Efficacy of a combined chemical peel and topical salicylic acid‐based gel combination in the treatment of active acne

Abstract

Background Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition affecting the pilosebaceous unit of the skin characterized by the presence of comedones, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts, which might result in permanent scars. It commonly affects adolescents, but it can occur in any age‐group with the second group of incidence in young women in their 30s. Acne vulgaris can highly affect a person's quality of life. Therefore, it is necessary to act against it to prevent emotional impact and long‐term complications. Aim This study aimed to demonstrate the efficacy of a chemical peel in combination with a home care‐exfoliating and purifying product in improving mild and moderate acne. Methods The study included 45 patients with mild‐to‐moderate acne. Patients were treated with a chemical peel containing a mix of salicylic acid, pyruvic acid, and retinoic acid once every 3 weeks for 4 times, plus a home care treatment after the healing process. Michaelson's acne severity score, Subject Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale, and Face Skin Q questionnaire were used to evaluate patients’ skin improvement and patients’ satisfaction. Results All patients have shown improvement in skin lesions after 4 sessions of chemical peel according to Michaelson's acne severity score and Subject Global Aesthetic Improvement Score. Face Skin Q questionnaire demonstrated an improved quality of life in all treated patients. Conclusion The combination of salicylic acid‐based chemical peel plus exfoliating home care treatment appears to be a very good strategy against acne. Therefore, the physician may use this combination as an effective treatment for patients dealing with acne vulgaris.

2% supramolecular salicylic acid hydrogel vs. adapaline gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris treatment: A multicenter, randomized, evaluator‐blind, parallel‐controlled trial

“…15 Lucia Calvisi found that the combination of SA-based chemical peel plus exfoliating home care treatment was helpful to improve the skin lesions and quality of life in 45 patients with mild-to-moderate acne. 16 Surabhi Dayal Compared therapeutic efficacy and safety of 45% MA peel with 30% SA peel in Indian patients suffering from mild-to-moderate facial acne vulgaris, and found that SA was better in treating noninflammatory lesions, while MA had an upper hand in treating inflammatory lesions. 17 Surabhi Dayal compared the clinical efficacy and safety of 25% TCA and 30% SA peels in the treatment of mild and moderate acne vulgaris, and found that the efficacy of 25% TCA is comparable to that of 30% SA, but safety and tolerability were better with the SA peel than TCA peel.…”

Efficacy of alpha hydroxy acid combined with intense pulsed light in the treatment of acne vulgaris: A meta‐analysis

“…The combination of the two significantly improves clinical outcomes and has no serious adverse effects. This combination not only reduces the scattering problems associated with the use of IPL, evenly heats the epidermis, and reduces burns, but also compensates for the regrettable loss of skin moisture caused by the use of AHA 37 . In addition, IPL is selectively absorbed by different chromophores in the skin, thus reducing the occurrence of melanosis and promoting dermal collagen synthesis.…”

“…This combination not only reduces the scattering problems associated with the use of IPL, evenly heats the epidermis, and reduces burns, but also compensates for the regrettable loss of skin moisture caused by the use of AHA. 37 In addition, IPL is selectively absorbed by different chromophores in the skin, thus reducing the occurrence of melanosis and promoting dermal collagen synthesis. The study found that among women of the four major ethnic groups, African Americans and Hispanics of darker skin races (37% and 32%) had a higher prevalence of acne and sequelae such as inflammatory hyperpigmentation than Asians, Caucasians, and Continental Indians 38 (30%, 24%, and 23%, respectively), making skin color an important factor in the treatment of acne vulgaris.…”

Acne vulgaris: A review of the pathophysiology, treatment, and recent nanotechnology based advances

“…It reduces acne by exfoliating the skin and keeping pores clear when applied topically. However, salicylic acid is safe to use but sometimes causes skin irritation, itching and dryness [ 53 ]. It is mainly used to treat mild acne.…”