Glycolic acid peels versus amino fruit acid peels in the treatment of melasma.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Chemical peels are becoming more popular as a treatment modality for melasma.

OBJECTIVE:

To compare the therapeutic effects of glycolic acid (GA) peels and amino fruit acid (AFA) peels in patients with melasma.

METHODS:

In this single-blind, randomized right-left comparison study, patients received 12 serial peels on the two halves of the face at 2-week intervals for 6 months. Clinical evaluation based on the modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) scores was performed at baseline and at 3 and 6 months.

RESULTS:

The modified MASI scores at 3 and 6 months in both application areas decreased significantly from baseline (p<.05). When the two applications were compared with each other, there was no statistically significant difference between GA and AFA in terms of regression of melasma (p>.05). During the application, it was observed that AFA peels caused fewer problems than GA peels did.

CONCLUSIONS:

Based on the results of this study, GA and AFA peels for melasma therapy were efficacious, but the AFA peel was found to be less irritating and was better tolerated.

• Authors: Turna Ilknur, Mehtap Unlü Biçak, Melda Demirtaşoğlu, Sebnem Ozkan
• Journal: Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] (Dermatol Surg) Vol. 36 Issue 4 Pg. 490-5 (Apr 2010) ISSN: 1524-4725 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 20187899 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Amino Acids
• Glycolates
• Keratolytic Agents
• glycolic acid

Topics

• Administration, Cutaneous
• Adult
• Amino Acids (administration & dosage)
• Chemexfoliation (methods)
• Follow-Up Studies
• Fruit
• Glycolates (administration & dosage)
• Humans
• Keratolytic Agents (administration & dosage)
• Melanosis (therapy)
• Middle Aged
• Single-Blind Method
• Treatment Outcome
• Young Adult