Antioxidant serum after fractional CO2 aided early healing in a January 2026 acne-scar trial, not proven lasting scar removal. People with rolling scars avoid overreading by treating the headline as wound recovery, not smooth skin for good.
Fractional CO2 creates tiny treated zones that spur firmer repair. Rolling scars are broad, shallow dips that leave a wavy look. The tested aftercare mixed vitamin C, vitamin E and ferulic acid for use right after the laser.
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 the January trial tested
- Healing measures are not scar removal
- Why rolling scars read differently
- What to ask before you book
What the January trial tested
Shi, Xu and Zhang ran a January 2026 randomized, investigator-blinded, split-face trial in China for atrophic scars. The January trial report from the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology via Wiley pits that vitamin mix against saline after ablative fractional CO2.
Atrophic means indented. That group includes rolling scars, plus boxcar, pitted and icepick types. A split-face design lets each person serve as their own comparison.
Healing measures are not scar removal
The main healing marker was scabbing status at day 7. Secondary checks tracked redness, pigment, water loss and hydration, according to the ConsultantLive/HCPLive summary of the trial.
Faster scab clearing and calmer redness matter for downtime. They do not show that a broad rolling dip stays flatter months later. Readers should separate wound recovery from lasting shape change.
Why rolling scars read differently
Rolling scars form wide, sloping dips because tight bands pull the surface down. A fractional-laser series found rolling and shallow boxcar scars respond best, while pitted and icepick scars respond least, in the 2014 fractional-laser series in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery.
That same series lists short redness for 3-4 days, light crusting for 4-6 days and mild swelling. It notes pigment darkening in 3 cases, so skin tone and sun exposure shape risk.
What to ask before you book
Strict sun care remains central after resurfacing. The MDedge expert analysis from AAD 2018 frames serum as a healing aid to discuss with the clinician, not proof of permanent removal. Book only on untanned skin with a clear aftercare and sun plan.
- Ask whether your dips are mainly rolling, and what result would count as success
- Ask about pigment risk, sun rules, and healing checks in week one
- Ask if the clinic uses the same vitamin mix and timing, or another formula
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