Study to compare the efficacy of 50% glycolic acid with 65% trichloroacetic acid in the treatment of atrophic acne scar by CROSS technique

This study compared the efficacy of 50% glycolic acid (GA) and 65% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) in treating atrophic acne scars using the CROSS technique in an Indian population. Conducted on patients aged 16-45 years, the study assessed scar improvement over 35 days using both patient and physician evaluations. Results indicated that 65% TCA showed better improvement in acne scars but was associated with more adverse effects, such as acneiform eruptions. In contrast, 50% GA provided acceptable results with fewer side effects, suggesting it could be a safer alternative to TCA. The study highlights the potential for further research on different GA concentrations as a CROSS agent.