GLASS LAB · Medical Aesthetics Evidence Index 303 cells · 19,226 papers · 5,969 top-tier evidence

Acne / Scar / Texture · Active inflammatory acne

Ionzyme iontophoresis sonophoresis evidence for Active inflammatory acne

C 38.5 / 100 Supported 2 RCT/meta · 2 clinical/observational · 4 case · 18 total
Early-stage evidence

This is an early evidence stage based mainly on observational studies and case reports. Use it as supplementary reference, and follow your doctor's judgment for treatment decisions.

Grade combines the quantity and quality of the research, while direction is a separate signal showing how the papers assess effectiveness.

Median year 2017 Last 5 years 39% Positive results 50% Korea/Asia 2

Known in Korea as

이온자임

Procedure and brand names vary, but the evidence above applies to the same procedure mechanism.

Key papers

tier1 Effect of CO2 Fractional Laser PreTreatment in Photothermal Therapy Using Ethosome Gold Nanoparticles: A Preliminary Study. Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2025 · PMID 40654089

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: The selective photothermolysis of sebaceous follicles with topically applied gold nanoparticles, followed by light exposure, shows good efficacy for acne treatment. Methods such as sonophoresis or CO2 fractional laser can help to deliver gold nanoparticles efficiently. Additionally, ethosomes are introduced to enhance the skin penetration of gold nanoparticles.

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier1 Lowering lesional surface pH in acne: a new treatment modality for Herpifix. The Journal of dermatological treatment · 2009 · PMID 18618363

Abstract summary (English) The acid skin surface pH has antimicrobial activities. Increased growth of Propionibacterium acnes contributes to the pathogenesis of acne. Therefore, the pH of inflammatory acne lesions was determined prior to and after lesional acidification employing Herpifix (Courage + Khazaka, Cologne, Germany), a microphoretic system.

Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier2 [Effect of topical retinoid therapy on seborrhea using iontophoresis]. Medicinski arhiv · 2003 · PMID 15022582

Abstract summary (English) Increased sebum production is one of causes of Acne. This is under androgen control. Acne subjects have significantly greater sebum production than subjects without Acne and this relates to Acne's severity.

Clinical Trial, Controlled Clinical Trial, English Abstract, Journal Article

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tier2 New treatment of atrophic acne scars by iontophoresis with estriol and tretinoin. International journal of dermatology · 1995 · PMID 7896490

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Common treatment of atrophic acne scars consists of invasive methods such as dermabrasion, chemopeeling, or implantation of bovine collagen. In our study a new noninvasive treatment method consisting of local iontophoresis is demonstrated. Local iontophoresis was performed with either estriol--a mainly topically active estrogen--or with tretinoin.

Clinical Trial, Controlled Clinical Trial, Journal Article

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tier0_review Topical management of acne scars: The uncharted terrain. Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2023 · PMID 36606377

Abstract summary (English) INTRODUCTION: Scarring is a common but difficult to manage consequence of acne vulgaris. The intricate balance between the degradation of collagen and its inhibition is disturbed during the formation of acne scars. We mostly rely on invasive, non-topical modalities for the treatment of acne scars which may not be indicated in all patients.

Journal Article, Review

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tier0_review Iontophoresis in dermal delivery: A review of applications in dermato-cosmetic and aesthetic sciences. International journal of cosmetic science · 2023 · PMID 36326063

Abstract summary (English) OBJECTIVE: Iontophoresis is defined as the use of electric current to drive molecules across cell membranes through an electrolyte solution. In therapeutic context, it is used to facilitate the administration of bioactive substances, either systemically or locally. The technique presents various advantages and that is why it has been successfully used by a plethora of medical sciences.

Journal Article, Review

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tier0_review Selected Disorders of Skin Appendages--Acne, Alopecia, Hyperhidrosis. The Medical clinics of North America · 2015 · PMID 26476248

Abstract summary (English) This article reviewed some of the more common diseases of the skin appendages that are encountered in medicine: hyperhidrosis, acne, AA, FPHL, AGA, and TE. The pathophysiology behind the conditions and their treatments were discussed so that the clinician can make logical therapeutic choices for their affected patients.

Journal Article, Review

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tier3 Targeted Acne Therapy Using Light-Absorbing Gold Microparticles Combined With Long-Pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG Laser: Case Series. Cureus · 2025 · PMID 41523407

Abstract summary (English) Acne vulgaris is a prevalent dermatological disorder associated with inflammation and sebaceous gland hyperactivity. Conventional therapies, including topical and systemic agents, are limited by side effects, antimicrobial resistance, and frequent relapse. Light-absorbing gold microparticles activated by long-pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser therapy represent a novel, non-invasive approach targeting sebaceous glands.

Case Reports, Journal Article

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tier3 Studying the efficacy of a new radical treatment for acne vulgaris using a surgical technique. The Journal of dermatological treatment · 2019 · PMID 30706730

Abstract summary (English) Background: Despite the numerous treatments available for acne vulgaris, not all are efficacious, and many patients experience psychological distress and various side effects from medications used to treat this condition. The objective of this study was to develop a new surgical technique for the treatment of acne. Methods: This surgical technique utilizes tweezers to widen the hair follicle to...

Case Reports, Journal Article

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tier_other Microchanneling and ultrasonic delivery of gold and platinum nanoparticles for selective photothermolysis of sebaceous follicles in the treatment of acne: a pilot study using porcine skin. Lasers in medical science · 2024 · PMID 38954141

Abstract summary (English) PURPOSE: Several treatment options for acne vulgaris are limited by their associated adverse effects. An innovative approach involves introducing light-absorbing nanoparticles into sebaceous follicles before destroying the follicles using selective photothermolysis. We aimed to investigate efficient methods for introducing gold and platinum nanoparticles into sebaceous follicles and to identify suitable laser...

Journal Article

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Suggested interpretation

Limited evidence

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