Glycolic Acid Peels PDF

Preface

Over the past several years we have witnessed an overwhelming plethora of glycolic acid products marketed for facial rejuvenation. Glycolic acids are currently being used by dermatologists as superficial chemical peel agents for the treatment of photodamaged and aged skin, dyschromias, rosacea, and acne. More recently they have proved to be safe and effective for ethnic skin types. These products are widely prescribed to patients in various formulations as part of their daily recommended skin care regimen and without a doubt have been a valuable addition to the dermatologist's armamentarium. Through aggressive marketing the annual sales of cosmetics containing glycolic acid are estimated to be in the range of billions of dollars.

Until recently, little research was available to substantiate many of the claimed benefits of the short- and long-term use of glycolic acid products. An increasing number of scientific studies have recently been published validating their therapeutic efficacy. These studies not only have demonstrated the clinical and histological improvement of the signs of photoaging achieved by the application of glycolic acid but have elucidated its role as a stimulant of fibroblast collagen production. Furthermore, glycolic acid has been shown to have both a photoprotective effect as well as anti-inflammatory capabilities. New applications in the use of glycolic acid have recently been formulated.

This book presents the most recent data available regarding the clinical and histological effects of glycolic acid. We believe that readers will benefit from this collection of studies and that the book will enhance their understanding of glycolic acid and its role in clinical practice.