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Microneedling With Glycolic Acid or Trichloroacetic Acid for Atrophic Acne Scars

NCT07797517 · Status: COMPLETED · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 60

Last updated 2026-09-01

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Atrophic acne scars are depressed scars that can remain after acne has healed. Microneedling is a procedure that uses very small needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, which may stimulate collagen production and improve scar appearance. Chemical peels, including glycolic acid and trichloroacetic acid, may also improve acne scars.

This study compares three approaches for treating atrophic acne scars: microneedling followed by a 35% glycolic acid peel, microneedling followed by a 15% trichloroacetic acid peel, and microneedling alone. Sixty adults with atrophic acne scars are randomly assigned to one of the three groups.

Participants receive a series of microneedling treatments at 2-week intervals. The study evaluates changes in scar severity, participant satisfaction, treatment-related pain, recovery time after treatment, and side effects. The findings may help identify whether adding either chemical peel to microneedling provides greater benefit than microneedling alone and whether one combination has a shorter recovery time or fewer side effects.

Conditions

  • Atrophic Acne Scars
  • Acne Vulgaris

Interventions

PROCEDURE

Microneedling only

Microneedling of facial atrophic acne scars was performed using a Dermapen device after topical anesthetic application and skin cleansing. The needle penetration depth was 1.5 mm. Microneedling was performed at 2-week intervals according to the study treatment schedule.

PROCEDURE

Microneedling with Glycolic Acid 35% Peel

A 35% glycolic acid peel was applied immediately after microneedling to the acne-scar areas using a cotton-tipped applicator. The peel was neutralized after approximately 3 to 5 minutes, or earlier if frosting, burning, or irritation occurred.

PROCEDURE

Microneedling with Trichloroacetic Acid 15% Peel

A 15% trichloroacetic acid peel was applied immediately after microneedling to the acne-scar areas using a cotton-tipped applicator until an even white frosting endpoint was observed. Post-peel care included washing the skin with sterile saline.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Kafrelsheikh University

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2024-12-01
Primary Completion
2026-04-01
Completion
2026-07-01

Countries

  • Egypt

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07797517 on ClinicalTrials.gov