Acid Peels for Melasma

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Northwestern University

Must not be taking: Retinoids

Disqualifiers: Pregnancy, Mental illness, Uncontrolled acne, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 5

Duration: 12 weeks

21 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

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.

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.

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. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

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. ^{1 3 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Murad Alam, MD

Principal Investigator

Northwestern University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

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

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.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

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

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

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.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Glycolic Acid Peels Active Control 1 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 Peels Active Control 1 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.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Northwestern University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,674

Recruited

989,000+

Citations

1. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Combination of glycolic acid peel and topical 20% azelaic acid cream in melasma patients: efficacy and improvement in quality of life. [2017]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Chemical peeling--evaluation of glycolic acid in varying concentrations and time intervals. [2007]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The therapeutic value of glycolic acid peels in dermatology. [2007]

4. India pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Microdermabrasion assisted delivery of glycolic acid 70% peel for the treatment of melasma in dark-skinned patients. [2021]

7. New Zealand pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive review. [2022]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Comparison between 1% tretinoin peeling versus 70% glycolic acid peeling in the treatment of female patients with melasma. [2016]