturates the ability of cells to resist acidification; excess acid must be neutralized to avoid burning. Alpha-hydroxy acid peels can be neutralized with water or with basic solutions, such as ammonium salts, sodium bicarbonate, or sodium hydroxide.11

Indications

Acne, acne scars, melasma, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, photoaging, and seborrhea are indications for chemical peeling.15–19 GA may be used in acne also to normalize keratinization and increase epidermal and dermal hyaluronic acid and collagen gene expression.20

Acne and acne scars

In a study by Wang et al, Asian patients with skin type IV with acne were treated with 35% GA and 50% GA peels, once in 3 weeks for 10 weeks. There was significant resolution of comedones, papules, and pustules. The skin texture improved and follicular pore size reduced. Most of the patients were found to have brighter and lighter looking skin. Consistent and repetitive treatment with GA was needed for the apparent improvement of acne scars and cystic lesions. Only a small percentage of patients (5.6%) developed side effects, in the form of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, mild skin irritation, and exacerbation of herpes simplex infection. Hence, GA peels were found to be ideal as an adjunctive treatment for acne.21

In another study by Atzori et al, 70% GA was used in comedonic acne, papulopustular, and nodular/cystic acne. While comedones improved rapidly, papulopustular acne improved after six peel sessions, and nodulocystic lesions required ten sessions at three-week intervals. A significant improvement of coexisting post-acne superficial scarring was noted. Patient tolerance and compliance were both found to be excellent.22

Kim et al did a comparative study using 70% GA and Jessner’s Solution (resorcinol 14%, lactic acid 14%, and salicylic acid 14%, in an alcohol base), respectively, in two groups of patients with acne. Three peel sessions were done for each group. Though acne improved in both to the same extent, there was more exfoliation seen in the Jessner’s Solution group. Hence, GA was found to be the better tolerated of the two peels for the treatment of acne in Asian patients.23

Grover and Reddu conducted a study of 41 patients with Fitzpatrick Skin Type III–V, of whom 16 patients had acne. Initially, they used 10% GA for a period of 1–2 minutes, then gradually increased the duration to 5 minutes and concentration to 30% GA. All patients had greasy skin with high sebaceous activity. The severity of acne was graded on a four-point scale, which revealed that mild to moderate acne was seen in eight patients, severe acne in seven patients and one patient had nodulocystic acne. Apart from comedones, papules, and pustules, a significant number of patients had scarring and pigmentation. After undergoing peels with GA, the therapeutic response was good in 75% of patients, on the basis of both patient and observer assessments. Patients with postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and scarring showed excellent improvement. Significant decrease in the number of comedones and papulopustules was observed in patients with mild to moderate acne. However, the patient with nodulocystic acne lesions did not respond well to therapy. Compared to the 90% response seen by Wang et al,21 75%–78% of patients with acne, excepting the patient with nodulocystic acne, showed a good-to-fair response with GA peels.24

Kessler et al compared 30% GA versus 30% salicylic acid (SA) peels in 20 patients with mild to moderate acne, using a split-face design. Peels were performed every 2 weeks for a total of six treatments. Both peels improved acne. However, the authors found that the SA peel had better sustained efficacy (ie, number of acne lesions, and improvement rating by blinded evaluator) and fewer side effects than GA, presumably due to the greater lipophilicity of SA. The authors agreed with the impression that SA peels are better tolerated than GA peels in acne patients.25

A study by Erbağci and Akçali concluded that a 70% GA peel performed every 2 weeks resulted in significant improvement in atrophic acne scarring, as compared to 15% GA cream used daily. In one group of 23 patients, GA peels were performed bi-weekly with increasing application time and acid concentration from 20%–70%. A second group of 20 patients was instructed to use 15% GA cream twice daily for a period of 24 weeks. It was seen that six patients, using 70% GA, showed significantly better results than daily use of 15% GA for 24 weeks (P < 0.05). Furthermore, apparently good responses were observed in the peel group only (P < 0.01).26

In the author’s experience, GA peels are excellent for use on Indian skin. Patients with Fitzpatrick’s skin types III–IV with post acne pigmentation are treated with 20% GA peel for the first three sessions. The concentration of GA is then increased to 35% in the subsequent five to six sessions. There is an interval of 15 days between sessions. Patients respond well, with clearance of lesions, in around eight to ten sessions, without any adverse effects (Figures 1 and 2).

