Photoaging is a process in which ultraviolet radiation damages the normal skin architecture. Topical chemical peeling is used to treat this condition. The authors aimed to understand the mechanism and level of evidence of the different depths of chemical peeling used to treat photoaging. Various topical chemical peelings have been used in cosmetic medicine for many years to treat photodamaged skin. This review compares the efficacy and the level of evidence. This systematic review evaluates the efficacy of different chemical peeling methods. Keywords included “Photoaging,” “Alpha-hydroxy acid,” “Lipo-hydroxy acid,” “Trichloroacetic acid,” “Jessner’s solution,” and “Phenol” were typed on Ovid, PubMed, MEDLINE for relevant studies published on photoaging treatment. There is a wealth of Level I evidence supporting the use of topical retinoic acid, vitamin B, and vitamin C. The evidence behind the use of topical vitamin E exists but is mainly drawn from studies from the Level IV of the evidence hierarchy. Topical vitamins can effectively treat photodamaged skin.

Keywords: hydroxy acids, lactic acid, phenol, salicylic acid, skin aging, trichloroacetic acid

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