Clinical tolerance and efficacy of capryloyl salicylic acid peel compared to a glycolic acid peel in subjects with fine lines/wrinkles and hyperpigmented skin

Abstract

SummaryBackground Several chemical agents are currently used to perform superficial peels of the face to reduce facial hyperpigmentation and fine lines/wrinkles. Some of the most commonly used agents are alpha hydroxyl acids, such as glycolic acid (GA), or beta hydroxy acid, such as salicylic acid. Aim This study aims to compare the efficacy of GA to that of a novel derivative of salicylic acid, capryloyl salicylic acid (LHA). Subjects/Methods In a split-face study, 50 female volunteers between the ages of 35 and 60 years with mild to moderate facial hyperpigmentation and fine lines/wrinkles were randomized and LHA or GA peel was applied to one side of the face. Increasing peel concentrations were applied (5-10% LHA or 20-50% GA) based on the tolerance level of the subjects and clinical observations of an expert dermatologist for 12 weeks at biweekly intervals. Results Of the 44 volunteers who completed the study, at 12 weeks 41% of LHA-treated and 30% of GA-treated subjects demonstrated significant reduction of fine lines/wrinkles compared to baseline. Forty-six percent of LHA-treated subjects and 34% of GA-treated subjects showed significant reduction of hyperpigmentation compared to baseline. LHA treatment was better than GA peels, although there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups. Conclusions Five percent to 10% of LHA peel is generally safe and as effective as 20-50% GA peel in reducing facial hyperpigmentation and fine lines/wrinkles.

Original Contribution: Three clinical studies showing the anti‐aging benefits of sodium salicylate in human skin

“…The lipo‐hydroxy variants of salicylic acid have also been shown to deliver skin anti‐aging effects. Capryloyl salicylic acid or 2‐hydroxyl‐5‐octanoyl benzoic acid (LHA) is one of the derivatives of SA that has been recently considered as a safer alternative to Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) and other chemical peels for the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles 48 . Some adverse events (erythema, burning and stinging) were, however, reported during this study, leading to a drop out of 6% of their subjects.…”

The efficacy and safety of a 70% glycolic acid peel with vitamin C for the treatment of photoaging

“…A pilot study [9] . Clinical tolerance and efficacy of capryloyl salicylic acid peel compared to a glycolic acid peel in subjects with fine lines/wrinkles and hyperpigmented skin [10] .…”

Discovering the 21st Century Fountain of Youth: A Discussion of the Effectiveness of Popular Anti-Aging Therapies

“…Also notable, 46% of LHA subjects and 34% of the GA subject's demonstrated reduction in hyper pigmentation compared to baseline. The study concluded the 5-10% LHA peel to be as effective as 20-50% GA peel in reducing fine lines/wrinkles and hyper pigmentation suggesting LHA to be a viable alternative [61].…”

“…Deep peels, with increased concentration of TCA solution or phenol, slough the epidermis and papillary dermis and cause inflammation of the reticular dermis. These are reserved for deep wrinkles but increase the risk of scarring and hypo pigmentation [61,62].…”