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Comparative Efficacy of 35 % Glycolic Acid Peel versus 4 % Retinol Peel in Melasma
Taku Rini1, Rashmi Sarkar, Bharati Verma
1All authors are affiliated with the Department of Dermatology, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India.
Background:
Melasma is an acquired hypermelanosis. Chemical peels have been found efficacious in melasma. However, limited studies have compared the efficacy of various peels in melasma and used dermoscopy to evaluate improvement.
Objective:
To compare the efficacy of 35% glycolic acid peel and 4% retinol peel in melasma using clinical, dermoscopic, and quality of life assessments.
Materials And Methods:
A randomized controlled study included 60 adults (18-60 years) with clinically diagnosed melasma. Participants were randomized into Group A (glycolic acid) and Group B (retinol), receiving 6 sessions of peels at two-week intervals. Pretreatment and post-treatment assessments included modified Melasma Area Severity Index (mMASI), dermoscopic scoring, and Hindi Melasma Quality of Life Index (HI-MELASQOL). Statistical analysis used p -values <0.05 for significance.
Results:
Both groups showed significant improvements in mMASI, dermoscopic features, and HI-MELASQOL ( p < .001) with no significant difference between groups. Mild, self-limiting adverse effects were more common in the retinol group (13.3%) than the glycolic acid (3.3%).
Conclusion:
Both 35% glycolic acid and 4% retinol peels are effective in treating melasma, with significant improvements in pigmentation, dermoscopic features, and quality of life. No significant difference was observed between the 2 treatments. Dermoscopy is useful to assess response.
Insights
Both glycolic acid and retinol peels effectively treat melasma, improving skin pigmentation and quality of life. Dermoscopy aids in assessing treatment response for this common skin condition.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Cosmetic Science
Background:
- Melasma is an acquired hyperpigmentation condition.
- Chemical peels are recognized treatments for melasma.
- Comparative studies on different chemical peels for melasma, especially using dermoscopy, are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of 35% glycolic acid peel versus 4% retinol peel for melasma treatment.
- To evaluate treatment outcomes using clinical, dermoscopic, and quality of life assessments.
- To determine the utility of dermoscopy in assessing melasma treatment response.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 60 adult melasma patients.
- Participants were assigned to either glycolic acid or retinol peel groups.
- Six bi-weekly peel sessions were administered, with assessments including modified Melasma Area Severity Index (mMASI), dermoscopic scoring, and Hindi Melasma Quality of Life Index (HI-MELASQOL).
Main Results:
- Both glycolic acid and retinol peels significantly improved mMASI scores, dermoscopic features, and quality of life (HI-MELASQOL).
- No statistically significant difference in efficacy was found between the two peel types.
- Mild, transient adverse effects were more frequent in the retinol group (13.3%) compared to the glycolic acid group (3.3%).
Conclusions:
- Both 35% glycolic acid and 4% retinol peels are effective treatments for melasma.
- Significant improvements in pigmentation, dermoscopic findings, and patient-reported quality of life were observed with both treatments.
- Dermoscopy is a valuable tool for monitoring treatment response in melasma.
