2025-10-29 08:55:32
Presenters: Dréno B,1 Lynde CW,2 Angus J,3 Andriessen A,4 Guénin S,5 Barańska-Rybak W6 Ilter N,7 Karolak K,8 Lanssens S,9 Staubach P10
Affiliations: 1Nantes Université, INSERM, CNRS, Immunology and New Concepts in ImmunoTherapy, Nantes, France; 2Medical Director, The Lynde Institute for Dermatology & Lynderm Research Inc, Markam, ON, University of Toronto, Department of Medicine, Toronto, ON, Canada; 3Dermatology Dept North Bristol NHS Trust Bristol UK; 4Radboud UMC, Andriessen Consultants, Malden, The Netherlands; 5Department of Dermatology, Mount Sinai, New York, NY; 6Professor of Dermatology, Medical University of Gdansk, Poland; 7Dermatology, Gazi University Med. School, Dept. of Dermatology, Ankara, Turkey; 8Dermatologist, VieCuri Medical Center, Venlo, The Netherlands; 9Dermatology Maldegem, Belgium; 10Department of Dermatology, Clinical Research, Dermatology University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
Background: Acne is a multifactorial disease with complex pathophysiology. Increasing research has pointed towards the critical role of the epidermal barrier in acne-affected skin. Acne has been associated with skin inflammation, decreased epidermal barrier function, and excess sebum production. Effective acne treatment should include both prescription treatment and complementary skincare regimens. Correct skincare choices for acne are paramount in improving patient outcomes for various acne patient profiles.
Objective: This review offers insights into the evolving understanding of the skin barrier's significance in acne treatment and its relevance in optimizing acne management through skincare for diverse acne patient characteristics.
Methods: A panel of 8 European dermatologists with extensive experience and knowledge in treating acne patients were selected to participate in a panel discussion. Before the discussion, a structured literature review was conducted to ask the question: How is the epidermal barrier function related to acne treatment regimens? The search aimed to evaluate current best practices in acne treatment and address both prescription and non-prescription acne products in a comprehensive acne regimen. Emphasis was placed on skincare as monotherapy, adjunctive and maintenance acne treatment. Expert panel discussion was used to generate expert opinion-based guidelines in considering the best skincare regimens for select patients.
Results: The explorative literature search yielded 118 publications comprising of 11 guideline, algorithm, or consensus papers, 21 clinical studies, 32 systematic reviews, 36 reviews, 5 books, 5 quality of life studies, and 8 epidemiological studies. Based on the literature, clinical experience, and expert opinion, the European panel concluded that effective topical and systemic acne treatment should include recommendations for daily skincare with cleansers and moisturizers while considering various patient characteristics such as age, gender, concomitant inflammatory skin conditions (e.g., atopic dermatitis or rosacea), and sequelae associated with phototypes such as skin sensitivity and post-inflammatory dyschromia for darker phototypes III-VI. Experts agreed that skincare monotherapy can reduce acne lesion counts and maintain clearance in patients with mild acne. In addition, adjunctive skincare may enhance the efficacy and improve tolerability of acne treatment, reduce pigmentary alterations, and improve skin barrier function
Conclusion: Personalized skincare regimens for acne patients may significantly improve adherence and tolerance to treatment and optimize acne patient outcomes.
Funding: Poster supported by educational grant from CeraVe International.
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