Evidence map›Paper›PMID 29642579›Full record

ReviewMolecules (Basel, Switzerland)2018

Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin.

Sheau-Chung Tang, Jen-Hung Yang

Open access · goldAbstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 2018. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 62 papers, 2 of them syntheses that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
62citing papers in PubMed, 2 pooled it
11.7field-weighted citation impact, top 1% of its field
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

62 citing papers in PubMed, 2 syntheses or guidelines pooled it, 185 citations in OpenAlex.

  1. Pooled it
  2. Pooled it
  3. Shake-Induced Temporary Ion-Pairing Between Lecithin and Glycolic Acid for Enhanced Exfoliation in a Novel Biphasic Serum: Comparative Ex Vivo and in Vivo Randomised Studies.Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI) · 2026
    Trial
  4. Trial
  5. Trial
  6. Moranoline-EnrichedInternational journal of molecular sciences · 2026
    Article
  7. Article
  8. Review
  9. Harnessing PNature communications · 2026
    Article
  10. Article
  11. Article
  12. Review
  13. Article
  14. Article
  15. Review
  16. Article
  17. Determinants for Activation of the Ion Channel TRPV3 by Weak Acids.International journal of molecular sciences · 2025
    Article
  18. Article
  19. Review
  20. Article

2 more citing papers are in PubMed but not listed here.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

2 authors at 2 institutions in 1 country.

Sheau-Chung TangDepartment of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan. s6160051@gms.tcu.edu.tw.
Jen-Hung YangDepartment of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan. jh.med.edu@gms.tcu.edu.tw.
Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital · TWTzu Chi University · TW

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

AHAs are organic acids with one hydroxyl group attached to the alpha position of the acid. AHAs including glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, and citric acid are often used extensively in cosmetic formulations. AHAs have been used as superficial peeling agents as well as to ameliorate the appearance of keratoses and acne in dermatology. However, caution should be exercised in relation to certain adverse reactions among patients using products with AHAs, including swelling, burning, and pruritus. Whether AHAs enhance or decrease photo damage of the skin remains unclear, compelling us to ask the question, is AHA a friend or a foe of the skin? The aim of this manuscript is to review the various biological effects and mechanisms of AHAs on human keratinocytes and in an animal model. We conclude that whether AHA is a friend or foe of human skin depends on its concentration. These mechanisms of AHAs are currently well understood, aiding the development of novel approaches for the prevention of UV-induced skin damage.

Indexed as

Acne VulgarisAnimalsCosmeticsHumansHydroxy AcidsKeratinocytesMolecular StructureSignal TransductionCosmeticsHydroxy Acidsalpha-hydroxy acidsapoptosisglycolic acidkeratinocyteUVB

Identifiers

PMID29642579
PMCPMC6017965
OpenAlexW2797543380

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.