Evaluation of Combined Chemical Peeling and Microneedling Protocols in the Treatment of Acne-Prone Skin: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Acne vulgaris is a prevalent dermatological disorder characterized by excessive sebum production, impaired skin hydration, enlarged pores, and persistent lesions. Chemical peeling is a well-established procedure in cosmetic dermatology, while microneedling has emerged as a promising minimally invasive procedure; however, evidence on their combined use remains limited. This pilot study aimed to compare the efficacy of chemical peeling, combined chemical peeling with microneedling, and a classic cosmetic protocol in patients with mild to moderate acne. Fifteen participants aged 18–45 years were divided into three groups according to the treatment protocol. Groups 1 (chemical peeling) and 3 (classic cosmetic care) each received four sessions at two-week intervals, whereas Group 2 (combined peeling with microneedling) completed seven sessions. Sebum levels, hydration, pore counts, and acne lesions were assessed using digital skin analysis and evaluated statistically by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s HSD test (p < 0.05). Chemical peeling reduced sebum secretion (−17–18%) and acne lesions (−14%) and increased hydration (+22%), although pore counts increased (+8–18%). The combined protocol achieved the most pronounced seboregulation (−23–25%) and lesion reduction (−22%) with pore reduction (−7%), but hydration decreased (−14–19%). The classic treatment produced only modest effects, mainly a slight decrease in sebum (−10%) and lesions (−8%), accompanied by dehydration (−23–26%) and increased pore counts (+14–16%). These findings indicate the efficacy of chemical peeling and its enhancement through combination with microneedling, emphasizing the need for individualized cosmetic strategies and further validation in larger controlled trials.