Efficacy of 30% azelaic acid peel in the nonpharmacological treatment of facial acne

BACKGROUND: Acne is a common, chronic, inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit. It has a significant impact on patient quality of life, especially when lesions occur on cosmetically sensitive areas. Chemical peeling is a well-known option in the treatment of acne vulgaris, but little is known about azelaic acid (AZA) peels. OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy of 30% AZA peel, in decreasing the amount of secreted sebum, and reducing acne lesions. METHODS: The study involved 35 women, with acne lesions on face skin. All the subjects underwent a series of six treatments, performed every 2 weeks. RESULTS: A series of treatments contributed to a statistically significant reduction in the amount of secreted sebum. Similarly, highly significant values determining the overall number of acne lesions and the severity of the disease according to the IGA scale were also changed. The procedure was well tolerated by all participants. CONCLUSIONS: Peels with 30% AZA reduced acne lesions and normalized the activity of the sebaceous glands. The reduction of sebum allows us to believe that obtained good results in patients will be stable and long-lasting.