PROFILE OF ACNE VULGARIS PATIENTS RECEIVING CHEMICAL PEELING THERAPY AT THE DERMATOLOGY AND VENEREOLOGY CENTER OF DR. SOETOMO HOSPITAL, INDONESIA

Background: Acne vulgaris is a common inflammatory skin disorder affecting pilosebaceous follicles, characterized by pleomorphic lesions such as comedones, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. The etiology is multifactorial, involving hormonal imbalance, genetic predisposition, dietary habits, cosmetic use, psychological stress, lifestyle factors, and bacterial colonization by Cutibacterium acnes. Chemical peeling is one of the therapeutic options used to manage acne by improving lesions and skin appearance. 
Purpose: This study aimed to describe the clinical profile of acne vulgaris patients who underwent chemical peeling therapy at the Dermatology and Venereology Outpatient Unit of Dr. Soetomo General Hospital between 2018 and 2023. 
Methods: A descriptive study design was applied using secondary data obtained from medical records of patients who received chemical peeling therapy and had complete documentation. 
Result: Of 96 patients, 87.5% patients were female, age 18–65 years (13.54%). Acne was the main initial complaint (97.92%), and hormonal factors were the most common etiological factor (66.67%). Comedones were the most frequently observed lesions (97.92%), predominantly located on the face (98.96%). The majority of patients were diagnosed with mild acne vulgaris (82.29%). All patients received pre-peeling treatment with tretinoin 0.025–0.05%. Salicylic acid 20% was the most commonly used peeling agent (88.54%), and SPF 30 sunscreen was the most frequently prescribed post-peeling therapy (95.38%). Most patients returned for follow-up, and more than half showed clinical improvement. 
Conclusion: Acne vulgaris patients undergoing chemical peeling were predominantly adult females with mild acne, mainly presenting facial comedonal lesions, and demonstrated favorable outcomes following treatment.