Background: Atrophic acne scars, resulting from severe or prolonged acne vulgaris, pose significant cosmetic and psychological challenges. Conventional treatments, including microneedling radiofrequency (MNRF), have demonstrated efficacy in improving scar appearance through collagen remodeling. Emerging evidence suggests that the adjunctive use of topical insulin, known for its wound-healing properties, may enhance the therapeutic outcomes of MNRF in the treatment of atrophic acne scars. This review critically evaluates the current evidence on the effectiveness of MNRF combined with topical insulin versus MNRF alone in the management of atrophic acne scars.
Methods: This narrative review synthesized evidence from key studies and clinical guidelines to evaluate the comparative roles of microneedling radiofrequency (MFR) with and without topical insulin in the management of atrophic acne scars. Relevant articles were selected based on their impact on clinical practice and advancements in dermatological therapies, with a focus on publications from the last decade that provided insights into the efficacy and safety of these treatment modalities.
Conclusion: Current evidence on the combination of MFR and topical insulin for atrophic acne scars is limited. While MFR alone has demonstrated efficacy, the potential synergistic effects of adding topical insulin require further investigation.