??-Hydroxy Acid???Based Cosmetic Procedures

The document from 2000 reviews the effectiveness of α-hydroxy acids (AHAs), particularly glycolic acid, in cosmetic procedures for treating skin conditions like photodamage, actinic damage, melasma, hyperpigmentation, acne, and rosacea. AHAs are shown to be safe and can improve skin texture, wrinkling, and sun damage, with glycolic acid peels starting at 20% concentration and potentially increasing based on patient response. A pilot study on 15 women with rosacea indicated significant improvement with gluconolactone, a polyhydroxy acid. The review also notes that antiandrogens and oral contraceptives can be beneficial for acne treatment, and glycolic acid products are safe for pregnant women. Patient history, realistic expectations, adherence to pre- and post-peel regimens, and sun protection are crucial for successful outcomes. The document suggests that repetitive AHA peels can have profound effects and can be safely used on all skin types.