Microabrasion versus microabrasion followed by 15% trichloroacetic acid for treatment of cutaneous hyperpigmentations in adult females

Microdermabrasion assisted delivery of glycolic acid 70% peel for the treatment of melasma in dark-skinned patients

Melasma is a disfiguring dermatologic condition and its treatment is still considered a challenge. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of microdermabrasion (MDA) combined with glycolic acid 70% (GA70%) peel versus GA70% alone in treating melasma in dark-skinned patients. This study included 30 female patients (skin type IV and V) with melasma. After cleansing the face, 3 passes of MDA were done on one side of the face. Then, GA70% was applied to the whole face in 1-2 uniform passes. Melasma area and severity index (MASI), modified MASI and hemi-MASI scores were used to assess the outcome. A significant decline of the mean MASI, mMASI and both hemi-MASI scores following treatment (p value = 0.000 for each). Furthermore, the hemi-MASI score on the MDA/GA70% treated side showed significantly greater decrease than the hemi-MASI score on GA70% treated side (p value = 0.041). MDA enhanced the improvement of GA70% peel effectively and safely.

Effects of lactobionic acid peel, aluminum oxide crystal microdermabrasion, and both procedures on skin hydration, elasticity, and transepidermal water loss

BACKGROUND

Topical applications of alpha-hydroxy acids and poly hydroxy acids in the form of peels gained popularity. To enhance the effect of these substances, aluminum oxide crystal microdermabrasion can be used in one procedure.

AIMS

The assessment of skin hydration, elasticity, and TEWL after using lactobionic acid in the form of 20% peel and lactobionic acid in the form of 20% peel combined with aluminum oxide crystal microdermabrasion.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study involved 20 Caucasian female subjects. Six treatments were performed at weekly intervals, using the Split face method-20% LA was used on the left side of the face and aluminum oxide crystal microdermabrasion followed by 20% LA application on the right side of the face.

RESULTS

Corneometric measurement showed statistically significant differences between the hydration level for sessions 1 and 3 and 1 and 6. A higher hydration level was found on the side with the combined procedure. Tewametric measurement showed that the TEWL values were different for sessions 1 and 3 and 1 and 6-they decreased. There were no statistically significant differences between the two procedures. The cutometric measurement indicated statistically significant differences between skin elasticity for pairs in session 1 and 3 and 1 and 6.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the study indicate that the combination of LA peel with microdermabrasion increases its moisturizing effect and improves skin elasticity. The use of both procedures also contributed to the decrease in TEWL; however, greater exfoliation of the epidermis in combined procedures resulted in slightly higher TEWL values.

Treatment of solar lentigines

Therapy for solar lentigines is diverse but can be divided into two broad categories: physical therapy and topical therapy. Physical therapies are frequently used with excellent clinical success rates, but this has to be balanced against associated side effects and recurrence rates with certain therapies. A range of topical therapies have been used and, more recently, fixed combinations of topical agents have been investigated. The Pigmentary Disorders Academy undertook to evaluate the clinical efficacy of the different treatments of solar lentigines in order to generate a consensus statement on their management. Clinical papers published during the past 20 years were identified through MEDLINE searches and methodology and outcome were assessed according to guidelines adapted from the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) on health care. The consensus of the group was that first-line therapy for solar lentigines was ablative therapy with cryotherapy. Although no large-scale studies have been completed, there is also good evidence to suggest that lasers are an effective treatment. An alternative to ablative therapy is topical therapy and there is good evidence to support the use of a fixed double combination, as well as retinoids, such as adapalene and tretinoin. Topical therapy can also be considered as maintenance therapy after the primary therapy has been applied. Because of the diversity of scoring systems used in the assessment of treatment outcome, the group recommends the development of treatment guidelines.

Microdermabrasion followed by a 5% retinoid acid chemical peel vs. a 5% retinoid acid chemical peel for the treatment of photoaging - a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Both retinoid acid (RA) chemical peeling and microdermabrasion are minimally invasive procedures recently developed for the treatment of photoaging. The efficacy of each procedure has been proved, but the results of the combination of these two methods have not been studied until now.

OBJECTIVES

To assess and compare the efficacy of microdermabrasion followed by a 5% RA chemical peel with that of a 5% RA chemical peel alone.

METHODS

Six female patients with moderate degrees of photodamage were evaluated. Three submitted to microdermabrasion followed by the application of a 5% RA chemical peel and three submitted to a 5% RA chemical peel alone. Each patient underwent three treatment sessions, with intervals of 7-10 days. Photographs were taken, and both biopsies and histological assessments were carried out, before treatment and 7 days after the final treatment session.

RESULTS

In the opinion of the patients, in both groups there was improvement in the texture, pigmentation, and appearance of the treated skin, and this was confirmed with the assessment of the pre- and post-treatment photographs. The combination of microdermabrasion followed by a 5% RA peel showed slightly greater improvement in the histological alterations resulting from photoaging. Conclusion Both methods, microdermabrasion followed by a 5% RA chemical peel and a 5% RA chemical peel alone are effective in the treatment of photoaging.