Atrophic Acne ScarsNCT07797517
Microneedling With Glycolic Acid or Trichloroacetic Acid for Atrophic Acne Scars
A study testing Microneedling only, Microneedling with Glycolic Acid 35% Peel and Microneedling with Trichloroacetic Acid 15% Peel in people with Atrophic Acne Scars and Acne Vulgaris, run by Kafrelsheikh University at 1 site in Egypt.
Trial 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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Atrophic Acne Scars, Acne Vulgaris
- What is being tested?
- Microneedling only, Microneedling with Glycolic Acid 35% Peel and Microneedling with Trichloroacetic Acid 15% Peel
- Type of treatment
- Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 60 participants
- Where
- 1 siteEgypt
- Study dates
- 1 Dec 2024to 1 Jul 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Adults of either sex aged 18 years or older.
- Presence of atrophic acne scars of any type or duration.
- Fitzpatrick skin type I to IV.
Who cannot join
- Active inflammatory acne lesions, skin infection, or a tendency to develop keloids.
- Immunocompromised state, facial cancer, or severely damaged facial skin.
- Known hypersensitivity to glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid.
- Oral isotretinoin use within 6 months before enrollment.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Inability or unwillingness to adhere to study procedures.
- Unrealistic expectations regarding treatment outcomes.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Which Is More Effective: Microneedling With 35% Glycolic Acid Peeling or Microneedling With 15% Trichloroacetic Acid Peeling in the Treatment of Atrophic Acne Scars? A Randomized Controlled Study
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.
Read the detailed description
Atrophic acne scars are a common long-term consequence of acne vulgaris. They may appear as ice-pick, boxcar, or rolling scars and can affect facial appearance and quality of life. Available treatments include microneedling, chemical peeling, laser procedures, dermabrasion, subcision, and other scar-directed interventions. The choice of treatment may depend on scar morphology, skin type, recovery time, cost, and risk of adverse effects.
Microneedling creates controlled microchannels in the skin and may promote dermal remodeling through wound-healing mechanisms, including fibroblast activation and new collagen formation. Glycolic acid is a superficial chemical peeling agent that promotes epidermal exfoliation and remodeling. Trichloroacetic acid produces controlled protein coagulation and a wound-healing response. Combining microneedling with chemical peeling may provide complementary effects on atrophic acne scars.
This single-center randomized controlled study was conducted in the Dermatology and Venereology Department at Kafrelsheikh University Hospitals. A total of 60 adults with atrophic acne scars were allocated equally to one of three groups: microneedling followed by 35% glycolic acid peeling, microneedling followed by 15% trichloroacetic acid peeling, or microneedling alone.
Microneedling was performed with a Dermapen device after topical anesthetic application and skin cleansing. In the glycolic acid group, a 35% glycolic acid peel was applied immediately after microneedling and neutralized according to the clinical endpoint and participant tolerance. In the trichloroacetic acid group, a 15% trichloroacetic acid peel was applied immediately after microneedling until an appropriate frosting endpoint was observed. The microneedling-alone group received no chemical peel. Participants received post-procedure instructions that included sun avoidance, sunscreen use, moisturizer as needed, and topical antibiotic use for 3 days.
Standardized facial photographs were obtained before and after treatment and during follow-up. Two dermatologists who were blinded to treatment allocation assessed clinical response by comparing standardized photographs. The study also collected participant-reported satisfaction, procedure-related pain, post-procedure downtime, and treatment-related adverse effects, including prolonged erythema and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
The study evaluates whether microneedling combined with either 35% glycolic acid or 15% trichloroacetic acid can improve atrophic acne-scar severity more than microneedling alone. It also compares the two combination approaches with respect to treatment tolerance, recovery time, participant satisfaction, and safety.
- Conditions
- Atrophic Acne Scars, Acne Vulgaris
- Being tested
- Microneedling only, Microneedling with Glycolic Acid 35% Peel, Microneedling with Trichloroacetic Acid 15% Peel
- Keywords
- Microneedling, Glycolic Acid, Trichloroacetic Acid, Chemical Peel, Dermapen
- Medical subject headings
- Acne Vulgaris
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Microneedling onlyProcedure or surgery
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.
