Abstract: A method for effecting a superficial chemical skin peel is provided wherein a concentrated solution of salicylic acid in a dermatologically acceptable solvent is applied to be treated. The concentrated salicylic acid solution contains at least 15 wt % salicylic acid and preferably at least about 20 wt % salicylic acid, The composition and method are useful in the treatment of skin disorders such as photodamaged skin, hyperpigmentation, acne vulgaris, and the like.

Abstract: Various skin disorders, excluding acne are treated by topical application to the skin of a retinoid-composition including a retinoid in a dermatologically acceptable vehicle at such a concentration and applied in such a way as to induce desquamation of the skin to ameliorate the disorder. Preferably, the compositions contain greater than 0.1 weight percent tretinoin, and more preferably at least 0.2 weight percent tretinoin. The vehicle is preferably a solvent for the retinoid such as an alcohol/glycol or hydroalcoholic vehicle, but it is also possible to apply the retinoid in a non-solvent vehicle such as emulsifying or suspending the retinoid in a cream, dressing, gel, ointment or liquid polymer, with or without penetration enhancers.

Abstract: Various skin disorders, excluding acne are treated by topical application to the skin of a tretinoin-containing composition including tretinoin in a dermatologically acceptable vehicle at such a concentration and applied in such a way as to induce desquamation of the skin to ameliorate the disorder. Preferably the compositions contain greater than 0.1 weight percent tretinoin, and more preferably at least 0.2 weight percent. The vehicle is preferably a solvent for the tretinoin, such as an alcohol/glycol or hydroalcoholic vehicle, but it is also possible to apply the tretinoin in a non-solvent vehicle such as emulsifying or suspending the tretinoin in a cream, dressing, gel, ointment or liquid polymer. The treatment achieves rapid amelioration of skin disorders such as photodamaged skin, hyperpigmentation, rosacea, premalignant cancers, wrinkles, superficial scarring, epidermal atrophy and atypia, and keratosis pilaris by daily or every other day application for about one to two months.