Common Peeling Agents

Glycolic Acid Peels
Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), which belongs to a class of naturally occurring compounds from food sources such as sugar cane. Glycolic acid peels range in concentration from 20-70%. This type of peel is generally performed every 3-4 weeks. Glycolic acid peels are indicated in the treatment of melasma (hyperpigmentation), mild photo-aging, postinflammatroy hyperpigmentation (PIH) and acne. Glycolic acid is well tolerated by all skin types.

Salicylic Acid Peels
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid found naturally in willow bark. Salicylic acid peels range in concentration from 20-30%. This type of peel is generally performed every 3-4 weeks and are indicated in the treatment of acne, melasma, PIH, rough/oily skin with enlarged pores, and mild to moderate photodamged skin. Because salicylic acid is oil soluble patients with oily skin in need of deep pore cleansing are excellent candidates.

Jessner’s Peels
Jessner’s peel is a solution that combines resorcinol, salicylic acid and lactic acid. Indicated in the treatment of acne and melasma (hyperpigmentation) the solution uses a lower concentration of any one agent to enhance overall effects. There are many similar versions of this type of solution, many of which contain hydroquinone. The addition of hydroquinone can increase the efficacy of treatment of melasma (dark spots/hyperpigmentation)