Microneedling with Glycolic Acid 35% PeelProcedure or surgery
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.
Microneedling with Trichloroacetic Acid 15% PeelProcedure or surgery
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.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Microneedling Plus Glycolic Acid 35% | Experimental | Participants receive microneedling followed immediately by a 35% glycolic acid peel for treatment of atrophic acne scars. Receives: Procedure: Microneedling with Glycolic Acid 35% Peel |
| Microneedling Plus Trichloroacetic Acid 15% | Experimental | Participants receive microneedling followed immediately by a 15% trichloroacetic acid peel for treatment of atrophic acne scars. Receives: Procedure: Microneedling with Trichloroacetic Acid 15% Peel |
| Microneedling Alone | Active comparator | Participants receive microneedling alone for treatment of atrophic acne scars, without a post-procedure chemical peel. Receives: Procedure: Microneedling only |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Clinical Improvement in Atrophic Acne Scar Severity Using the Goodman and Baron Qualitative Global Acne Scar Grading System
Clinical response is assessed by comparing standardized facial photographs obtained at baseline and 1 month after the last treatment session. Two dermatologists blinded to treatment allocation evaluate scar severity using the Goodman and Baron qualitative global acne scar grading system. Excellent response is defined as a reduction of two scar grades, good response as a reduction of one scar grade, and poor response as no reduction in scar grade.
Measured: Baseline to 1 month after the last treatment session
Secondary outcomes (4)
Participant Satisfaction With Treatment
Participant satisfaction is assessed 1 month after the last treatment session and categorized as not satisfied, satisfied, or markedly satisfied.
Measured: 1 month after the last treatment session
Treatment-Related Adverse Effects
Treatment-related adverse effects are assessed at each treatment session and follow-up. Recorded adverse effects include prolonged erythema or irritation, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, herpes simplex flare-up, scarring, and keloid formation.
Measured: At each treatment session through 1 month after the last treatment session
Procedure-Related Pain Severity
Participants rate pain experienced after each treatment session. Pain severity is categorized as mild, moderate, or severe.
Measured: Immediately after each treatment session within up to 30 minutes
Post-Procedure Downtime
Post-procedure downtime is recorded as the number of days required for recovery after each treatment session.
Measured: After each treatment session up to 2 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted1 Sep 2026
- Study start1 Dec 2024
- Primary completion1 Apr 2026
- Study completion1 Jul 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Atrophic Acne ScarsStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Kafrelsheikh UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Kafrelsheikh University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Noura Abdelmoneim Mohammed Elseessy, Kafrelsheikh University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07797517
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- KFSIRB200-456
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 27 Aug 2026
- Last updated
- 1 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 1 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Which Is More Effective: Microneedling With 35% Glycolic Acid Peeling or Microneedling With 15% Trichloroacetic Acid Peeling in the Treatment of Atrophic Acne Scars? A Randomized Controlled Study
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07797517
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- KFSIRB200-456
- Conditions
- Atrophic Acne Scars, Acne Vulgaris
- Keywords
- Microneedling, Glycolic Acid, Trichloroacetic Acid, Chemical Peel, Dermapen
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Kafrelsheikh UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Dec 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 1 Jul 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 1 Sep 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Detailed description
Atrophic acne scars are a common long-term consequence of acne vulgaris. They may appear as ice-pick, boxcar, or rolling scars and can affect facial appearance and quality of life. Available treatments include microneedling, chemical peeling, laser procedures, dermabrasion, subcision, and other scar-directed interventions. The choice of treatment may depend on scar morphology, skin type, recovery time, cost, and risk of adverse effects.
Microneedling creates controlled microchannels in the skin and may promote dermal remodeling through wound-healing mechanisms, including fibroblast activation and new collagen formation. Glycolic acid is a superficial chemical peeling agent that promotes epidermal exfoliation and remodeling. Trichloroacetic acid produces controlled protein coagulation and a wound-healing response. Combining microneedling with chemical peeling may provide complementary effects on atrophic acne scars.
