Energy-Based Devices Are Useful in Treating Acne Scars in Skin of Color

According to a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, energy-based devices, such as ablative lasers, nonablative lasers, and radiofrequency microneedling, are beneficial in treating acne scars in skin of color, but further head-to-head or side-by-side studies are needed to evaluate their efficacy and safety.

Researchers aimed to evaluate energy-based devices in the treatment of acne scars in skin of color by reviewing the medical literature. The most significant studies identified from PubMed and relevant bibliographies regarding safety and efficacy of energy-based devices were discussed.

Ablative and nonablative lasers are effective when treating acne scars in ethnic skin. Non-ablative fractional lasers are considered first line for treating acne scars in skin of color because of their favorable safety profile, but they are less efficacious and require more treatments than ablative lasers. A limited number of studies show the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency microneedling, but the results are promising.

“Ablative lasers, nonablative lasers, and radiofrequency microneedling are all useful treatments for acne scarring in ethnic skin when appropriate settings are used,” concluded the study authors. “Further head-to-head studies are needed to evaluate their efficacy and safety in darker skin phototypes V–VI,” they added.

Reference
Teymour S, Kania B, Lal K, Goldberg D. Energy-based devices in the treatment of acne scars in skin of color. J Cosmet Dermatol. Published online ahead of print December 27, 2022. doi:10.1111/jocd.15572