ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Among the various methods for chemical peeling, it is possible to select a wide range of peeling agents for particular patients. OBJECTIVES: The objective of present study was to investigate the effects of various chemical peeling agents on the epidermal permeability barrier of hairless mice skin and to clarify the histologic alteration in epidermal structure, thus to apply in the clinical practices. METHODS: We have applied 35% and 70% glycolic acid (GA) aqueous solutions, 30% of salicylic acid (SA) solution of PEG400, Jessner's solution and 15%, 30% and 50% of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) aqueous solution to the flank of hairless mice. TEWL (trans-epidermal water loss) values were measured before and immediately after the application and 3, 6, 12 and 24 hours following treatment. Biopsy specimens were evaluated with light and electron microscopy for epidermal structural changes. RESULTS: There were no significant changes in TEWL for the GA and SA solution treated skin, regardless of their concentration. For the TCA and Jessner's solution, TEWL increased immediately after treatment and recovered the basal levels about 90% after 24 hours for Jessner's solution and low concentrated TCA solution, but did not recovered for high concentrated TCA solution. On light and electron microscopic examination, exfoliating effect was seen in every case and as for SA and Jessner's solution treated skin, keratolysis at hair follicles was also seen. Slight epidermal necrosis was seen in every case, except in GA treated skin. CONCLUSION: The present results suggest that using topical agents such as glycolic acid can induce the change in the architecture of the epidermis without disrupting the skin barrier.