7 replies to this topic

[willow569]

Comparison of a- and b-Hydroxy Acid Chemical Peels in the
Treatment of Mild to Moderately Severe Facial Acne Vulgaris

EDWARD KESSLER, BA, KATHERINE FLANAGAN, MD, CHRISTINA CHIA, MD, CYNTHIA ROGERS, MD, AND DEE ANNA GLASER, MD

BACKGROUND Chemical peels are used as adjuvants for treatment of facial acne. No well-controlled studies have compared alpha and beta -hydroxy acid peels in the treatment of mild to moderately severe facial acne.

OBJECTIVE To compare the efficacy of a- and b-hydroxy acid chemical peels in the treatment of mild to moderately severe facial acne vulgaris.

MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty patients were recruited in this split-face, double-blind, randomized, controlled study. An a-hydroxy acid (30% glycolic acid) was applied to one-half of the face and a b-hydroxy acid peel (30% salicylic acid) was applied contralaterally every 2 weeks for a total of six treatments. A blinded evaluator performed quantitative assessment of papules and pustules.

RESULTS Both chemical peels were significantly effective by the second treatment (po.05) and there were no significant differences in effectiveness between the two peels. At 2 months posttreatment, the salicylic acid peel had sustained effectiveness. More adverse events were reported with the glycolic acid peel after the initial treatment.

CONCLUSION The glycolic acid and salicylic acid peels were similarly effective. The salicylic acid peel had sustained effectiveness and fewer side effects. a- and b-Hydroxy acid peels both offer successful adjunctive treatment of facial acne vulgaris.

[Mandy Ann]

Sorry to bump an old thread, but I found this to be very interesting! I've been sitting here all day debating on whether or not to get a glycolic acid peel or salicylic acid peel.... looks like I'm going for the salicylic acid!

[Wynne]

Oh interesting! I hadn't seen this earlier. Mandy, please wait at least six months or more after the last accutane pill before an acid peel of any type. Don't risk it, please.

[willow569]

Sorry to bump an old thread, but I found this to be very interesting! I've been sitting here all day debating on whether or not to get a glycolic acid peel or salicylic acid peel.... looks like I'm going for the salicylic acid!

I 2nd Wynne's advice about waiting 6 months post accutane. But, when you do get a peel, they can also do blends of AHAs and BHAs - that's what my esthetician does. You don't just have to do one or the other.

[Mandy Ann]

Oh don't worry, I'll wait haha... I have I think 3 more months until I can do peels. I'm just doing research on what peels to get for the future

[Helio]

I had a hard time looking for this thread. This should be stickied in the Red Marks forum.

[willow569]

I had a hard time looking for this thread. This should be stickied in the Red Marks forum.

I can put a link there too. Its an actual controlled research study, so I was excited to put it in the research forum (a forum I am trying to make more research-oriented and less "my own personal hypothesis about how to treat acne" forum - which seems to be the kind of info many people put in this section...)

[jokerj]

hey! i know this is old but it is great info!