Aesthetic treatments should never rely on marketing alone. This library shares selected peer-reviewed research related to treatments and skin concerns discussed at Adorn.
Research links are provided for education and may evaluate devices, formulations, concentrations, or protocols different from those used at Adorn. Published findings do not guarantee individual results or mean that every treatment is appropriate for every client.
Meta-analysis
Microneedling as an Adjuvant to Topical Therapies for Melasma
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
A systematic review and meta-analysis exploring microneedling as an add-on to topical therapies for melasma.
View on PubMedSystematic Review
Microneedling and Its Use in Hair Loss Disorders
2022
This review evaluated 22 clinical studies involving more than 1,100 participants. The authors found encouraging results but noted substantial variation among treatment protocols and relatively low overall evidence quality.
View on PubMedReview
SkinCeuticals Smart TCA Peel — Product Information
SkinCeuticals
Manufacturer product information for the SkinCeuticals Smart TCA Peel (15% TCA + 3% glycolic acid), including intended uses and average downtime. Provided for reference; not a peer-reviewed study.
View ResearchReview
Microneedling: A Review and Practical Guide
Alster TS, Graham PM · Dermatol Surg · 2018
A review of the published medical literature on microneedling in dermatology, outlining how controlled micro-injury may support improvement in scars, stretch marks, and fine lines, with a practical guide to technique and recovery. Individual results vary.
View on PubMedMeta-analysis
Combined Microneedling and Minoxidil in Androgenetic Alopecia
This analysis found improvement in hair-count outcomes when microneedling was combined with minoxidil compared with minoxidil alone across the included trials, although study protocols varied considerably.
View ResearchSystematic Review
Microneedling with Cutaneous Delivery of Topical Agents for Melasma
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology
A systematic review of microneedling used to enhance cutaneous delivery of topical agents for melasma.
View on PubMedSystematic Review
Trichloroacetic Acid Peeling for Treating Photoaging
A systematic review of TCA chemical peeling for photoaging, supporting the use of TCA peels for sun-damage and aging concerns.
View ResearchSystematic Review
Microneedling as a Treatment for Acne Scarring: A Systematic Review
Mujahid N, Shareef F, Maymone MBC, Vashi NA · Dermatol Surg · 2020
A systematic review of microneedling for acne scarring. The evaluated studies showed improvement in the appearance of acne scars after microneedling, while the authors note more research is needed to compare it with other treatments. Results vary by individual.
View on PubMedClinical Study
15% TCA + 3% Glycolic Acid Chemical Peel for Hand Lentigines
A study evaluating the same 15% TCA + 3% glycolic acid formulation used in the SkinCeuticals Smart TCA Peel for lentigines (sun spots) on the hands. Findings should not be automatically generalized to every facial concern.
View ResearchRandomized Controlled Trial
Microneedling Frequency and 2% Minoxidil in Women with Androgenetic Alopecia
2026
In this newer trial involving women with mild-to-moderate androgenetic alopecia, adding microneedling every two or four weeks did not significantly outperform 2% minoxidil alone over 24 weeks.
View on PubMedMeta-analysis
Efficacy of Microneedle as an Assisted Therapy for Melasma
A systematic review and meta-analysis assessing microneedling as an assisted therapy for melasma.
View on PubMedSystematic Review
A Systematic Review Examining the Potential Adverse Effects of Microneedling
Gowda A, Healey B, Ezaldein H, Merati M · J Clin Aesthet Dermatol · 2021
A systematic review of possible adverse effects of microneedling across 51 studies. The authors conclude microneedling is relatively safe with mostly expected, temporary effects such as redness, and encourage informed decision-making to reduce avoidable complications.
View on PubMedGuideline
Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris
Reynolds RVS, Yeung H, Cheng CE, et al. · J Am Acad Dermatol · 2024
Evidence-based guidelines from the American Academy of Dermatology on managing acne vulgaris. The guideline supports medical therapies and helps distinguish when acne warrants medical rather than aesthetic care. It does not recommend facials as primary medical acne therapy.
