Panel IDs Key Skincare Strategies for Adult Acne

New research featuring input from an expert acne panel emphasized the critical importance of skin care in managing adult acne.

The panel, consisting of eight dermatologists, looked at the role of skin barrier function in adult acne and the benefits of adjunctive skin care, such as cleansers and moisturizers, and other treatment regimens. A common theme reemphasized throughout the paper was the importance of the role played by epidermal barrier dysfunction contributing significantly to acne pathogenesis.

The panel identified seven key consensus statements:

1. While common during adolescence, acne also affects a significant number of adults, and particularly women.
2. Adult acne may present with more lesions on the lower half of the face. Comedones are less common. 
3. Acne patients can experience cosmetically disfiguring sequelae such as erythema, dyschromia, and scarring, leading to heightened self-consciousness. 
4. Abnormalities in skin barrier function are associated with acne, and some acne medications can further the skin barrier.
5. Daily application of fragrance-free, non-agitating, non-comedogenic cleansers, moisturizers and sunscreen could reduce adverse events from prescription medications.
6. Repair of the skin barrier should be a priority and goal of a skin care regimen, regardless of prescription acne medications or skin barrier integrity.
7. Improving skin barrier function may increase adherence to acne medications, thus improving outcomes. 

"Adult acne is a common but inconclusively elucidated acne variant that presents more commonly in women," the authors wrote in the study. "Given the role of epidermal barrier dysfunction and its asymmetrical impact on adult female acne, further studies, including the role of skin care in promoting skin barrier integrity in adult acne patients and as an adjunct to acne treatment and maintenance, are needed. While challenging to execute within the confines of a high-volume practice, improving patient knowledge of comprehensive acne treatments, including quality adjunctive cleansers and moisturizers, may be an effective way to maximize regimen efficacy and provide patients with the necessary tools for personalized and successful acne treatments."

Source: Baldwin H, et al. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2024;23(8):674-679. Doi:10.36849/JDD.8471