Simple and inexpensive, combining microneedling with chemical peels is an excellent treatment for acne scars. Evaluate the efficacy and safety of combining microneedling with a 35% glycolic acid (GA) peel vs. a 15% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel to treat facial atrophic acne scars. Around 40 people with acne scars were randomly split into 2 groups of 20.
The first group of patients got microneedling followed by a 35% GA peel every 2 weeks, while the second group underwent microneedling followed by a 15% TCA peel every 2 weeks. Acne scar improvement was measured with a visual analog scale (VAS), a physician’s global assessment, and the qualitative and quantitative global grading systems developed by Goodman and Baron. In addition, the VAS was used to evaluate the skin’s texture.
Quantitative and qualitative assessments of acne scarring within groups revealed substantial differences from the start. After treatment, there was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of quantitative and qualitative acne scar grading. However, more patients in Group 1 rated their response as outstanding or good on the VAS than in Group 2, suggesting that Group 1 saw a bigger improvement in skin texture. Each combination was as effective as the other in reducing the appearance of acne scars. The skin’s texture was also enhanced after using a glycolic acid peel.
