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

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests two types of chemical peels to determine which is safer and more effective for treating melasma, a skin condition that causes dark, discolored patches on the face. The study compares Glycolic Acid Peels and Salicylic Acid Peels, both of which remove dead skin cells to improve skin texture and color. Individuals with melasma and at least a 2 x 2 cm patch on each side of their face, who are generally healthy, might be suitable candidates. Participants should not use other melasma treatments during the study. As an unphased trial, this study allows participants to contribute to valuable research that could enhance treatment options for 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.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research has shown that both glycolic acid and salicylic acid peels are generally safe for treating skin issues like melasma. Studies found glycolic acid peels to be safe and effective, though some people experienced mild irritation and temporary changes in skin color. Another review suggests glycolic acid as a top choice for treating melasma, with mostly mild and short-lived side effects.

Salicylic acid peels are also well-tolerated. Research showed that they improved skin condition for most people, with only 16% experiencing minor side effects. Another review confirms salicylic acid is safe for various skin conditions, including melasma. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?

Researchers are excited about using glycolic acid and salicylic acid peels for treating melasma because these chemical peels can effectively target uneven skin tone and texture by removing dead skin cells from the surface. Unlike traditional topical creams or laser treatments, chemical peels offer a more direct approach, often providing faster results. Glycolic acid, derived from sugar cane, penetrates deeply to exfoliate and boost skin renewal, while salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid, is oil-soluble, making it effective for treating areas prone to oiliness. This combination offers a promising alternative that may enhance results for those struggling with melasma.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for melasma?

This trial will compare Glycolic Acid Peels with Salicylic Acid Peels for treating melasma. Research has shown that glycolic acid peels can effectively reduce the severity of melasma, a skin condition that causes dark patches. For instance, one study found that glycolic acid peels worked better than lactic acid peels for treating melasma. Another study confirmed their safety and effectiveness when used in a specific way. In contrast, salicylic acid peels are generally safe but show mixed results for melasma. One study found they didn't work well when combined with a certain cream, while another study observed moderate to significant improvement in most patients. Both treatments have potential, but glycolic acid peels tend to provide more consistent results for melasma. ^{1 4 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. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12225990/

The effects and safety of sequential high concentration ... This study found that a sequential chemical peel protocol using glycolic acid and trichloroacetic acid was effective in reducing melasma severity without ...

2. jamanetwork.com jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/fullarticle/479105

Efficacy of Glycolic Acid Peels in the Treatment of Melasma Hydroquinone has been shown to be safe and effective in the treatment of melasma and other types of hyperpigmentation. Studies evaluating the efficacy of ...

3. journals.lww.com journals.lww.com/ijd/fulltext/2025/05000/80__lactic_acid_peel_versus_50__glycolic_acid_peel.5.aspx

80% Lactic Acid Peel Versus 50% Glycolic ... Our study found that glycolic acid 50% peel is more effective than lactic acid 80% peel for the treatment of melasma.

4. jcosmetmed.org jcosmetmed.org/journal/view.html?volume=8&number=2&spage=81

Comparative efficacy of chemical peels and laser ... This meta-analysis highlights the superior efficacy of laser treatments in reducing melasma severity compared to chemical peels. Laser ...

5. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5724304/

Chemical Peels in Melasma: A Review with Consensus ... Glycolic acid peel​​ This extremely hydrophilic reagent works by decreasing keratinocyte cohesion at low concentration and by epidermolysis at higher ...

6. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38530985/

Chemical Peels for Melasma: A Systematic Review Glycolic acid was found to be the most safe and effective in melasma. Conclusion: Chemical peels were found to be safe and effective in the management of ...

7. journals.lww.com journals.lww.com/pigi/abstract/9900/efficacy_and_safety_of_glycolic_acid_40__peel_in.44.aspx

Efficacy and safety of glycolic acid 40% peel in the... Conclusion: A 40% GA gel peel is a safe and effective adjuvant in the management of melasma in Indian patients.

8. consensus.app consensus.app/search/safety-and-efficacy-of-glycolic-acid-chemical-peel/bJLbrO4NSg6zxphaFJBpHQ/

Safety and efficacy of glycolic acid chemical peels Glycolic acid chemical peels are generally safe and effective for treating melasma, acne, photoaging, and other skin conditions, with mild and transient ...