BACKGROUND. Glycolic acid has become important and popular for treatin
g acne. OBJECTIVE. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of serial glyco
lic acid peels with glycolic acid home care products on facial acne le
sions and other associated skin problems. METHODS. We collected 40 Asi
an candidates with moderate to moderately severe acne. They were divid
ed into two groups according to the degree of greasiness of their faci
al skin. The two groups' members were treated with four series of 35%
and 50% glycolic acid peels, respectively. They also used 15% glycolic
acid home care products during this study period. The improvement of
acne as well as other associated problems were assessed by both the ph
ysicians and the patient themselves. RESULTS. Significant resolution o
f comedones, papules, and pustules was found. The skill texture of eac
h candidate was dramatically rejuvenated. Consistent and repetitive tr
eatment with glycolic acid was needed for the apparent improvement of
acne scars ann cystic lesions. The follicular pores also became compar
atively smaller. Furthermore, most of the candidates had much brighter
and lighter looking skin. Only small percentage of patients (5.6%) de
veloped side effects. CONCLUSION. Glycolic acid has considerable thera
peutic value for acne with minimal side effects even in Asian skill. I
t may be an ideal adjunctive treatment of acne. (C) 1997 by the Americ
an Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc.