Comparative evaluation of therapeutic efficacy and safety of black peel versus 25% trichloroacetic acid peel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: a split face study.

INTRODUCTION: Peeling has withstood the test of time as a simple, minimally invasive method to renew the skin, despite the introduction of more advanced procedures like lasers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients (or 60 sites) with age ranging from 15 to 45 years with mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris were included in the study. Assessment at baseline was done by the global acne grading system score for including mild and moderate acne patients.

RESULTS: On grading the improvement according to the 5-point Global Assessment Scale (GAS), it was found that in area A (black peel), 6.7% of patients showed excellent improvement, 86.7% of patients showed good improvement, and 6.7% of patients showed fair improvement. In area B (25%TCA peel), 6.7% of patients showed excellent improvement, 80% of patients showed good improvement, and 13.3% of patients showed fair improvement.

DISCUSSION: None of the patients showed poor or worse outcomes in any of the areas. The difference between the groups was not significant ( P = 0.688).

CONCLUSION: There is a paucity of data in the literature regarding the comparison of black peel with other conventional peels in the treatment of acne vulgaris. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study comparing black peel with TCA peel in the treatment of acne vulgaris.