Epidemiology and Treatment Challenges of Acne, With Insights Into the Role of Dermocosmetics

BACKGROUNDAcne vulgaris is a common skin condition that typically begins in adolescence but can often persist in adulthood, contributing to significant physical and psychosocial burden. Despite the availability of multiple treatment options, challenges such as poor adherence, treatment-related side effects, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation remain common in clinical practice. Dermocosmetics are increasingly used in acne management, either alone in mild cases or as adjuncts to medical therapy.

OBJECTIVESTo assess acne prevalence, treatment practices, and key management challenges, along with the role of dermocosmetics, based on expert consensus from India.

METHODSA panel of 10 dermatologists participated in a modified Delphi process comprising a pre-meeting survey followed by a structured advisory board discussion, capturing clinical practice patterns, treatment approaches, and perspectives on dermocosmetic use in acne management.

RESULTSExperts reported treating a high number of acne patients, primarily adolescents, with a higher proportion of females. Hyperpigmentation and scarring were common sequelae of acne, while treatment adherence and antibiotic resistance, particularly to erythromycin and azithromycin, were noted as key challenges. Procedural interventions, including chemical peels, lasers, and comedone extraction, were increasingly used in early acne management, especially in patients prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and relapse. Low-dose isotretinoin and hormonal therapies were commonly used in acne management, while dermocosmetics were utilized as monotherapy in mild cases and as maintenance therapy following treatment in more severe cases. Lifestyle factors such as high glycaemic diets, whey protein, multivitamins, and steroid-like drugs were identified as potential contributors to acne exacerbation.

LIMITATIONSFindings are based on a small expert panel convened with industry support and reflect clinical opinion rather than primary patient data.

CONCLUSIONProcedural interventions are becoming more popular, thereby providing an opportunity to incorporate dermocosmetics into acne treatment regimens.

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