This single-center randomized controlled study was conducted in the Dermatology and Venereology Department at Kafrelsheikh University Hospitals. A total of 60 adults with atrophic acne scars were allocated equally to one of three groups: microneedling followed by 35% glycolic acid peeling, microneedling followed by 15% trichloroacetic acid peeling, or microneedling alone.
Microneedling was performed with a Dermapen device after topical anesthetic application and skin cleansing. In the glycolic acid group, a 35% glycolic acid peel was applied immediately after microneedling and neutralized according to the clinical endpoint and participant tolerance. In the trichloroacetic acid group, a 15% trichloroacetic acid peel was applied immediately after microneedling until an appropriate frosting endpoint was observed. The microneedling-alone group received no chemical peel. Participants received post-procedure instructions that included sun avoidance, sunscreen use, moisturizer as needed, and topical antibiotic use for 3 days.
Standardized facial photographs were obtained before and after treatment and during follow-up. Two dermatologists who were blinded to treatment allocation assessed clinical response by comparing standardized photographs. The study also collected participant-reported satisfaction, procedure-related pain, post-procedure downtime, and treatment-related adverse effects, including prolonged erythema and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
The study evaluates whether microneedling combined with either 35% glycolic acid or 15% trichloroacetic acid can improve atrophic acne-scar severity more than microneedling alone. It also compares the two combination approaches with respect to treatment tolerance, recovery time, participant satisfaction, and safety.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Microneedling Plus Glycolic Acid 35% | Experimental | Procedure: Microneedling with Glycolic Acid 35% PeelParticipants receive microneedling followed immediately by a 35% glycolic acid peel for treatment of atrophic acne scars. |
| Microneedling Plus Trichloroacetic Acid 15% | Experimental | Procedure: Microneedling with Trichloroacetic Acid 15% PeelParticipants receive microneedling followed immediately by a 15% trichloroacetic acid peel for treatment of atrophic acne scars. |
| Microneedling Alone | Active comparator | Procedure: Microneedling onlyParticipants receive microneedling alone for treatment of atrophic acne scars, without a post-procedure chemical peel. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Adults of either sex aged 18 years or older.
- Presence of atrophic acne scars of any type or duration.
- Fitzpatrick skin type I to IV.
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Active inflammatory acne lesions, skin infection, or a tendency to develop keloids.
- Immunocompromised state, facial cancer, or severely damaged facial skin.
- Known hypersensitivity to glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid.
- Oral isotretinoin use within 6 months before enrollment.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Microneedling onlyMicroneedling 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 or surgery | Microneedling Alone |
| Microneedling with Glycolic Acid 35% PeelA 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 or surgery | Microneedling Plus Glycolic Acid 35% |
| Microneedling with Trichloroacetic Acid 15% PeelA 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. | Procedure or surgery | Microneedling Plus Trichloroacetic Acid 15% |
Primary outcome
Clinical Improvement in Atrophic Acne Scar Severity Using the Goodman and Baron Qualitative Global Acne Scar Grading System
Time frame: Baseline to 1 month after the last treatment session
Clinical response is assessed by comparing standardized facial photographs obtained at baseline and 1 month after the last treatment session. Two dermatologists blinded to treatment allocation evaluate scar severity using the Goodman and Baron qualitative global acne scar grading system. Excellent response is defined as a reduction of two scar grades, good response as a reduction of one scar grade, and poor response as no reduction in scar grade.
4 secondary outcomes
Participant Satisfaction With Treatment
Time frame: 1 month after the last treatment session
Treatment-Related Adverse Effects
Time frame: At each treatment session through 1 month after the last treatment session
Procedure-Related Pain Severity
Time frame: Immediately after each treatment session within up to 30 minutes
Post-Procedure Downtime
Time frame: After each treatment session up to 2 weeks
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 1 Sep 2026.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Microneedling only, Microneedling with Glycolic Acid 35% Peel and Microneedling with Trichloroacetic Acid 15% Peel in people with Atrophic Acne Scars and Acne Vulgaris, run by Kafrelsheikh University at 1 site in Egypt.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 1 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Egypt. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Clinical Improvement in Atrophic Acne Scar Severity Using the Goodman and Baron Qualitative Global Acne Scar Grading System (time frame: Baseline to 1 month after the last treatment session). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 1 Sep 2026.