Glycolic and TCA peel blend more efficacious than TCA alone

Layering glycolic acid under TCA “significantly” enhances improvement in photoageing parameters compared to TCA alone, says new research.

A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology set out to test whether signs of extrinsic ageing – such as wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, dryness and erythema – could be improved with better efficacy and tolerability using combined 70% glycolic acid and 15% TCA compared to a 35% TCA peel. 

40 female patients with signs of ageing at types II and III on the Glogau photoageing scale were divided into two groups of 20. One group was treated with the glycolic and trichloroaceticacid combination, while the other was treated with monopeeling of TCA. 

Each patient had five peeling sessions with 14 days between each session. Hydration, elasticity, melanin index, erythema index, and depth and volume of wrinkles were analysed before each treatment and three months after the final application. 

While both peeling methods showed good improvement in all parameters, the glycolic/TCA group achieved significant differences in hydration and melanin index compared with the monopeeling group. 

The addition of glycolic did not cause dryness, edema or intensive lysis of the epidermis, but the frequency of peel-induced erythema increased with higher concentration of TCA. 

However, the 35% TCA peel was found to be more effective in reducing wrinkles despite a lower tolerability. 

Subject-perceived improvements did not differ significantly between the groups.