Combined 0.1% retinaldehyde/6% glycolic acid cream in prophylaxis and treatment of acne scarring

Background: Acne often results in permanent, badly tolerated, difficult to treat scars. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a 0.1% retinaldehyde/6% glycolic acid (RALGA) cream at preventing and treating acne scarring in patients previously treated for moderate acne. Methods: A double-blind vehicle-controlled study was conducted in 145 patients randomized to apply RALGA or vehicle cream every evening for 3 months. Global scarring score and patient's assessment of global efficacy, then residual acne lesions, quality of life and tolerance were evaluated at inclusion and each month until study completion. Results: Global scarring score, number of inflammatory lesions and comedones significantly improved in each group from day 28 (p < 0.0001). Number of inflammatory lesions were significantly decreased only in the RALGA group. RALGA cream was more efficient than vehicle on scarring after 3 months in compliant patients (p = 0.007) due to erythema and hyperpigmentation improvement. Conclusion: RALGA cream is efficient at preventing and treating acne scarring in patients with moderate acne. Copyright (c) 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.