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 RALGAor 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.