Effects of beta hydroxy acid on the facial skin in acne patients

Background: Several studies demonstrated that high concentration salicylic acid (beta hydroxy acid, BHA) peels were beneficial for acne, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma, oily skin, enlarged pores and surface roughness. Objective: We have focused on the facial skin in acne patients after several BHA peels. Methods: Thirty patients with acne vulgaris were included in this study. The peels were performed at 2 week intervals and sixteen patients completed a series of five peels. Stratum corneum hydration, skin surface lipid, skin pH, transepidermal water loss(TEWL) were measured at each visit and 2 weeks later after the last peel. Results: The stratum corneum hydration, skin surface lipid, skin pH, TEWL did not show a statistically significant difference between the value of pretreatment and after five peels. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that BHA peels can be used to treat acne patients without disruption of normal skin function.