ABSTRACT
Superficial chemical peeling (SCP) is the process of applying a chemical agent to the skin with the intention of destroying the outermost damaged skin layers and ultimately accelerating the restoration process for regeneration of epidermal and dermal tissues. SCP is a safe and effective procedure to improve the appearance and the quality of the epidermis. For a chemical peel to be classified as superficial, it must exfoliate the epidermal layers without penetrating beyond the basal layer. Superficial chemical peels are widely utilized worldwide in both men and women of all Fitzpatrick skin types and are relatively safe in light and dark phototypes. Superficial glycolic acid peels provide an overall improvement in the appearance of the skin with minimal post-peel recovery. The choice of superficial peeling agent depends on the type of scar, skin type, and skin thickness. In general, most chemicals utilized for superficial peelings are available as solutions. Superficial peelings may temporarily worsen papulopustular acne.
