Combination Therapy Proves Effective in Treating Acne and Scars

A recent study published in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine has unveiled a promising treatment option for individuals dealing with acne and its often-persistent aftermath of scars. Researchers have discovered that combining the 1927nm fractional thulium fiber laser (TFL) with 30% supramolecular salicylic acid (SSA) chemical peels significantly improves both acne and acne scars.

The study aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness and safety of 2 treatment approaches: TFL monotherapy and the concurrent use of TFL and 30% SSA on acne and acne scars.

The study included 33 patients with acne and acne scars. Each patient's face was divided into 2 sides, with 1 side randomly assigned to receive TFL and SSA chemical peeling, and the other side receiving TFL alone. Both sides underwent 4 sessions of TFL treatments at 4-week intervals. However, the SSA combined treatment side also received 8 SSA chemical peels at 2-week intervals.

The researchers assessed various parameters, including the Global Acne Grading System (GAGS), Echelle d'évaluation clinique des cicatrices d'acné (ECCA) score, the number of acne lesions, melanin index (MI), erythema index (EI), transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and side effects at multiple time points throughout the study.

Both the control group (TFL monotherapy) and the SSA group (TFL combined with SSA chemical peeling) showed significant improvements in GAGS and ECCA scores. However, the SSA group exhibited higher efficacy in terms of GAGS and ECCA scores, acne lesion count, TEWL, MI, EI, and patient satisfaction compared to the control group. Importantly, all observed side effects were temporary and well-tolerated, with no adverse effects reported.

“Both TFL and the TFL combined with 30% SSA chemical peeling are safe and effective for the treatment and prevention of acne and acne scars, though the combined group has higher efficacy,” concluded the study authors.

Reference
Huang SL, Ye D, Xue H, et al. 1927nm fractional thulium fiber laser combined with 30% salicylic acid for the treatment of acne and acne scars: a prospective, randomized, and split-face study. Published online July 16, 2023. Lasers Surg Med. doi:10.1002/lsm.23708