The 2026 trial studied adults ages 18–50 with moderate-to-severe atrophic facial acne scars. People whose scars are mainly icepick type were not reported separately. Icepick scars are narrow, deep tracts that look like small punctures. The tested serum combined vitamin C, vitamin E and ferulic acid after ablative fractional CO2 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
- Who qualified for the trial?
- How was the serum used after laser?
- What changed on serum-treated skin?
- Why don't results cover icepick scars?
- What should you discuss before treatment?
Who qualified for the trial?
Researchers enrolled adults 18–50 with moderate-to-severe atrophic facial scarring between December 2020 and January 2021. The design was a randomized, investigator-blinded, split-face comparison of serum versus saline, according to the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology via PubMed trial record.
The studied group averaged 29.5 years and included only Fitzpatrick skin type IV. L'Oreal funded the trial and SkinCeuticals supplied the serum. Results covered atrophic scars overall, with no icepick-only analysis, according to the full text on PubMed Central full trial text.
How was the serum used after laser?
Treated facial halves received CE Ferulic serum twice daily plus moisturizer and SPF 50. Opposite halves received normal saline after the same fractional CO2 exposure, according to the Archyde summary of the regimen.
Both sides had the same laser exposure, so differences reflected aftercare. Daily sunscreen and moisturizer were part of serum-side care.
What changed on serum-treated skin?
Serum-treated sides showed lower redness and pigment readings at days 3, 7 and 14. Hydration was better and water loss was lower by day 14, according to the ConsultantLive report ConsultantLive report.
Less redness plus stronger moisture retention points to smoother wound recovery. The benefit appeared early and persisted through the two-week check.
Why don't results cover icepick scars?
Icepick scars are narrow, deep tracts that reach farther below the surface. Fractional CO2 alone smooths less effectively inside these tight shafts.
Reviews recommend punch excision or chemical reconstruction such as TCA CROSS for icepick type, according to Dermatology Times scar-type guidance. Scar shape drives method choice more than redness or healing speed.
What should you discuss before treatment?
If icepick scars dominate, serum-plus-laser alone lacks direct proof. Ask a dermatologist about pairing laser with a method that reaches the tract base. Bring close-up photos in direct light and ask which scars the plan targets first.
- Which scars are icepick versus boxcar or rolling
- Whether punch excision or TCA CROSS fits your tracts
- How aftercare changes if methods are combined
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