The use of modified phenol for chemical face peeling

This article reviews the results of 59 consecutive, modified phenol facial peels on 627 anatomic areas for the purpose of reducing fine to coarse rhytides, hyperpigmentation, and actinic keratoses. This work discusses the Venner-Kellson concentrated Lysol saponated formula containing 62.5% phenol; the Maschek-Truppman 53% phenol, nonsaponated glycerin formula; and the previously unpublished Gradé formulae I, II, and III with 49.5%, 60%, and 70% phenol, respectively. The new Stone formulae I, II, and III are introduced here. These new formulae are mixed from available reagents, thus obviating the need to melt potentially toxic phenol crystals, and are designed to achieve a range of clinical peel results on a wide variety of skin types. The ingredients, methods of preparation and application, as well as three postpeel occlusion techniques are presented. Clinical data including pH measurements, croton oil ratios, phenol concentrations, and preliminary biopsy data also are presented.