Glycolic Acid Peels Versus Amino Fruit Acid Peels in the Treatment of Melasma

Chemical peels are becoming more popular as a treatment modality for melasma.To compare the therapeutic effects of glycolic acid (GA) peels and amino fruit acid (AFA) peels in patients with melasma.In this single-blind, randomized right-left comparison study, patients received 12 serial peels on the two halves of the face at 2-week intervals for 6 months. Clinical evaluation based on the modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) scores was performed at baseline and at 3 and 6 months.The modified MASI scores at 3 and 6 months in both application areas decreased significantly from baseline (p<.05). When the two applications were compared with each other, there was no statistically significant difference between GA and AFA in terms of regression of melasma (p>.05). During the application, it was observed that AFA peels caused fewer problems than GA peels did.Based on the results of this study, GA and AFA peels for melasma therapy were efficacious, but the AFA peel was found to be less irritating and was better tolerated.