ABSTRACT

The results following daily topical application of low concentrations of glycolic acid in a simple aqueous solution start to show after 2-3 months of continuous treatment, if the concentration is higher than 8%. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) produce almost no results after a single application;1 the application has to be repeated several times to produce clinical results. Whatever the number of AHA peels, the results for wrinkles, dyschromia, or photoaging will never compare with the results of a medium or deep peel (cf. the indications for phenol), except in rare cases where the dermatological problem being treated is very superficial in origin. The results are not permanent, and biological analysis shows a return to the original condition 1-2 years after AHA peels. We must accept these limitations of superficial peels.