Figure 1.

Figure 1

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Post-acne scars and pigmentation before glycolic acid peel.

Figure 2.

Figure 2

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Post-acne scars and pigmentation after eight sessions of glycolic acid peel.

Melasma

Lin and Tham studied the use of GA peels in ten Asian women. Concentrations of 20%–70% GA were administered every 3 weeks, either alone or in combination with a topical regimen of 2% hydroquinone plus 10% GA. There was significant improvement (P < 0.06) in melasma and fine facial wrinkling in patients who received the combination of creams and peeling.27

Kalla et al did a comparative study of 55%–75% GA versus 10%–15% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels in 100 patients with recalcitrant melasma. The peels were conducted at 15-day intervals in both groups. It was seen that the response to TCA was rapid, and produced better results than GA. However, relapse was more common in the TCA group (25%) than in the GA group (5.9%).28

In a study by Javaheri et al, peeling was performed upon 15 Indian females with melasma, using 50% GA, once-monthly for 3 months. An improvement in Melasma Area Severity Index (MASI) score was observed in 91% of patients (P < 0.01). A better response was seen in patients with epidermal melasma, compared to those with mixed melasma (P < 0.05).29

In a study by Sarkar et al, 20 Indian patients received serial GA peels (30% GA for the first three sittings; 40% GA for the next three sittings), combined with the modified Kligman’s formula (2% hydroquinone, 0.025% tretinoin, and 1% mometasone). A further 20 Indian patients received only the modified Kligman’s formula, with no peeling. In both groups, a significant decrease in the MASI score was observed from baseline to 21 weeks (P < 0.001). However, the GA peel group showed more rapid and greater improvement (P < 0.001).30

A comparative study by Hurley et al was done on 21 Hispanic women with bilateral, epidermal, and mixed melasma to assess the efficacy of 4% hydroquinone cream versus 4% hydroquinone cream combined with GA peels. Patients received GA peels (20%–30% GA) every 2 weeks to one side of the face only, in addition to twice-daily application of 4% hydroquinone cream to the other side of the face. Pigmentation was measured objectively using a Mexameter® (Courage + Khazaka electronic GmbH, Cologne, Germany) and the MASI, and measured subjectively using a linear analog scale and physician and patient global evaluation. Both sides of the face showed a reduction of pigmentation, and there was no significant difference.31

The concentration of GA used by Hurley et al was low (20%–30%), compared to the 30%–40% GA used by Sarkar et al.32 This could be a reason for the difference in the results they observed.

In a study by Khunger et al, patients with melasma were treated with a 70% GA peel on one half of the face, while the other half was treated with a 1% tretinoin peel. A significant decrease in the modified MASI score was observed on both facial sides from baseline to 6 weeks, and then from 6 to 12 weeks (P < 0.001).33 A study by Kligman found the two peels to be equally effective and well tolerated.34

In 15 cases of melasma (epidermal: 80%; dermal: 13.3%; and mixed: 6.6%), 52.5% GA concentration was applied for 3 minutes. There was good to fair response in patients with epidermal and mixed melasma, while no significant improvement was seen in dermal melasma.24

Serial GA peels (from 35%–50%, and 70% every second peel) plus combination topical therapy (azelaic acid and adapalene) in 28 women with melasma found better results in the group receiving chemical peel plus topical therapy (P = 0.048), but only when the GA concentration was 50% or higher.35

In another study, a triple combination cream consisting of fluocinolone acetonide 0.01%, hydroquinone 4%, and tretinoin 0.05% was used in an alternating sequential treatment pattern, cycling with a series of GA peels, for the treatment of moderate to severe melasma. Spectrometry measurement of the difference in melanin between involved and uninvolved skin confirmed that hyperpigmentation was significantly reduced at 6 and 12 weeks, compared with baseline (P < 0.001), with evaluations showing improvement of 90% or more by week 12.36

