Acne Scar Management: Minoxidil as a Promising Approach or a Mirage?

September 2023 in “ International journal of biomedicine ”

Ramadan Hussein, Salman Dayel

minoxidil atrophic scars hypertrophic scars collagen accumulation fibrosis lysyl hydroxylases fibroblast proliferation fibroblast migration Rogaine

TLDR Minoxidil might help treat acne scars by reducing collagen buildup.

Minoxidil, commonly used for hypertension and hair loss, is being explored for its potential in treating atrophic and hypertrophic scars, such as those from acne. The review highlights minoxidil's antifibrotic properties, which include reducing collagen accumulation and fibrosis by inhibiting lysyl hydroxylases (LHs). These enzymes are crucial for collagen stability. Although direct studies on minoxidil's efficacy for acne scars are lacking, its inhibitory effects on fibroblast proliferation and migration in vitro and some in vivo studies suggest it could be a promising treatment for scar management.

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