Evidence supporting the use of: Glycolic acid
For the health condition: Lesions

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane, has been studied for its effectiveness in treating various skin lesions, particularly those related to acne (such as comedones and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), actinic keratoses, and some superficial scars. Its primary mechanism involves exfoliation by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells, promoting cell turnover and regeneration. Clinical studies have shown that glycolic acid peels (concentrations typically ranging from 20% to 70%) can lead to improvements in the appearance of acne lesions, mild scarring, and certain types of hyperkeratotic lesions by enhancing skin texture and reducing pigmentation irregularities. For example, peer-reviewed studies and dermatological guidelines support its use for mild to moderate acne and for cosmetic improvement of photodamaged skin. However, its use for deeper or non-superficial lesions (such as malignant or severe inflammatory lesions) is not well established, and glycolic acid is not considered a primary or curative treatment for such conditions. Overall, scientific evidence supports glycolic acid's use for certain superficial lesions and cosmetic improvement, but more robust, high-quality, large-scale trials would be necessary to further clarify its efficacy and safety profile for a broader range of lesions.

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