Evidence supporting the use of: Alpha hydroxy acids
For the health condition: Psoriasis

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, are used in dermatology primarily as exfoliants. Their use in psoriasis is supported by some scientific evidence, though not robust. AHAs help to remove the outer layer of dead skin and reduce scaling, which is a hallmark of psoriasis plaques.

Several small clinical studies and case reports have shown that topical application of AHAs can improve the appearance and texture of psoriatic plaques, especially when used as an adjunct to other therapies. For example, glycolic acid has been studied in concentrations ranging from 5% to 15%, demonstrating some ability to decrease scaling and plaque thickness. AHAs work by breaking down desmosomes in the stratum corneum, facilitating desquamation and improving skin smoothness.

However, the evidence base is limited, with most studies being small and lacking rigorous controls. AHAs are not considered a primary or standalone therapy for psoriasis and are more commonly used to enhance the penetration and effectiveness of other topical agents, such as corticosteroids or vitamin D analogues. There is also a risk of irritation or burning, particularly when applied to inflamed or fissured skin.

In summary, while there is some scientific rationale and limited clinical evidence supporting the adjunctive use of AHAs in managing psoriasis symptoms, they are not a mainstay treatment. Their role remains supportive, primarily to improve scale removal and skin texture.

More about Alpha hydroxy acids
More about Psoriasis

Other ingredients used for Psoriasis

Agrimonia pilosa
Alfalfa
algal oil
Aloe vera
Alpha hydroxy acids
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
Andrographis
andrographolide
apigenin
apple cider vinegar
argan nut oil
astragalin
Aureobasidium pullulans
avocado
babchi
baicalein
baicalin
Baikal Skullcap
banyan
Baphicacanthus cusia
Barleria
bee propolis
beta-glucan
Bifidobacterium breve
Bifidobacterium longum
birch
black currant
black walnut
Borassus aethiopum
Boswellia
Boswellic Acid
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
butyrate triglyceride
caffeic Acid
cannabidiol
Centella asiatica
Centella triterpenes
Chinese salvia root
chirata
Cistus
Cnidium
cod liver oil
copaiba oil
curcumin
d-alpha tocopherol
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
docosahexaenoic Acid
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
eicosapentaenoic acid
emu oil
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
ethyl linoleate
European Elder
ferulic acid
Ficus religiosa
fish protein
frankincense
fumaric acid
gallic acid
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
Glucosylceramide
Glycolic acid
Glycyrrhetinic acid
Glycyrrhizin
gooseberry
gotu kola
green tea
Hellebore
henna
hyaluronic acid
Hyperoside
isoliquiritigenin
jojoba oil
Kaempferol
knotweed
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactobacillus salivarius
Ledebouriella
lingzhi
linoleic acid (LA)
linseed oil
liverwort
loquat
luteolin
Lycium
magnesium
Marine fat
Marshmallow
melaleuca alternifolia
mixed carotenoids
Morus
Mucilage
Mulberry
Naringenin
Nettle
Niacinamide (vitamin B3)
oleanolic acid
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-6 fatty acids
Osthole
paeoniflorin
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
perilla
PhosphatidylGlycerol
phospholipids
Piperine
Polypodium
polyunsaturated fat
pomegranate
quercetin
resveratrol
rockweed
Rubia cordifolia
Salmon Oil
Sanguisorba
Sargassum
sarsaparilla
seaweed
Semecarpus anacardium
Slippery Elm
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
spirulina
sunflower
Tea Tree Oil
Thuja
turmeric
vegetable oil
Verbascoside
vitamin A
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
Walnut
wheat grass
Withanolides
Xanthone
Xanthophyll
Xanthorrhizol
Zinc

Products containing Alpha hydroxy acids

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.