When properly applied, trichloroacetic acid peels are efficient and safe for both light and dark skin, according to a recent study. Researchers conducted a case series of universal trichloroacetic acid peels in an academic setting, from January 1, 1996, to November 1, 2015. A total of 923 trichloroacetic acid peels in 803 female patients (87.0%) and 120 male patients (13.0%) were reviewed (mean age, 41.59 years); the follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 13 years (mean, 13 months). They found:

• This case series revealed a low incidence of complications, including 54 patients (5.9%) with persistent hyperpigmentation, 3 patients (0.3%) with mild telangiectasia, 2 patients (0.2%) with acute herpes virus infection, 2 patients (0.2%) with bacterial Staphylococcus infection, and 1 patient (0.1%) with hypopigmentation.
• The series demonstrated that the use of novel genetico-racial skin classification and a standardized “strip” technique of acid application allows for decreased peel risks and enhanced results.