--- title: "Glycolic acid peel therapy - a current review" description: "Glycolic acid peels are a safe and effective treatment option for various skin conditions when applied correctly." url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d24399880.md" canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d24399880.html" html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d24399880.html" type: "study" study_key: "d24399880" journal: "Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol" year: 2013 pmid: "24399880" doi: "10.2147/CCID.S34029" citations: 1 updated: 2026-09-02 author: "Gabriel Radu, DO" author_credentials: "Physiatrist (PM&R). NY medical license 275110. NPI 1376861765." publisher: "Magellan Longevity" content_format: "markdown" --- # Glycolic acid peel therapy - a current review [Home](https://magellanlongevity.com/) › [Research map](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html) › Glycolic acid peel therapy - a current review **HTML version:** https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d24399880.html · **In the Magellan app:** https://magellanlongevity.com/#/study/d24399880 ## Citation | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Journal | Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol | | Year | 2013 | | PMID | [24399880](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24399880/) | | DOI | [10.2147/CCID.S34029](https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S34029) | | Study key | d24399880 | ## Takeaway Glycolic acid peels are a safe and effective treatment option for various skin conditions when applied correctly. ## The question What are the current applications, efficacy, and safety considerations of glycolic acid peel therapy? ## Hypothesis Not applicable; this is a review article, not an original research study with a stated hypothesis. ## Methods This is a review article that discusses various studies on glycolic acid peels for indications such as acne, acne scars, melasma, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, photoaging, and seborrhea. It also covers combination therapies, treatment procedures, and factors influencing peel depth and safety. ## Results Glycolic acid peels are described as simple, inexpensive, and having no downtime. They have been found to be very safe for Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV. The depth of the peel can range from very superficial to medium, depending on the concentration of acid, number of coats, and application time. Important considerations include careful review of medical history, skin examination, pre-peel priming, proper patient selection, peel timing, and on-time neutralization to ensure good results and avoid side effects. ## Conclusion Glycolic acid peel therapy is a time-tested, popular, and safe procedure for various dermatological indications, particularly for Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV, when proper protocols are followed. ## Limitations As a review, this article synthesizes existing literature without presenting new experimental data or specific study limitations. It does not quantify efficacy or safety outcomes from the reviewed studies. ## Verbatim from the abstract > glycolic acid peel is used for acne, melasma, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, and photoaging ## Where this study is used on Magellan This paper is one of the citations behind the evidence grade on the pages below. Grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of affiliate commissions. | Compound or device | Evidence grade | Graded pages | | --- | --- | --- | | Glycolic Acid AHA Serum | Moderate evidence | [Glycolic Acid AHA Serum](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/183.md) | ## Reference 1. **Glycolic acid peel therapy - a current review** Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2013 · [PMID 24399880](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24399880/) · [DOI 10.2147/CCID.S34029](https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S34029) > glycolic acid peel is used for acne, melasma, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, and photoaging ## Structured data ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"MedicalWebPage","@id":"https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d24399880.html#page","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d24399880.html","name":"Glycolic acid peel therapy - a current review","description":"Glycolic acid peels are a safe and effective treatment option for various skin conditions when applied correctly.","inLanguage":"en","isPartOf":{"@type":"WebSite","name":"Magellan Longevity","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Gabriel Radu, DO","jobTitle":"Physiatrist (PM&R)","identifier":[{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"NPI","value":"1376861765"},{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"NY medical license","value":"275110"}]},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Magellan Longevity","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/"},"encoding":{"@type":"MediaObject","encodingFormat":"text/markdown","contentUrl":"https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d24399880.md"},"dateModified":"2026-09-02"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://magellanlongevity.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Research map","item":"https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Glycolic acid peel therapy - a current review","item":"https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d24399880.html"}]},{"@type":"ScholarlyArticle","@id":"https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d24399880.html#study","name":"Glycolic acid peel therapy - a current review","headline":"Glycolic acid peel therapy - a current review","datePublished":"2013","isPartOf":{"@type":"Periodical","name":"Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol"},"identifier":"PMID:24399880","url":"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24399880/","sameAs":"https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S34029","abstract":"Glycolic acid peels are a safe and effective treatment option for various skin conditions when applied correctly."}]} ``` ## Related on Magellan Longevity - [Glycolic Acid AHA Serum](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/183.md) — product graded on this and related evidence - [Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids in Dermatological Practice: A…](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s183.md) - [Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivity](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d21437068.md) - [Longevity research map](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html) - [Evidence-based longevity supplements](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-supplements.md) ## Scope and disclosures Educational information, not medical advice. Nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your physician before starting any supplement or device, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication. Editorial firewall: evidence grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of any affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, Magellan Longevity earns from qualifying purchases. Reviewed for accuracy by a board-certified physician (DO).