View on PubMedReview
Chemical peels in the treatment of acne: patient selection and perspectives
Castillo DE, Keri JE · Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol · 2018
A review of chemical peels as supportive care for acne, covering patient selection, safety, and special considerations for different skin tones. It supports superficial to medium peels as an adjunct within a broader acne plan when appropriate.
View on PubMedClinical Study
A pilot study using reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) in the assessment of a novel formulation for the treatment of melasma
Tsilika K, Levy JL, Kang HY, et al. · J Drugs Dermatol · 2011
A small pilot study using reflectance confocal microscopy to assess a non-hydroquinone depigmenting formulation for melasma, reporting improvement in pigmentation. Pigment conditions require evaluation and ongoing sun protection; individual results vary.
View on PubMedSystematic Review
Chemical Peels for Melasma: A Systematic Review
Sarkar R, Lakhani R · Dermatol Surg · 2024
A systematic review of chemical peels for melasma, concluding that peels were found to be safe and effective as part of melasma management. Melasma can recur and requires ongoing care and sun protection.
View on PubMedSystematic Review
Microneedling and Its Use in Hair Loss Disorders: A Systematic Review
English RS Jr, Ruiz S, DoAmaral P · Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) · 2022
A systematic review of microneedling for hair-loss disorders. The authors note generally favorable results as an adjunct therapy, particularly in pattern hair loss, but highlight that data quality is limited and larger trials are needed. Hair loss has multiple causes.
View on PubMedReview
Microneedling for Hair Loss
Gupta AK, Quinlan EM, Venkataraman M, Bamimore MA · J Cosmet Dermatol · 2022
A review of microneedling for hair loss, including a quantitative analysis suggesting microneedling may support hair count, especially when combined with other therapies. The authors emphasize that more research is needed and that causes of hair loss vary.
View on PubMedReview
An overview of the use of proteolytic enzymes as exfoliating agents
Trevisol TC, Henriques RO, Souza AJA, Furigo A Jr · J Cosmet Dermatol · 2022
An overview of proteolytic enzymes used as exfoliating agents. The authors note that while enzymatic exfoliation has potential, the clinical literature is limited and further study is needed before broad recommendations.
View on PubMedSystematic Review
The Use of Microneedling With Exosomes in Dermatology: A Systematic Review
Dhaliwal NK, Moothathamby T, Sokhal BS, Gkini MA · J Cosmet Dermatol · 2026
A systematic review of microneedling combined with exosomes across several dermatologic conditions. The authors conclude the combination shows promise but that more evidence is needed on safety and effectiveness. There are currently no FDA-approved exosome products.
View on PubMedSystematic Review
The Effectiveness of Polynucleotides in Esthetic Medicine: A Systematic Review
Lampridou S, Bassett S, Cavallini M, Christopoulos G · J Cosmet Dermatol · 2025
A systematic review of polynucleotides in esthetic medicine, reporting promising outcomes for skin texture, wrinkles, and elasticity. The evidence is limited and largely involves injected formulations; results from one delivery method should not be automatically applied to another.
View on PubMedClinical Study
A Mixture of Topical Forms of Polydeoxyribonucleotide, Vitamin C, and Niacinamide Attenuated Skin Pigmentation and Increased Skin Elasticity by Modulating Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-like 2
Kim HM, Byun KA, Oh S, et al. · Molecules · 2022
An animal-model study of a topical mixture of polydeoxyribonucleotide, vitamin C, and niacinamide delivered via a microneedling system, reporting reduced pigmentation and improved elasticity. Findings are preclinical and do not guarantee results in humans.
View on PubMedSafety Communication
FDA Public Safety Notification on Exosome Products
U.S. Food and Drug Administration · FDA
A U.S. FDA public safety notification regarding exosome products. There are currently no FDA-approved exosome products. Exosome cosmetic products are not FDA-approved exosome therapy, stem-cell therapy, or proven regenerative treatments.
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