Microneedling is effective in 73% of patients
Lead author Dr. Babar Rao, professor of dermatology and pathology at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Jersey, and his team conducted this study in 60 patients with acne scars and dark skin. Participants were assigned to undergo either treatment with 35% glycolic acid chemical peels or treatment with microneedling, every 2 weeks for 12 weeks.
- The treatment produced an improvement of 2 or more points on the Goodman and Baron scar grading system (Goodman and Baron Scarring Grading System)
- in 33% of patients who received chemical peels;
- in 73% of patients who underwent microneedling.
The results thus confirm that in patients whose darker skin precludes the use of stronger chemical peels, which can permanently discolor darker skin, treatment of acne scars with microneedling is preferred.
“For lighter-skinned patients who can use stronger peels without the risk of discoloration, chemical peels may still be the best option.”
