INTRODUCTION
Acne is a common dermatologic condition that predominantly affects teenagers. However, acne often persists or may first appear in adulthood, and can substantially impact self-esteem, quality of life and productivity (work or school).1,2 Primarily owing to hormonal imbalances, at least 50% of women 20-29 years of age and more than 35% of women aged 30-39 years of age experience acne,2-9 which is more likely to be mild to moderate in severity.3,5,8,10-12 Management of mild to moderate acne typically involves topical therapies.
Common topical treatments include benzoyl peroxide, Vitamin A derivatives or retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs, such as lactic and glycolic acids), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs, such as salicylic acid), azelaic acid, and antibiotics, used alone or in varying combinations.7,9,13,14 Each treatment has unique mechanisms of action, benefits and limitations, and may be available in prescription or non-prescription (i.e., over the counter [OTC] or cosmetic) strengths. A wide variety of cosmetic products exist in the market today, not to treat acne per se, but to provide clearing and clarifying effects for consumers who may not wish to seek pharmaceutical or medical intervention for acne as a dermatological condition. Retinoids are a foundational component of topical treatments for adults owing to their comedolytic activity and benefits for photodamaged or aging skin. Retinoids increase cellular mitosis, stimulate collagen production, normalize melanocyte function, and regulate skin cell metabolism resulting in improvements in lines and wrinkles, skin tone, skin texture, skin clarity and overall improvement in the quality of skin.7-9,15-22 Unfortunately, cutaneous irritation often accompanies use leading to reduced adherence and suboptimal outcomes.8,21,23
Highly keratolytic, salicylic acid is an ideal ingredient for acne-prone skin as it is an oil-soluble molecule that readily penetrates pores, dissolving oil and debris, reducing and
Common topical treatments include benzoyl peroxide, Vitamin A derivatives or retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs, such as lactic and glycolic acids), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs, such as salicylic acid), azelaic acid, and antibiotics, used alone or in varying combinations.7,9,13,14 Each treatment has unique mechanisms of action, benefits and limitations, and may be available in prescription or non-prescription (i.e., over the counter [OTC] or cosmetic) strengths. A wide variety of cosmetic products exist in the market today, not to treat acne per se, but to provide clearing and clarifying effects for consumers who may not wish to seek pharmaceutical or medical intervention for acne as a dermatological condition. Retinoids are a foundational component of topical treatments for adults owing to their comedolytic activity and benefits for photodamaged or aging skin. Retinoids increase cellular mitosis, stimulate collagen production, normalize melanocyte function, and regulate skin cell metabolism resulting in improvements in lines and wrinkles, skin tone, skin texture, skin clarity and overall improvement in the quality of skin.7-9,15-22 Unfortunately, cutaneous irritation often accompanies use leading to reduced adherence and suboptimal outcomes.8,21,23
Highly keratolytic, salicylic acid is an ideal ingredient for acne-prone skin as it is an oil-soluble molecule that readily penetrates pores, dissolving oil and debris, reducing and
