Frontier in Medical & Health Research
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF TRICHLOROACETIC ACID (TCA) PEEL VERSUS GLYCOLIC ACID PEEL FOR THE TREATMENT OF HYPERPIGMENTATION
pdf

Keywords

Hyperpigmentation, glycolic acid peel, Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) peel

How to Cite

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF TRICHLOROACETIC ACID (TCA) PEEL VERSUS GLYCOLIC ACID PEEL FOR THE TREATMENT OF HYPERPIGMENTATION. (2026). Frontier in Medical and Health Research, 4(6), 773-794. https://fmhr.net/index.php/fmhr/article/view/3137

Abstract

Background:

Hyperpigmentation is defined as darkened areas of the skin created by excess pigment, where the opposite would apply, too little pigment leads to a lighter-colored skin.

Objectives:

The objective of the study was to compare Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) peel versus glycolic acid Peel for the treatment of hyperpigmentation.

Methodology:

Data was be collected from dermatology/aesthetic clinic patients after informed consent using a pre-tested structured questionnaire covering demographics, clinical history, treatment details, and outcomes. Baseline assessment included MASI scoring and standardized facial photography, followed by 1–4 month follow-up evaluations. Outcomes include change in MASI score, clinical improvement, patient satisfaction, and adverse effects of glycolic acid vs TCA peels.

Results:

TCA peel and glycolic acid peels were all highly effective with significant hyperpigmentation reduction. Mean overall MASI score decreased from 14.07 to 7.68 (p<0.001). TCA peel was significantly better with lower post-treatment MASI score of 6.37 versus 9.00 with glycolic acid peel (p<0.01). Both peels were effective and patients were 95% very satisfied.

Conclusion:

Both trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and glycolic acid peels were effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, with a significant improvement in MASI scores. TCA peel demonstrated superior efficacy compared to glycolic acid but was associated with more moderate to severe side effects

pdf