Glycolic acid treatment increases type I collagen mRNA and hyaluronic acid content of human skin.
BACKGROUND
Chronic solar irradiation results in both morphologic and functional changes in affected skin. alpha-hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid, have been shown to improve photodamaged skin.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate alterations in collagen gene induction and epidermal and dermal hyaluronic acid production as a result of administered glycolic acid.


METHODS
In this study we compared collagen gene expression from skin biopsy specimens, and epidermal and dermal hyaluronic acid immunohistochemical staining between glycolic acid-treated and vehicle-treated skin. Forearm skin was treated with 20% glycolic acid lotion or a lotion vehicle control twice a day for 3 months.


RESULTS
Epidermal and dermal hyaluronic acid and collagen gene expression were all increased in glycolic acid-treated skin as compared to vehicle-treated controls.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data suggest that epidermal and dermal remodeling of the extracellular matrix results from glycolic acid treatment. Longer treatment intervals may result in collagen deposition as suggested by the measured increase in mRNA.
Bernstein
E F
EF
DakDak Photoaging Technologies, Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Lee
J
J
Brown
D B
DB
Yu
R
R
Van Scott
E
E
D000368:Aged; D015152:Blotting, Northern; D003094:Collagen / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression; D006016:Glycolates / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000378:metabolism*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007641:Keratolytic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000528:radiation effects
D006016:Glycolates; D007641:Keratolytic Agents; D012333:RNA, Messenger; C031149:glycolic acid; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid; D003094:Collagen