Comparison of alpha- and beta-hydroxy acid chemical peels in the treatment of mild to moderately severe facial acne vulgaris.
BACKGROUND
Chemical peels are used as adjuvants for treatment of facial acne. No well-controlled studies have compared alpha- and beta-hydroxy acid peels in the treatment of mild to moderately severe facial acne.


OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy of alpha- and beta-hydroxy acid chemical peels in the treatment of mild to moderately severe facial acne vulgaris.


METHODS
Twenty patients were recruited in this split-face, double-blind, randomized, controlled study. An alpha-hydroxy acid (30% glycolic acid) was applied to one-half of the face and a beta-hydroxy acid peel (30% salicylic acid) was applied contralaterally every 2 weeks for a total of six treatments. A blinded evaluator performed quantitative assessment of papules and pustules.


RESULTS
Both chemical peels were significantly effective by the second treatment (p<.05) and there were no significant differences in effectiveness between the two peels. At 2 months posttreatment, the salicylic acid peel had sustained effectiveness. More adverse events were reported with the glycolic acid peel after the initial treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
The glycolic acid and salicylic acid peels were similarly effective. The salicylic acid peel had sustained effectiveness and fewer side effects. Alpha- and beta-hydroxy acid peels both offer successful adjunctive treatment of facial acne vulgaris.
Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63104, USA.
Edward
E
Kessler
Katherine
K
Flanagan
Christina
C
Chia
Cynthia
C
Rogers
Dee Anna
DA
Glaser
D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002615:Chemexfoliation / Q000379:methods*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D006016:Glycolates / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D006880:Hydroxy Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007641:Keratolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020156:Salicylic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D006016:Glycolates; D006880:Hydroxy Acids; D007641:Keratolytic Agents; C031149:glycolic acid; D020156:Salicylic Acid