For patients with atrophic postacne scars, microneedling combined with topical insulin or vitamin C achieves comparable significant improvement, according to a study published online Feb. 12 in Dermatologic Therapy .

Mohamed Ali Mahmoud Abbas, from Al-Azhar University in Cairo, and colleagues assessed microneedling by dermapen with topical vitamin C versus microneedling with topical insulin for treatment of atrophic postacne scars in a split-face comparative study involving 30 individuals. Human insulin was topically applied to the left side of the face, and vitamin C serum was applied to the right side.

The researchers observed a statistically significant mean improvement in the Acne Scar Assessment Scale (ASAS) value on both sides of the face (2.13 and 1.83) after one month of four treatments compared with baseline (3.03 and 2.93). The mean ASAS value improved significantly when compared with baseline, with slightly more improvement noted on the vitamin C-treated side. Patient satisfaction was significantly higher with vitamin C versus insulin treatment. There were no reports of serious adverse events; edema was the most common side effect reported, followed by erythema. The side effects did not differ between the sides.

"Both topical vitamin C and topical insulin combined with microneedling may achieve comparable significant improvement," the authors write. "The good safety profile, easy accessibility, low cost, and noninvasive nature merits the use of both topical medications."