The efficacy and safety of a 70% glycolic acid peel with vitamin C for the treatment of acne scars

  • Heng Jun Khee University Dermatology Clinic, National University Hospital (NUH)
  • Liau MeiQi May University Dermatology Clinic, National University Hospital (NUH)
  • Yang Shiyao Sam University Dermatology Clinic, National University Hospital (NUH)
  • Aw Chen Wee Derrick University Dermatology Clinic, National University Hospital (NUH)
  • Ho Sue-Ann University Dermatology Clinic, National University Hospital (NUH)
Keywords: chemical peel, glycolic acid, acne scars

Abstract

Acne scarring is a common complication associated with significant psychological distress. Both glycolic acid (GA) and vitamin C are known to improve the appearance of acne scarring. We performed a review of 13 patients treated with three 70% GA peels with vitamin C at four weeks apart. There was a statistically significant` improvement in acne scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from the baseline. Maximal effects were noted four weeks after the third chemical peel. It has an excellent safety profile with no permanent adverse effects noted. A combination of 70% glycolic acid with vitamin C chemical peel is an efficacious, well-tolerated treatment of acne scarring in Asian skin. 

Author Biographies

Heng Jun Khee, University Dermatology Clinic, National University Hospital (NUH)
Resident
Liau MeiQi May, University Dermatology Clinic, National University Hospital (NUH)

Resident

University Dermatology Clinic, National University Hospital (NUH)

Aw Chen Wee Derrick, University Dermatology Clinic, National University Hospital (NUH)
Consultant
Ho Sue-Ann, University Dermatology Clinic, National University Hospital (NUH)
Consultant

References

Fabbrocini G, Annunziata MC, D'arco V, De Vita V, Lodi G, et al. Acne scars: Pathogenesis, classification and treatment. Dermatology Res Practice 2010; 2010. doi: 10.1155/2010/893080.

Dreno B, Khammari A, Orain N, Noray C, Merial-Kieny C, et al. ECCA grading scale: An original validated acne scar grading scale for clinical practice in dermatology. Dermatology 2006; 214(1): 46–51. doi: 10.1159/000096912.

Savory SA, Agim NG, Mao R, Peter S, Wang C, et al. Reliability assessment and validation of the postacne hyperpigmentation index (PAHPI), a new instrument to measure postinflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol 2014; 70(1): 108–114. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2013.09.017.

Fried RG, Wechsler A. Psychological problems in the acne patient. Dermatol Ther 2006; 19(4) :237–240. doi: 10.1111/j.1529-8019.2006.00079.x.

Bernstein EF, Lee J, Brown DB, Yu R, Van Scott E. Glycolic acid treatment increases type I collagen mRNA and hyaluronic acid content of human skin. Dermatol Surg 2001; 27(5): 429–433. doi: 10.1046/j.1524-4725.2001.00234.x.

Sharad J. Glycolic acid peel therapy: A current review. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2013; 2013(6): 281–288. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S34029.

Erbağcı Z, Akçalı C. Biweekly serial glycolic acid peels vs. long‐term daily use of topical low‐strength glycolic acid in the treatment of atrophic acne scars. Int J Dermatol 2000; 39(10) :789–794. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-4362.2000.00076.x.

Sharad J. Combination of microneedling and glycolic acid peels for the treatment of acne scars in dark skin. J Cosmet Dermatol 2011; 10(4): 317–323. doi: 10.1111/j.1473-2165.2011.00583.x.

Kim SJ, Park JH, Kim DH, WON YH, Maibach HI. Increased in vivo collagen synthesis and in vitro cell proliferative effect of glycolic acid. Dermatol Surg 1998; 24(10): 1054–1058. doi: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.1998.tb04074.x.

Published
2021-05-13
Section
Original Research Articles