Yes — a 2026 split-face trial found that vitamin C, vitamin E and ferulic acid serum sped early healing after fractional CO2 laser for atrophic acne scars. Atrophic acne scars are depressed pits left where inflammation destroyed collagen. For people with moderate-to-severe pits, the practical meaning is shorter scabbing, less redness and less early darkening. It does not replace laser or prove better long-term scar filling.
Medical information disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a physician or other qualified health professional about symptoms, medications, tests, or treatment decisions.
Table of Contents
- What did the 2026 trial actually test?
- Did skin heal faster?
- What about redness and dark marks?
- What should you ask before trying it?
What did the 2026 trial actually test?
Shi, Xu and Zhang ran a randomized, investigator-blinded, split-face trial in adults aged 18–50 with moderate-to-severe atrophic scars, according to the PubMed trial listing. One cheek received CE Ferulic immediately after ablative fractional CO2 laser, while the other cheek received normal saline.
Treatment continued for 14 days after the laser procedure. The formula combines 15% pure vitamin C, 1% vitamin E and 0.5% ferulic acid, which SkinCeuticals describes as neutralizing free radicals and supporting collagen.
Did skin heal faster?
Yes, scabs cleared sooner on the antioxidant side. Complete scab detachment by Day 7 occurred on 60.9% of serum-treated sides versus 34.4% of saline-treated sides, HCPLive reports in its trial summary.
Barrier recovery also looked better. On Day 14 the serum side retained more moisture and had lower transepidermal water loss than saline, according to Medical Dialogues in its dermatology coverage. Less water loss means the outer barrier stayed more intact during healing.
What about redness and dark marks?
Redness scores were lower on the serum side at Days 3, 7 and 14. Melanin scores were also lower at the same visits, suggesting less post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
That matters because fractional CO2 works by creating microscopic thermal wounds that stimulate new collagen, but pigment changes remain a concern. The risk is higher in darker skin types, where even brief inflammation can leave lasting marks.
What should you ask before trying it?
The comparison was serum versus saline, not versus standard post-laser care such as petrolatum, sunscreen or prescribed repair creams. Follow-up was short, and PubMed Central notes funding by L'Oréal with serum supplied by SkinCeuticals in the full trial text. Bring these questions to your dermatologist:.
- Is fractional CO2 appropriate for my scar type and skin tone?
- What post-laser routine do you use instead of saline?
- How should I layer antioxidant serum with sun protection and moisturizer?
- What signs of infection, worsening pigment or delayed healing should prompt a call?
You Might Also Like
- Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Ferulic Acid After Acne Scar Laser in 2026: What the Trial Means for People With Atrophic Acne Scars
- Pretreatment Pregnancy Testing Under iPLEDGE in 2026: What the FDA Update Means for Parents of Teens With Severe Acne
- Millie Bobby Brown’s iS Clinical Serums: Hydration, Redness, and Acne Treatment Compared