The 2026 split-face trial in adults with moderate-to-severe atrophic acne scars found faster healing and lower redness and pigmentation on the CE Ferulic side after ablative fractional CO2 laser. Atrophic scars are depressed scars from collagen loss, and pigment safety here means less erythema-linked darkening during the 14-day recovery window. The briefing matters for people considering ablative resurfacing for pitted scars. It compares healing, moisture retention, redness, and early pigment signals side by side on the same face.
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 the trial studied
- How the treated side recovered
- What pigment results mean for darker skin
- What to discuss before laser
Who the trial studied
The U.S. National Library of Medicine PubMed trial record states that 64 adults aged 18-50 received CE Ferulic on one cheek area and saline on the other for 14 days after laser PubMed trial record. The design was investigator-blinded and split-face, so each participant served as their own comparison. Ablative fractional CO2 laser removes tiny columns of skin to trigger remodeling.
U.S. National Library of Medicine PubMed describes it as effective for atrophic scars but commonly causing erythema, dyspigmentation, and prolonged recovery. The trial therefore tested recovery support, not laser versus no laser. Both sides received the same laser injury and differed only in aftercare liquid.
How the treated side recovered
The Wiley Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology reported better wound-healing and scab-detachment outcomes on the CE Ferulic side during the 14-day window. Faster crust separation and wound closure are practical markers because they shorten the open-wound period. ConsultantLive reporting Shi et al. notes significantly lower erythema index and melanin index on the antioxidant side at days 3, 7, and 14, all with p less than .0001 ConsultantLive report on the trial.
The same ConsultantLive report notes higher skin hydration and lower transepidermal water loss by day 14, with p equal to .0367 and .0246. Higher hydration with lower water loss points to better-preserved barrier function. For readers, the pattern is consistent across signs. The treated side looked less red, measured less pigment signal, and held water better at two weeks.
What pigment results mean for darker skin
Pigment risk after ablative resurfacing remains material, especially for darker skin. Springer Dermatology and Therapy context cites post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation of 50-92 percent with fractional ablative CO2 versus about 4 percent with microneedle radiofrequency in cited reviews Springer context on pigment risk. That contrast explains why a lower melanin index after laser draws attention.
Less early pigment signal may mean lower risk of lasting dark spots, although the trial did not prove lasting prevention. Medical Dialogues summary of the design stresses the limits of a short 14-day Chinese single-center study with saline control. Long-term scar remodeling, durable pigment prevention, and results across ancestries and skin types remain unproven.
What to discuss before laser
The Wiley conclusion archived on PMC states that CE Ferulic promoted repair and may help prevent hyperpigmentation compared with saline PMC archive of the Wiley trial. That finding supports clinic-supervised aftercare planning rather than home experimentation on lasered skin.
Readers considering ablative CO2 can bring a short checklist to the visit: Bring photos of prior dark marks after pimples, burns, or procedures. A history of prolonged brown marks helps the dermatologist weigh ablative CO2 against less pigment-prone options.
- Ask what 14-day barrier-supportive aftercare the clinic uses after ablative laser.
- Ask about strict sun protection, expected redness duration, and pigment monitoring.
- Ask whether any antioxidant or active should touch open or newly closed laser wounds.
- Do not self-start antioxidant serums on open laser wounds.
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