The efficacy and tolerability of 40% pyruvic acid peel on acne vulgaris, post acne scar and hyperpigmentation in Indians

Abstract

Introduction: Pyruvic acid in concentration between 40% and 70% is currently been used as a superficial to medium peeling agent for various dermatological indications including acne. However, there is a paucity of its efficacy studies on acne in Asians, particularly in Indian skin.Aim: Our study was aimed at determining the efficacy and tolerability of 40% pyruvic acid on acne, post-acne hyperpigmentation, and scarring. Materials and Methods:A total of 30 patients with active acne, post-acne scarring, and hyperpigmentation were included. Patients already on oral antibiotic or topical antiacne medication for the last 4 weeks, a history of hypertrophic scarring, keloids, active or recurrent herpes were excluded. Chemical peeling was done at 2 weekly interval from 0 to 12 weeks. An objective assessment of active acne lesions, postacne scarring, and hyperpigmentation was made at each visit that is at 0, 4,8,12, and 24 weeks. Patients were followed up 2 weeks after the last peel and again at 24 weeks. Permission from the ethical committee was also obtained. Results:There was significant decrease in the number of comedones at 12 weeks compared with 0 week (p = 0.001). Similarly, the number of papules decreased from o weeks to 12 weeks (p value 0.004). Acne score improved from 0 weeks to 12 weeks (p < 0.0001); from 0 weeks to 24 weeks (p = 0.011). and hyperpigmentation improved from 0 weeks to 12 weeks (p = 0.008); from 0 weeks to 24 weeks (p = 0.021). Conclusion:Our study showed a significant decrease in comedones, papules, acne score, and hyperpigmentation, though acne scar did not improve significantly.However, a study with larger sample is needed due to the limited number of patient population in our study.

Combining superpulse dynamic CO2 laser and supramolecular salicylic acid in the treatment of dense comedones with higher clearance in a shorter time: A prospective, randomized, split‐face clinical trial

“…The mean reduction rate of this study compared with other reported clinical trials. It is obvious that the treatment of this study is more efficient while costing less time 24–39 …”

“…Compared with 30% SSA, no matter other chemical exfoliators or traditional molecular formation of salicylic acid, the comedone reduction rate was still lower. The reduction rate of 40% pyruvic acid was 38.64% in 24 weeks, that of 25% trichloroacetic acid was 53.91% in 12 weeks, and two lectures reported about the traditional molecular formation of salicylic acid treating AV, whose comedone reduction rate were 56% and 53.71% 24–39 …”

“…In contrast to previous studies, we found that the synergy of CO 2 laser and SSA in the treatment of comedones can achieve a higher and faster lesion reduction, dealing with the efficacy‐time conflict, that achieves better effects in reducing comedones by 85.9% in 12 weeks, outperforming the reported clinical trials on comedones or AV (Figure 7). 24–39 …”

“…The reduction rate of 40% pyruvic acid was 38.64% in 24 weeks, that of 25% trichloroacetic acid was 53.91% in 12 weeks, and two lectures reported about the traditional molecular formation of salicylic acid treating AV, whose comedone reduction rate were 56% and 53.71%. [24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39]…”

Microneedling in Combination With 15% Trichloroacetic Acid Peel Versus 25% Pyruvic Acid Peel in the Treatment of Acne Scars

“…And it also improved skin texture. Keisham and colleagues 10 in their study assessed the efficacy and tolerability of 40% pyruvic acid on acne, postacne hyperpigmentation, and scarring. Thirty patients with active acne, postacne scarring, and hyperpigmentation were included.…”