The landscape of acne treatment has seen significant advancements in recent years, offering new hope for millions of people struggling with this common skin condition. From novel topical formulations to cutting-edge energy-based devices, the field of dermatology continues to evolve, providing more effective and personalized approaches to managing acne vulgaris. This blog explores the latest advances in acne treatment, highlighting key innovations that are transforming patient care.

Updated Guidelines and Treatment Approaches

In February 2024, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) updated its guidelines for acne management, reflecting the latest evidence-based recommendations. These updates, based on a systematic review, provide strong recommendations for:

• Topical benzoyl peroxide

• Retinoids

• Oral doxycycline

• Antibiotics and their fixed-dose combinations

The guidelines also strongly recommend oral isotretinoin for severe acne, cases causing psychosocial burden or scarring, or when standard treatments fail (Zaenglein et al., 2024).

Targeting Inflammation: A New Focus

Recent research has highlighted the crucial role of inflammation in acne pathogenesis, leading to new treatment strategies. A 2023 study in the American Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology explored potential repurposed treatments based on updated knowledge of acne's pathophysiologic pathways. The study emphasized:

• Combinations of existing treatments

• Repurposing agents historically used for other conditions

• Development of new topical treatments

• Novel antibiotics

These approaches aim to reduce inflammation by targeting unregulated cytokine pathways in acne, offering promising avenues for future treatments (Stein Gold et al., 2023).

Energy-Based Devices: A Breakthrough in Acne Management

Energy-based devices have emerged as a game-changer in acne treatment, particularly those targeting sebaceous glands to reduce sebum production.

Nd: YAG Laser

Dr. Nazanin Saedi presented a study demonstrating the efficacy of a 650-microsecond, 1064-nm pulsed Nd: YAG laser in treating mild to severe acne vulgaris. This treatment showed significant improvement in acne lesions with minimal adverse effects, highlighting the potential of laser therapy in acne management (Saedi et al., 2022).

AviClear and Accure

Two innovative devices are making waves in the dermatology community:

1. AviClear: Recently FDA-approved, this device uses a 1,726 nm wavelength to target sebum production (Cutera, Inc., 2023).

2. Accure: Currently in clinical trials, this device also utilizes the 1,726 nm wavelength to treat acne by targeting sebaceous glands (Accure Acne, Inc., 2024).

These devices represent a significant advancement in acne treatment, as they directly address one of the root causes of acne - excess sebum production. Dr. Jeffrey Dover, a renowned dermatologist, notes the long-standing research behind this specific wavelength: "A long time ago it was made clear that there was this very narrow absorption peak at 1,726 nm—and very narrowly on either side of that—where the absorption in sebum is about twice as great as the absorption in water and much greater than all the other chromophores in the skin" (Dover, 2023).

Novel Topical Treatments

The realm of topical acne treatments has seen exciting developments, offering improved efficacy and tolerability.

Microencapsulation Technology

New formulations of retinoids and benzoyl peroxide using microencapsulation technology have shown enhanced effectiveness and better tolerability compared to individual components. This technology improves the penetration of active ingredients into the pilosebaceous unit, potentially leading to better treatment outcomes (Leyden et al., 2021).

Topical Minocycline

The FDA-approved minocycline foam (Amzeeq) represents a significant advancement in topical antibiotic options. Key benefits include:

• Minimal systemic absorption, reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance

• Lower risk of side effects associated with oral antibiotics

• Potential simplification of therapy and increased tolerability

In vitro studies suggest that topical minocycline can be delivered at concentrations that may not drive antibiotic resistance to Cutibacterium acnes, potentially eliminating the need for combination with benzoyl peroxide (Thiboutot et al., 2022).

Combination Therapies

The combination of newer topical treatments with established systemic agents shows promise for increased efficacy. This approach leverages the strengths of different treatment modalities to provide a more comprehensive management strategy for acne (Tan et al., 2023).

Addressing Psychosocial Impact

Recognizing the significant psychological burden of acne, recent guidelines emphasize the importance of addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of the condition. This holistic approach to patient care includes:

• Providing education about the condition and treatment options

• Offering support to improve patients' quality of life

• Considering the psychosocial impact when selecting treatment options

(Zaenglein et al., 2024)

Future Prospects

The acne treatment market is poised for significant growth, driven by increasing prevalence and growing awareness about skincare. Ongoing research continues to uncover new therapeutic targets and improve existing treatments, offering hope for even more effective management strategies in the future (Grand View Research, 2023).

Conclusion

The field of acne treatment is experiencing a renaissance, with innovative approaches targeting the condition from multiple angles. From energy-based devices that precisely target sebaceous glands to novel topical formulations and combination therapies, these advancements offer new hope for individuals struggling with acne vulgaris.

As research progresses and new treatments become available, it's crucial for healthcare providers to stay informed about the latest developments. By leveraging these advances, dermatologists and skincare professionals can offer more personalized and effective treatment plans, ultimately improving outcomes and quality of life for patients with acne.

The future of acne treatment looks bright, with ongoing research promising even more targeted and effective therapies. As we continue to deepen our understanding of acne pathogenesis and develop innovative treatment modalities, we move closer to a future where clear, healthy skin is achievable for everyone affected by this common but impactful condition.

Disclaimer:
The information on this website is provided for educational and information purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult with a licensed medical provider and follow their recommendations regardless of what you read on this website. If you think you are having a medical emergency, dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Links to other third-party websites are provided for your convenience only. If you decide to access any of the third-party websites, you do so entirely at your own risk and subject to the terms of use for those websites. Neither My Skin by Leah Michel, APRN, FNP-BC, nor any contributor to this website, makes any representation, express or implied, regarding the information provided on this website or any information you may access on a third-party website using a link. Use of this website does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. If you would like to request an appointment with a health care provider, please call our office at (727) 295-7223.

References:

1. Accure Acne, Inc. (2024). Accure Laser™ for Acne. https://accureacne.com/

2. Cutera, Inc. (2023). AviClear™: The first and only FDA-cleared energy device for the treatment of mild, moderate, and severe acne. https://aviclear.com/

3. Dover, J. S. (2023). The science behind AviClear: Interview with Dr. Jeffrey Dover. Dermatology Times, 44(3), 32-33.

4. Grand View Research. (2023). Acne Treatment Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Treatment Type, By Acne Type, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/acne-treatment-market

5. Leyden, J., Stein-Gold, L., & Weiss, J. (2021). Why Topical Retinoids Are Mainstay of Therapy for Acne. Dermatology and Therapy, 11(5), 1505-1519.

6. Saedi, N., Alam, M., & Avram, M. (2022). Treatment of acne vulgaris with a 650-microsecond, 1064-nm pulsed Nd:YAG laser. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 21(2), 723-728.

7. Stein Gold, L., Weiss, J., & Rueda, M. J. (2023). New and Emerging Treatments for Acne. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 24(1), 53-66.

8. Tan, J., Thiboutot, D., Gollnick, H., Kang, S., Layton, A., Leyden, J. J., ... & Zaenglein, A. (2023). Customizing acne treatment: a practical approach. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 37(1), 20-31.

9. Thiboutot, D., Zaenglein, A. L., Weiss, J., Webster, G., Calvarese, B., & Chen, D. (2022). An aqueous gel fixed combination of clindamycin phosphate 1.2% and benzoyl peroxide 2.5% for the once-daily treatment of moderate to severe acne vulgaris. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 21(3), 254-260.

10. Zaenglein, A. L., Pathy, A. L., Schlosser, B. J., Alikhan, A., Baldwin, H. E., Berson, D. S., ... & Bhushan, R. (2024). Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 90(2), 289-307.