Acne / Scar / Texture · Active comedonal acne
Chemical peel evidence for Active comedonal acne
There is a relatively good level of clinical evidence, and a majority of papers support its effectiveness.
Grade combines the quantity and quality of the research, while direction is a separate signal showing how the papers assess effectiveness.
Includes meta-analysis/SR Median year 2017 Last 5 years 24% Positive results 65% Negative results 2 Korea/Asia 3
Known in Korea as
Procedure and brand names vary, but the evidence above applies to the same procedure mechanism.
Key papers
tier1 Effect of 5-aminolaevulinic acid photodynamic therapy followed by sequential 30% supramolecular salicylic acid treatment in moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris: a prospective, randomized, split-face controlled study.
Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: 5-Aminolaevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) is an effective treatment for moderate-to-severe acne. However, it is associated with adverse effects, such as erythema, and requires multiple sessions. Supramolecular salicylic acid (SSA) is a type of chemical peel with good anti-inflammatory effects and mild adverse effects.
Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial
View on PubMedtier1 Comparative study of efficacy and safety of 45% mandelic acid versus 30% salicylic acid peels in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris.
Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Chemical peels have become a popular modality in the treatment of acne vulgaris (AV). Mandelic acid (MA) is a new emerging peeling agent for AV owing to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Hence, it is worthwhile to evaluate the effectiveness and safety profile of this newer agent and to compare it with an older established peeling agent, salicylic acid (SA) in the treatment of AV.
Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial
View on PubMedtier1 Chemical peels for acne vulgaris: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials.
Abstract summary (English) OBJECTIVE: We evaluated current evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the effectiveness of chemical peeling for treating acne vulgaris. METHODS: Standard Cochrane methodological procedures were used. We searched MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and EMBASE via OvidSP through April 2017.
Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Systematic Review
View on PubMedtier1 Jessner's solution vs. 30% salicylic acid peels: a comparative study of the efficacy and safety in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris.
Abstract summary (English) INTRODUCTION: Chemical peeling is a well-identified therapeutic modality for acne vulgaris (AV). Jessner's solution (JS) is a known peeling agent for acne since more than 100 years. Salicylic acid (SA) peel is a well-established peeling agent for acne.
Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial
View on PubMedtier1 Clinical comparison of salicylic acid peel and LED-Laser phototherapy for the treatment of Acne vulgaris in teenagers.
Abstract summary (English) Acne vulgaris treatments usually cause sensitivity, teratogenicity and bacterial resistance. Investigations of other therapeutic techniques, such as phototherapy, are highly relevant. Thus, we compared the effectiveness of two Acne vulgaris treatments in adolescents: peeling with salicylic acid (SA) and phototherapy.
Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial
View on PubMedtier1 Trichloroacetic Acid Versus Salicylic Acid in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris in Dark-Skinned Patients.
Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Treatment options for acne include chemical peeling. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) has been used for treating acne. The ability of TCA to diminish corneocyte cohesion and keratinocyte plugging addresses this mode of treatment.
Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial
View on PubMedtier1 Randomized trial comparing a chemical peel containing a lipophilic hydroxy acid derivative of salicylic acid with a salicylic acid peel in subjects with comedonal acne.
Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Lipohydroxyacid is a lipophilic derivative of salicylic acid with comedolytic properties. OBJECTIVES: To compare lipohydroxyacid and salicylic acid peels in subjects with comedonal acne. METHODS: In this split face, randomized study, 20 subjects with comedonal acne received lipohydroxyacid peels on one side of the face, while the other side was treated with salicylic acid peels.
Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial
View on PubMedtier2 A peel-off facial mask comprising myoinositol and trehalose-loaded liposomes improves adult female acne by reducing local hyperandrogenism and activating autophagy.
Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Hyperandrogenism and reduced skin autophagy have been implicated in the pathogenesis of adult female acne (AFA). Here, we tested whether a ready-to-use peel-off facial mask containing myoinositol (an androgen inhibitor) and trehalose-loaded liposomes (as activators of cutaneous autophagy) applied overnight every other day for 60 days can improve AFA. We also sought to investigate the molecular mechanisms...
Clinical Study, Journal Article
View on PubMedtier2 Glycolic acid chemical peeling improves inflammatory acne eruptions through its inhibitory and bactericidal effects on Propionibacterium acnes.
Abstract summary (English) Glycolic acid chemical peeling is effective for treating comedones, and some clinical data show that it also improves inflammatory eruptions. The purpose of this study was to identify the mechanism of glycolic acid chemical peeling to improve inflammatory acne. To assess growth inhibitory and bactericidal effects of glycolic acid on Propionibacterium acnes in vitro, we used an agar diffusion method and a time-kill...
Comparative Study, Evaluation Study, Journal Article
View on PubMedtier0_review Efficacy and safety of superficial chemical peeling in treatment of active acne vulgaris.
Abstract summary (English) Acne vulgaris is an extremely common condition affecting the pilosebaceous unit of the skin and characterized by presence of comedones, papules, pustules, nodules, cysts, which might result in permanent scars. Acne vulgaris commonly involve adolescents and young age groups. Active acne vulgaris is usually associated with several complications like hyper or hypopigmentation, scar formation and skin disfigurement.
Journal Article, Review
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