Background: Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxyacid that is useful as a chemical peeling agent.
Objective: To discuss the techniques using glycolic acid to remove actinic keratoses, fine wrinkles, lentigines, melasma, and seborrheic keratoses.
Method: Applied in a carefully timed manner, the depth of penetration can be titrated by the timed duration of application of acid on the skin. Chemical peels are left on the skin for 3 to 7 minutes for most patients. For ideal results, the chemical peel can be repeated 3 to 4 times.
Result: Glycolic acid can easily be used to peel skin of all skin types with minimal risk.
Conclusion: We have found glycolic acid can be an ideal adjunct to other cosmetic modalities such as soft tissue augmentation.