Pyruvic acid peels for the treatment of photoaging

Background: Pyruvic acid (CH3-CO-COOH), an α-keto-acid, has been recently used as a medium chemical peeling agent in subjects with inflammatory acne, moderate acne scars, greasy skin, actinic keratosis, and warts. Objective: The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of 50% pyruvic acid on moderately photodamaged facial skin. Methods: We treated 20 patients with four peeling sessions at 4-week intervals. We evaluated the patients clinically, and in order to obtain an objective assessment of the effect of pyruvic acid on pigmentary components of the skin, erythema and hyperpigmentation response were measured in all the patients before and after treatment using a Minolta Tri-Stimulus Colorimeter II. Results: The clinical evaluation of the patients after the peeling sessions demonstrated a smoother texture, less evident fine wrinkles, and evident lightening of hyperpigmentations (freckles and lentigines). In fact, chemical peels cause a thinning of the epidermis and a thickening of the dermis. The patients treated reported very limited or no discomfort in the postpeel period. Conclusion: Thus, 50% pyruvic acid peeling can be proposed as a safe and efficient treatment for moderate facial skin aging.