Acne scars are often managed with chemical peels, but a Rutgers study finds that microneedling is significantly more effective for patients with dark skin.

Babar Rao et al randomized 60 patients with acne scars and dark skin -; Fitzpatrick skin phototype IV to VI -; to treatment with either 35% glycolic acid chemical peels or microneedling, both administered every 2 weeks for 12 weeks.

Treatment improved two points or more on the Goodman and Baron Scarring Grading System in 33% of patients who received chemical peels and 73% who underwent microneedling.

This study highlights that in patients whose darker skin precludes stronger chemical peels, which can permanently discolor darker skin, microneedling is the best acne management option. However, in patients with lighter skin, who can use stronger peels without risk of discoloration, chemical peels might still remain the best option for some.

Source: News Medical Lifesciences[Internet].Microneedling more effective than chemical peels for treating acne scars in patients with dark skin. August 19, 2022. Available from:https://www.news-medical.net/news/20220819/Microneedling-more-effective-than-chemical-peels-for-treating-acne-scars-in-patients-with-dark-skin.aspx