The factors influencing the unmet effects of alpha hydroxy acid peels on acne vulgaris: A single tertiary center experience.

Acne vulgaris is a common condition. Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) peels have been previously recommended as an option for patients with intolerance to first‐line treatments especially when long‐term use. The safety and efficacy of AHA peels for acne have been established, but the factors influencing the ultimate effects are unknown. We recruited patients diagnosed with acne who were intolerant to or refused the first‐line treatments from July 2017 to December 2019 at our hospital and retrospectively collected the medical and demographic information of patients treated with a full course of AHA peels; data collected included age, sex, treatment history, compliance status, and efficacy after treatment. The efficacy score was defined by revised scales: 2 points indicated significant improvement, 1 point indicated mild improvement, and 0 point indicated no improvement. Additionally, only efficacy scores of 2 points were classified in the satisfactory group; the others were classified in the unmet effect group. Analyses were used to evaluate the potential influencing factor(s). A total of 141 patients (120 females, 21 male) were included in the final analysis. The patients in the satisfactory group were significantly older (higher proportion aged >28 years) (47.4% vs 29.5%, P =.046) and showed better compliance (88.7% vs 54.5%, P =.001) than the patients in the unmet effect group. Multiple analyses confirmed the effects of younger age (OR 2.70, 95% CI 1.15‐6.34, P = 022) and poor compliance (OR 2.74, 95% CI 1.74‐4.32, P =.001) on the unmet effect. Unsatisfactory compliance and age might decrease the effects of AHA peels on acne. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]