Recent Advances in Management of Acne Vulgaris

There are a number of new drugs, topical formulations and light devices for acne vulgaris in recent years. Trifarotene 0.005% cream, a new topical retinoid selective for retinoic acid receptor-gamma (RAR-γ), has been found to be effective as monotherapy for moderate facial and truncal acne, as well as in combination with oral doxycycline for severe acne. It is well tolerated and has negligible systemic absorption. Clascoterone 1% cream is a novel topical androgen receptor inhibitor approved for moderate to severe facial and truncal acne, and has a favourable efficacy and safety profile for up to 12 months. Sarecycline, a narrow-spectrum oral tetracycline effective and well tolerated for moderate to severe non-nodular inflammatory acne, is selectively potent against Gram positive bacteria including multiple strains of Cutibacterium acnes. A novel 1726 nm diode laser targeting sebaceous glands is effective and well tolerated for mild to severe acne in all Fitzpatrick skin types.