Results of Topical Acne Therapy in Adults

Inflammatory skin disease acne vulgaris appears predominantly in adolescence. However, it is not uncommon for rashes to persist or appear in adulthood.

The longer an acne problem is left unattended, the higher the chance of long-term consequences – both physical (post-acne scars) and psychological (self-doubt, low self-esteem, etc.).

In this article estet-portal.com view  Dr. Eileen McPhillips (Aileen McPhillips) on topical therapy for mild to moderate acne in adult patients, as well as the results of treatment acne vulgaris cosmeceuticals .  

• When is topical acne therapy appropriate?
• Topical treatment of moderate acne: case 1
• Topical treatment of moderate acne: case 2
• Limitations of topical therapy for acne vulgaris

When is topical acne therapy appropriate?

A modern cosmetologist has at his disposal a variety of methods and approaches to the treatment of acne.

These also include cosmeceutical preparations for topical use.

It is not uncommon for systemic therapy acne vulgaris due to potential side effects:

• antibiotics – gastrointestinal disturbances, antibiotic resistance;
• isotretinoin – mental disorders, increased ICP, inflammatory bowel disease, hepatitis.

It is not uncommon for patients to refuse systemic acne vulgaris therapy due to potential side effects.

This is why most patients prefer topical acne therapy.

For this purpose, preparations are used that contain the following effective ingredients:

• salicylic acid;
• benzoyl peroxide;
• sulphur;
• alpha hydroxy acids;
• retinoids.

Follow us on Telegram!

The author uses such preparations in his practice.

After studying the patient's history and examining the patient's skin, the doctor proceeds to draw up a long-term treatment plan acne.

Best results are achieved when multiple products are used regularly.

Main Tasks:

• neutralize pathogenic mechanisms;
• reduce sebum production;
• speed up cell renewal;
• Suppress bacterial infection and/or inflammation.

To evaluate the results, repeated appointments are scheduled, during which, if necessary, it is also possible to adjust the treatment plania.

Topical treatment of moderate acne: case 1 

A 38-year-old female patient came to the doctor with a problem of acne.

The patient had previously unsuccessfully attempted self-treatment with skin cleansers. The patient refused systemic therapy due to possible side effects.

She did not take any medications and did not complain of any health problems.

During a face-to-face consultation, the author diagnosed moderate acne; acne vulgaris elements were represented by comedones and pustules.

Read also: International guidelines for topical acne treatment

After discussion with the patient, the doctor developed a topical acne treatment program using cosmeceuticals from the ZO Skin Health< line xxxx>.

Main 

active ingredients drugs:

salicylic acid;
vitamins C, A, E;
retinoids;
sulphur.

Fig. 1: patient before (left) and after (right) 12 weeks of moderate acne treatment with cosmeceuticals The patient was re-examined 6 and 12 weeks after the start of treatment. At each stage, an improvement in the condition of the skin was recorded.

The patient is satisfied with the result, which continues to improve

sya.

Topical treatment of moderate acne: case 2

A 45-year-old female patient consulted a doctor complaining of acne.

The patient has previously tried to solve the problem on her own with the help of cosmetics.

The results of the treatment prescribed by the therapist with antibiotics and retinoids were also unsatisfactory. After stopping antibiotics, the disease worsened.

Patient refused isotretinoin therapy due to potential side effects.

During the consultation, the author diagnosed moderate acne with 

comedones

 and 

single pustules.  The author has developed a topical acne treatment program based on cosmeceuticals from the 

ZO Skin Health line, and See also post-acne treatment plan in the future.

Fig. 2: 

patient before (left) and after (right) 12 weeks of moderate acne treatment with cosmeceuticals The patient was re-examined at 6 and 12 weeks. Improvements were recorded at each stage.

The dose of antibiotics was gradually reduced, and 2 weeks after the start of the program, the patient completely stopped taking them.

Modern approaches to acne treatment

To date, the patient is following the prescribed regimen and undergoing  microneedling sessions to eliminate post-acne

not. Topical retinoids should be discontinued 24 hours prior to microneedling.

Limitations of topical therapy for acne vulgaris

Despite the good tolerance of topical acne treatments, topical preparations can cause  

skin irritation

, especially in the case of high doses of active ingredients.

The use of effective topical treatments for acne is often not recommended during pregnancy

due to lack of safety data.

You may also be interested in: 

Combination Therapy acne vulgaris: results of application topical preparations and hardware techniques The limiting factor for many patients can be the duration of therapy

that is needed to obtain significant results.

Most topical preparations need to be applied for a minimum of 6-8 weeks before improvement occurs, and for good results – up to 6–8 months.

Regular before and after photos help to keep patients motivated, which clearly demonstrate 

the progress of treatment

.

Topical acne therapy may be difficult in case of acne a large area of ​​the body 

(eg face and back). In this case, 

systemic therapy. For some patients, the cost of cosmeceuticals

.

In the treatment of severe forms of acne with cysts or nodules 

topical therapy will also not be effective.

Based on magazine 

Aesthetics. More interesting materials are waiting for you on our 

YouTube channel: