Comparison of the effect of various chemical peeling agents in a mini-pig model.

BACKGROUND

With the advent of newer chemical peels, there is now a wide range of peeling agents that can be applied on specific patients.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to closely examine the more common chemical peeling agents at different concentrations.

METHODS

The study methods were carried out by thoroughly cleansing the skin surface with acetone. Different concentrations of the chemical peels were applied on different skin areas (2 x 2 cm each) and left on the skin for 15 minutes: phenol-Bakers, 25%, 50%, 75%, 88%; trichloroacetic acid, 25%, 50%, 75%; glycolic acid, 50%, 70%; and pyruvic acid, 50%, 100%. Serial biopsies were taken from each peeling site at 1, 7, and 21 days post-peel. Biopsies were then evaluated for epidermal changes, inflammation, and collagen deposition.

RESULTS

The results show that Bakers phenol peel caused the most inflammation and nonspecific reaction, and in addition, a proportionate amount of new collagen deposition. Plus, increasing concentrations of phenol and TCA caused increasing amount of epidermal sloughing and inflammation after 1 day post-peel. The extent of reaction from the phenol and TCA was directly proportional to the collagen deposition at 21 days.

CONCLUSIONS

The glycolic acid and pyruvic acid caused minimal nonspecific reaction. However, the collagen deposition caused by the glycolic acid and pyruvic acid was disproportionately increased suggesting a direct stimulatory effect by the two agents.