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Glycolic acids have been promoted as reducing hyperpigmentation and improving the appearance of sun-damaged skin. Investigators in this placebo-controlled, double-blind study explored the effects of short-term glycolic acid use on light-induced changes in pigmentation.
Six Caucasian and 6 Asian volunteers underwent separate UVB and UVA irradiations to the lower back. They then applied 10 percent glycolic acid gel with a pH of 3.5 to 1 side of their lower back, including the irradiated area, and to 1 extensor forearm, once daily for 1 week and then twice daily for 2 more weeks. Placebo was applied to the opposite sides. After 3 weeks, the extensor forearms and a second area of the lower back were irradiated with UVB and UVA. The initial UVB- …