Evaluation of Safety and Efficacy of Chemical Peels With and Without Sonophoresis on Selected Skin Parameters—A Prospective Comparative Study

Abstract

Background: Skin is the largest organ in the human body. Some skin parameters like moisturization and sebum secretion play a vital role in the skin’s functioning. This study aims to assess the effects of topical chemical peels of different concentrations and pH, applied manually and with ultrasounds, on the level of hydration, erythema, pigmentation, and sebum secretion of the skin. Methods: The study involved 90 Caucasian females, aged 25 to 59, with dry, dehydrated skin, skin with erythema or pigmentation disorders. The patients were randomly divided into three equal groups. The subjects from Group A were applied 10% mandelic acid with 25% gluconolactone of pH 4.0 manually. In Group B, 40% mandelic acid of pH 1.5 was used. The subjects from Group C were applied 10% mandelic acid with 25% gluconolactone of pH 4.0 via sonophoresis. A series of six procedures in weekly intervals was performed. Skin functional parameters (skin hydration, erythema, and melanin indicators) were taken before the first procedure, after 14 days, 28 days, and 42 days. Results: In Group A, the level of moisturization of the skin increased statistically significantly (p = 0.0100) however, the sebum secretion and erythema did not change. In Group B, the level of moisturization improved statistically significantly, as well as erythema (p = 0.0001). Sebum secretion in the final measurement increased. The moisturization and erythema in Group C did not differ statistically significantly. On the other hand, the sebum secretion increased significantly. Conclusions: Very superficial chemical peels significantly alter selected skin parameters. AHAs and PHAs applied using the ultrasound method do not affect the level of hydration, erythema, or pigmentation of the skin.