INTRODUCTION
Acne affects approximately 80% of individuals aged 11 to 30 years, with scarring occurring in about 40% of cases.1,2 Early and sustained treatment is crucial for preventing acne scarring in all patients, regardless of acne severity. The three primary degrees of acne - mild/papulo-comedonic, moderate/papulo-pustular, and severe/nodulocystic - guide therapy guidelines, which recommend retinoids as the cornerstone of management during both acute and maintenance phases. To effectively prevent scar formation, a holistic approach is necessary, aiming for an initial treatment that achieves more than 50% clearance of acne lesions and maintenance therapy to prevent relapses through the continued use of topical treatments. Supplementing a pharmacological therapy involving topical retinoids within an appropriate skincare regimen can significantly improve acne management. Conversely, inappropriate skincare practices may lead to increased irritation related to medications, affect sebum production, and potentially exacerbate acne symptoms. A thorough understanding of overall skin health underscores the importance of implementing comprehensive skincare routines in conjunction with pharmacological treatments. This integrated approach not only aims to optimize treatment outcomes but also fosters patient adherence by minimizing adverse effects and promoting skin well-being. Moreover, patient adherence to the therapeutic protocol is vital at all levels of acne severity to achieve the desired outcomes.
Oral Isotretinoin and Topical Retinoids in Acne Treatment
Oral isotretinoin and topical retinoids (e.g., tretinoin, adapalene) or their fixed combinations with benzoyl peroxide can cause significant irritation due to a phenomenon known as "retinoid dermatitis". These retinoids accelerate epidermal cell turnover, leading to thickening of the basal cells in the epidermis and thinning of the corneocyte layer. These changes can alter skin barrier and transepidermal water loss (TEWL).3 As a result, the skin may become more sensitive, particularly during the initial weeks of treatment, leading to various side effects.
The most common signs of sensitive skin are closely linked to impaired barrier function. These include a weakened skin barrier characterized by decreased levels of lipids and
Oral Isotretinoin and Topical Retinoids in Acne Treatment
Oral isotretinoin and topical retinoids (e.g., tretinoin, adapalene) or their fixed combinations with benzoyl peroxide can cause significant irritation due to a phenomenon known as "retinoid dermatitis". These retinoids accelerate epidermal cell turnover, leading to thickening of the basal cells in the epidermis and thinning of the corneocyte layer. These changes can alter skin barrier and transepidermal water loss (TEWL).3 As a result, the skin may become more sensitive, particularly during the initial weeks of treatment, leading to various side effects.
The most common signs of sensitive skin are closely linked to impaired barrier function. These include a weakened skin barrier characterized by decreased levels of lipids and