In another study, 10 patients with melasma were treated with a triple combination of tretinoin 0.05%, hydroquinone 4%, and mometasone furoate 0.1%. Serial GA peels were performed at three-weekly intervals, with application times from 2–6 minutes, depending on tolerance and erythema. Glycolic acid of 57% concentration, with 55% free acid, and pH 2.3 was used on the face in gradually increasing durations of application. Significant reduction in melasma was noted after four peels. One patient developed irritation and hyperpigmentation, while one developed persistent erythema. No other side effects were reported.37,38

In a comparative study of 10%–20% TCA versus 20%–35% GA peels for the treatment of melasma, similar improvement was seen with both peels. However, the GA peel was seen to be associated with fewer side effects than the TCA peel, and gave the added benefit of facial rejuvenation.39

In another similar study of 15% TCA peel versus 35% GA peel for the treatment of melasma, there was no statistically significant difference in efficacy. Both peels significantly reduced MASI scores, and both were found to be equally effective in the treatment of melasma. It was also seen that adverse effects were more common with TCA than with GA peels.40

Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation

In a pilot study by Burns et al, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation was treated with a series of GA peels in skin types IV–VI. No adverse effects were reported in dark skin, and the GA peel proved to be efficacious.41 This echoed the study by Grover and Reddu, in which skin types III–V showed overall improvement of skin texture in almost all patients.24

In the author’s experience with cases of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation in skin types III and IV, a series of 35% GA peels has produced good results. All patients are instructed to use sunscreen before and after the peel. Priming is done with a combination of mometasone and tretinoin 0.025% creams for 3 weeks before the peel. The patient is asked to stop the creams 1 week before the peel. Post-peel care, in the form of sun protection, and avoidance of facial scrubs, steam, and sauna is advised. Complete resolution of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation is commonly seen after six to eight peel treatments (Figures 3 and 4).

Figure 3.

Figure 3

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Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation before glycolic acid peel.

Figure 4.

Figure 4

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Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation after glycolic acid peel.

Photodamage

Photodamage, in the form of dyschromias, actinic keratoses, solar lentigines, and fine wrinkling has also shown improvement with a combination of GA and TCA peels.42,43 In a study of 50% GA peels by Newman et al, there was improvement in mild photoaging of skin. Other significant improvements were noted, including decreases in rough texture and fine wrinkling, fewer solar keratoses, and slight lightening of solar lentigines. Histologic analysis showed thinning of the stratum corneum, granular layer enhancement, and epidermal thickening. Some specimens showed an increase in collagen thickness in the dermis.44,45 Glycolic acid peels do not affect deep wrinkles or deep pigmentations.3

Combination treatments

GA peels have frequently been combined with other peels and treatments, to give better results. In a study by the author, microneedling was combined with 35% GA peel to treat acne scars in patients with skin type III–IV. Microneedling was performed six-weekly, and 35% GA peel was performed 3 weeks after each microneedling session. There was significant improvement in superficial and moderately deep atrophic box scars and rolling scars. In addition, there was improvement in skin texture and reduction in post-acne pigmentation.46

GA and TCA peels are performed sequentially in cases of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, post-acne pigmentation, and melasma. This combination has been found to produce a deeper and more uniform peel than TCA used alone.47

Combining Jessner’s Solution and GA for the treatment of photoaged skin, actinic keratoses, and rhytides resulted in a uniform GA peel, but the risk of overpeel and scarring are high, especially in dark-skinned individuals.48–50 GA has been combined with 5-fluorouracil to treat actinic keratosis. Pretreatment of the skin with 5-fluorouracil 5% increases the efficacy of the treatment and shortens the healing time.51

GA peeling has also been used in combination with microdermabrasion, for the treatment of acne vulgaris and superficial acne scars, in order to increase treatment efficacy and achieve treatment goals within a shorter time. Alpha-hydroxy acid peels decrease corneocyte cohesion, making the abrasion more efficient.3 However, combining GA peels with microdermabrasion at the same session could lead to postinflammatory hyperpigmentation in skin types III–VI. Therefore, care should be taken with darker skin types.52 Briden et al reported good patient satisfaction when using superficial GA peels with microdermabrasion for photoaging.53

