21 Participants Needed

Acid Peels for Melasma

Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Northwestern University
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you must not use other treatments for melasma during the study.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Glycolic Acid Peels for melasma?

Research shows that glycolic acid peels can significantly improve melasma, especially when used at certain concentrations and time intervals. Studies have found that glycolic acid peels are effective in treating melasma and other skin issues like superficial scarring, with minimal side effects.12345

How do glycolic and salicylic acid peels differ from other treatments for melasma?

Glycolic and salicylic acid peels are unique because they exfoliate the skin, helping to reduce pigmentation by removing the outer layers of skin. Glycolic acid is often combined with other agents like azelaic acid for enhanced results, while salicylic acid is known for its ability to break down skin cell connections, making it effective for various skin types and conditions.14678

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of this study is to find out the safety and effectiveness of Glycolic Acid Chemical Peels compared to Salicylic Acid Chemical Peels for the treatment of melasma.

Research Team

MA

Murad Alam, MD

Principal Investigator

Northwestern University

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults with a noticeable patch of melasma on their face who are in good health and haven't had any chemical peels or used prescribed retinoids recently. Participants must not use other melasma treatments during the study and should not have bleeding disorders, abnormal wound healing, active facial diseases like severe acne, or be pregnant/lactating.

Inclusion Criteria

You have patches of melasma on both sides of your face, each at least 2 x 2 centimeters in size.
Subjects must be willing and able to understand and provide informed consent for the use of their tissue and communicate with the investigator
Subjects must be willing to not apply other treatment options for melasma during the course of the study
See 1 more

Exclusion Criteria

You have had a chemical peel within the last 3 months.
You have taken a prescription retinoid medication within the last 3 months.
You have a condition that causes problems with bleeding.
See 6 more

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive 4 treatments of 30% glycolic acid peels on one half of the face and 4 treatments of 30% salicylic acid peels on the other half at weeks 0, 4, 8, and 12

12 weeks
4 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks
1 visit (in-person) at week 16

Treatment Details

Interventions

  • Glycolic Acid Peels
  • Salicylic Acid Peels
Trial Overview The study is comparing the safety and effectiveness of two types of chemical peels for treating melasma: Salicylic Acid Peels versus Glycolic Acid Peels. It aims to determine which peel works better for this skin condition.
Participant Groups
2Treatment groups
Active Control
Group I: Glycolic Acid PeelsActive Control1 Intervention
Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid Chemical Peels are skin treatments used to correct uneven texture and color by removing dead cells from the skin's top layer.
Group II: Salicylic Acid PeelsActive Control1 Intervention
Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid Chemical Peels are skin treatments used to correct uneven texture and color by removing dead cells from the skin's top layer.

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Northwestern University

Lead Sponsor

Trials
1,674
Recruited
989,000+

References

Combination of glycolic acid peel and topical 20% azelaic acid cream in melasma patients: efficacy and improvement in quality of life. [2017]
Chemical peeling--evaluation of glycolic acid in varying concentrations and time intervals. [2007]
The therapeutic value of glycolic acid peels in dermatology. [2007]
Solution of Azelaic Acid (20%), Resorcinol (10%) and Phytic Acid (6%) Versus Glycolic Acid (50%) Peeling Agent in the Treatment of Female Patients with Facial Melasma. [2020]
Comparative evaluation of beneficiary effects of priming agents (2% hydroquinone and 0.025% retinoic acid) in the treatment of melasma with glycolic acid peels. [2016]
Microdermabrasion assisted delivery of glycolic acid 70% peel for the treatment of melasma in dark-skinned patients. [2021]
Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive review. [2022]
Comparison between 1% tretinoin peeling versus 70% glycolic acid peeling in the treatment of female patients with melasma. [2016]
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