A Split Face Comparative Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of 40% Pyruvic Acid vs. Microdermabrasion with 40% Pyruvic Acid on Biomechanical Skin Parameters in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris

Abstract

The synergy of cosmetic acids, with their keratolytic and antibacterial properties, with the mechanical exfoliation of the epidermis brings faster and better treatment results. The aim of the study was to compare the effects of using only pyruvic acid and the synergy of microdermabrasion and chemical exfoliation. In total, 14 women diagnosed with acne took part in the study. Two areas were marked on the participants’ faces: the right side (microdermabrasion treatment and a preparation containing pyruvic acid 40%) and the left side (preparation containing pyruvic acid 40%) without mechanical exfoliation. A series of four treatments was performed at 2-week intervals. Skin parameters such as stratum corneum hydration and sebum secretion were measured. Before the treatments, all patients had moderate acne according to GAGS (Min: 19, Max: 22, Md: 20), and after the treatments, it decreased to mild acne according to GAGS (Min: 13, Max: 17, Md: 140). On the right side of the face, there was a statistically significant reduction in sebum secretion in all the examined areas of the face and increase in the hydration of the stratum corneum. On the left side of the face, the differences were also observed in the decrease of sebum value and increase of hydration level; however, they were smaller than on the right side. The use of microdermabrasion in combination with pyruvic acid led to better results in the case of increased hydration and reduction of sebum secretion than using only pyruvic acid treatment.

Efficacy of Oxybrasion and Cosmetic Acids on Selected Skin Parameters in the Treatment with Acne Vulgaris

“…After the entire treatment series, it was observed that microdermabrasion combined with pyruvic acid led to better results with increased hydration and reduced sebum secretion than using only the pyruvic acid treatment. 15 …”

“…After the entire treatment series, it was observed that microdermabrasion combined with pyruvic acid led to better results with increased hydration and reduced sebum secretion than using only the pyruvic acid treatment. 15 Chilicka et al 16 in a study using equipment for hydrogen purification and the mixture of cosmetic acids showed that hydrogen purification alone and combining this treatment with acids improved the patients' skin condition. However, the combined treatments showed better results in reducing skin eruptions and improving hydration or reducing sebum from the epidermal surface.…”

Safety and effectiveness of nano‐pulse stimulation™ technology to treat acne vulgaris of the back

“…Given the virtually ubiquitous nature of acne in teenagers, there remains an appreciable need for novel therapies. Some new approaches include oxybrasion, 3 microdermabrasion with Pyruvic acid, 4 and cosmetic acids 5 …”

Acne vulgaris and the most popular and new cosmetological treatments

“…The best results are achieved when treatments are performed every 3-4 weeks. The number of treatments in a series depends on the treatment indications and the condition of the client's skin [27][28][29][30].…”