Efficacy and Safety of Supramolecular Salicylic Acid Combined With Intense Pulsed Light for Rosacea: A Split‐Face Trial
Meifang Wang, Ansheng Tan, Fenglin ZhuoABSTRACT
Background
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder with a global prevalence of approximately 5.46%, significantly impairing patients' quality of life and mental health. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of supramolecular salicylic acid (SSA) peeling combined with intense pulsed light (IPL) for rosacea and its impact on skin barrier function.
Methods
Thirty‐six patients with erythematotelangiectatic or papulopustular rosacea were enrolled in this split‐face study. All patients received full‐face IPL treatment monthly for three sessions; a randomly assigned facial half underwent a 30% SSA peel per session. Efficacy was assessed using the VISIA Complexion Analysis System and the CK multiple probe adapter. The Clinical Erythema Assessment (CEA) and patient self‐assessment served as secondary outcomes. Skin hydration and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were monitored to evaluate the skin barrier.
Results
Thirty‐three patients completed the trial (three dropouts). After 3 months, the combination side showed significantly greater reductions in VISIA erythema scores (−3.32 ± 3.81 vs. −1.88 ± 2.58; p = 0.0041) and CK erythema index (−36.09 ± 20.80 vs. −25.88 ± 25.86; p = 0.0013) than the IPL‐alone side. Both sides showed significant improvement in CEA and patient self‐assessment ( p < 0.05), with no statistically significant inter‐side difference. Skin hydration increased while TEWL decreased bilaterally ( p < 0.05). Adverse events were mild and comparable between sides ( p = 0.476).
Conclusion
SSA peeling combined with IPL is superior to IPL monotherapy for rosacea erythema, offering enhanced efficacy without compromising skin barrier function.