In a study on photodamaged skin, an intense light that combined a narrow-band (405–420 nm) blue light (antiinflammatory) emission with a near-infrared (850–890 nm) emission was applied to the skin. Concomitant glycolic peels were performed, and daily Vitamin C cream was given. Results showed significant improvements in pore size, rhytids, and radiance.54 GA peeling is also combined with Vitamin C in cases of melasma and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. In a patient with melasma, 70% GA peeling was performed on one side of the face, along with iontophoresis with nanosome vitamin C; 70% GA peeling alone was performed on the other side of the face. It was seen that both sides improved, but that the side treated with iontophoresis and nanosome Vitamin C showed better results.55 Superficial GA peels can also be used with botulinum toxin and fillers in order to obtain overall improvement in wrinkles, skin tone, texture, radiance, and clarity. In one study, the interval between peels and fillers was 1 week. The peel was administered after injecting botulinum toxin during the same visit, or the procedures were separated by one or more days to minimize the potential for side effects.8,56,57

Side effects

The GA peel is time-tested. Proper selection of patients, timing of peel, and neutralization on-time should ensure good results and no side effects. Superficial peels using alpha-hydroxy acids increase the epidermal activity of enzymes, leading to epidermolysis and exfoliation.10

The minor side effects reported are: erythema, stinging sensation, sensation of pulling of facial skin, mild burning, and transient postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Unbuffered GA can cause erosive blisters and scarring.40,58 In rare cases, hypopigmentation, persistent erythema, and flare-up of pimples have been reported.24,36,59

Epidermolysis may occur if the patient has used topical retinoids, anti-acne creams, or skin lighteners in days prior to the peel. Other causes are excessive facial scrubbing before the peel, and pre-existing dry skin. It is important to stop priming agents around 1 week before the peel. Sun exposure after the peel may cause postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.60 There has been one report of contact urticaria with a GA peel.61

Discussion

Glycolic acid is the alpha-hydroxy acid used most commonly by dermatologists for chemical peeling. It is used in concentrations from 20%–70% in all skin types. It should be used in lower concentrations initially, and then the strength of the peel should be gradually increased in subsequent sessions. There should be a minimum interval of 2 weeks between two treatment sessions. Peel neutralization is extremely important and it depends on erythema seen. However, in dark skin, it may be difficult to appreciate erythema. In such cases, it is better to time the peel between 3–5 minutes and judge the desired end-point depending on the time.2 The longer the duration, the deeper the depth of the peel. Pre-peel priming and post-peel care are equally important. Depending on the condition, tretinoin, kojic acid, and hydroquinone can be used for pre-peel priming. In order to avoid postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and scarring in dark-skinned patients, it is important to avoid facial scrubs, depilatory creams, waxing, bleaching, microdermabrasion, and laser hair removal for at least 1 week before the procedure. After the peel, the patient should be advised to avoid sun exposure, facial scrubs, loofahs, picking at the peeling skin, taking steam inhalation, and using creams that cause exfoliation. The patient must be instructed to use a broad spectrum sunscreen during the day, and a moisturizer at night. The GA peel is safe for a correctly selected patient when the correct technique is used. It does not produce any systemic toxicity. It can be combined with other treatment modalities for better cosmetic outcomes.

Conclusion

The GA peel has proven to be efficacious through the years. Combining the GA peel with other treatment modalities may become more common in future. However, the GA peel is here to stay, as it is a simple, evidence-based, result-oriented, and cost-effective procedure.

Table 1.

Classification of glycolic acid peels

Type Concentration Duration of application
Very superficial 30%–50% 1–2 minutes
Superficial 50%–70% 2–5 minutes
Medium-depth 70% 3–15 minutes
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Note: Data from Fabbrocini et al.8

Footnotes

Disclosure

The author reports no conflicts of interest in this work.

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