A double-blind randomized clinical trial on the effectiveness of a daily glycolic acid 5% formulation in the treatment of photoaging.

BACKGROUND

Low-strength daily formulations of glycolic acid are widely promoted for the treatment of photoaging. However, there are few clinical studies that objectively confirm the benefits of such formulations.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a 5% unneutralized formulation of glycolic acid in the treatment of facial and neck photoaging.

METHODS

Seventy-five volunteers were recruited to take part in this double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical study. Participants applied either the 5% glycolic acid cream or the placebo cream to the face and neck for a period of 3 months. Pre- and posttreatment clinical assessments of photoaging effects were made by the same physician and were analyzed for statistical significance.

RESULTS

Overall there were trends towards greater improvement or less worsening in the glycolic acid group for all clinical assessments for photoaging. There was statistically significant improvement favoring the active-cream in general skin texture and discoloration. There was a trend favoring glycolic acid in reduction of wrinkles, but this did not achieve statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

Unneutralized 5% glycolic acid topical cream when used on a regular daily basis can improve some photoaging effects.