Acne

A skin condition characterized by comedones, papules, pustules, and cysts. A medically significant concern requiring careful product selection.

Understanding evidence levels
In VitroCell or tissue culture experiments — no human or animal data.
Ex VivoSkin model or tissue experiments — not in living humans.
Animal StudyResults in animals only — may or may not translate to humans.
Small Human StudySmall or uncontrolled human study — preliminary results.
Controlled TrialControlled human study (often randomized) — stronger evidence.
Systematic ReviewSummary and analysis of existing published studies.
Meta-AnalysisStatistical pooling of results from multiple studies.
GuidelineProfessional guidance or consensus statement from a dermatology society.

Research findings(519)

Notable findingA finding from a controlled trial, systematic review, or meta-analysis with noteworthy results.Controlled TrialControlled human study, often randomized. Stronger evidence.Published: May 17, 2026

New Guidelines for Measuring Quality of Life in Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Researchers studied how to measure the impact of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) on patients' quality of life. They found that a widely used questionnaire, the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), is a key tool for assessing treatment effectiveness. However, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of various treatments on HS patients.

Why it matters: Understanding how to measure quality of life in HS patients may help dermatologists develop more effective treatment plans.

The study is based on previous position statements and clinical trials, but more research is needed to fully understand the effects of various treatments on HS patients.

PubMed
Notable findingA finding from a controlled trial, systematic review, or meta-analysis with noteworthy results.Systematic ReviewSummary and analysis of existing published studies.Published: May 14, 2026

Janus Kinase Inhibitors May Cause Skin Problems

Researchers studied the skin side effects of Janus kinase inhibitors, a type of medication used to treat various immune-mediated diseases. They found that these medications can cause acne-like eruptions, skin infections, and in some cases, skin cancers. These side effects are often manageable but can be serious.

Why it matters: Understanding the potential skin side effects of Janus kinase inhibitors can help doctors and patients make informed decisions about treatment.

The review is based on existing evidence, but the authors note that dermatologic adverse events associated with Janus kinase inhibitors are usually manageable and rarely require permanent treatment discontinuation.

PubMed
Small Human StudySmall or uncontrolled human study. Results are preliminary.Published: May 13, 2026

Acne in Singaporean Adolescents May Affect Self-Perception and Quality of Life

A small study in Singapore looked at how acne affects the quality of life in adolescents. Researchers found that acne can impact self-perception and quality of life, especially in girls with longer-lasting acne. The severity of acne was not always in line with how the adolescents perceived it.

Why it matters: Understanding how acne affects adolescents may help healthcare providers develop more effective treatment plans and support systems.

This study had a small sample size of 100 participants and was conducted at a single hospital in Singapore.

PubMed
Small Human StudySmall or uncontrolled human study. Results are preliminary.Published: May 11, 2026

Staphylococcal Strains May Competitively Displace Native Skin Bacteria

Researchers applied two types of staphylococcal bacteria to human skin to see if they could temporarily replace the existing bacteria. They found that both types of bacteria were able to engraft and displace some of the native bacteria, but one type was more effective. This study suggests that these bacteria may be useful for treating skin disorders, but more research is needed.

Why it matters: This study may help us understand how to use beneficial bacteria to improve skin health and potentially treat conditions like atopic dermatitis.

This study involved a small number of healthy volunteers and only looked at the skin on their backs. The results may not be generalizable to other skin types or conditions.

PubMed
Small Human StudySmall or uncontrolled human study. Results are preliminary.Published: May 11, 2026

New Acne Treatment May Help Reduce Pore Size

Researchers studied a new acne treatment that uses gold nanoparticles and a laser to target acne. A small study found that this treatment may help reduce pore size and improve acne symptoms. The treatment was tested on three adolescent patients with mild acne. The study used ultrasound to monitor the treatment's effectiveness.

Why it matters: This study may help skincare professionals understand how to monitor the effectiveness of new acne treatments.

This study had a small sample size of only three patients and was a short-term study.

PubMed
Notable findingA finding from a controlled trial, systematic review, or meta-analysis with noteworthy results.Systematic ReviewSummary and analysis of existing published studies.Published: May 8, 2026

Emotional Distress May Contribute to Disfiguring Skin Diseases

Researchers studied the connection between emotional distress and skin diseases like acne, rosacea, and vitiligo. They found that emotional distress may play a role in the development and progression of these conditions. However, more research is needed to fully understand this relationship.

Why it matters: Understanding the link between emotional distress and skin diseases may help improve diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.

This review examined existing research, but more studies are needed to confirm the findings. The review did not include new experimental data.

PubMed
Notable findingA finding from a controlled trial, systematic review, or meta-analysis with noteworthy results.Systematic ReviewSummary and analysis of existing published studies.Published: May 7, 2026

Hydrogel-based treatments may help skin conditions and wounds heal

Researchers studied hydrogel-based treatments for skin conditions, chronic wounds, and soft tissue injuries. They found that hydrogels have properties that may help skin regeneration and repair. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Why it matters: Understanding hydrogel-based treatments could lead to new options for skin care and wound healing.

The review discusses patents and clinical studies, but specific human trials are not mentioned. More research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of hydrogel-based treatments.

PubMed
Notable findingA finding from a controlled trial, systematic review, or meta-analysis with noteworthy results.Systematic ReviewSummary and analysis of existing published studies.Published: May 7, 2026

Tea Tree Oil May Help Reduce Acne Severity

Researchers studied the effects of tea tree oil on acne in a small group of people. They found that tea tree oil may help reduce acne severity, but the evidence is limited and more research is needed. The oil was generally well-tolerated, but some people experienced mild side effects like itching and dryness.

Why it matters: This study may help skincare professionals and consumers understand the potential benefits and limitations of using tea tree oil for acne treatment.

The study included only seven clinical studies with a small total of 445 patients, and more research is needed to confirm the findings. The studies had a low overall risk of bias, but publication bias was not assessed in all studies.

PubMed
Notable findingA finding from a controlled trial, systematic review, or meta-analysis with noteworthy results.Controlled TrialControlled human study, often randomized. Stronger evidence.Published: May 3, 2026

Oral Postbiotic Supplementation May Help Improve Skin Appearance in Midlife Women

A small study in 34 healthy women aged 40-55 found that taking an oral postbiotic supplement for 12 weeks may improve skin appearance, including reducing wrinkles, pores, acne, and melanin levels, and increasing skin hydration and elasticity. The supplement was compared to a placebo in a randomized, double-blind trial. While the results are promising, more research is needed to confirm the findings.

Why it matters: This study suggests that oral postbiotic supplements may be a potential adjunctive approach to improving visible skin quality in midlife women.

A small sample size of 34 participants, with 29 completing the study, and a short duration of 12 weeks may limit the generalizability of the findings.

PubMed
Notable findingA finding from a controlled trial, systematic review, or meta-analysis with noteworthy results.Controlled TrialControlled human study, often randomized. Stronger evidence.Published: May 1, 2026

Laser Treatment May Help Reduce Acne Erythema

Researchers studied a laser treatment for acne erythema, a red, inflamed skin condition often associated with acne. They compared the laser treatment to a topical soothing gel and found that both reduced acne erythema, but the laser treatment worked faster. The study suggests that the laser treatment may be an effective early treatment for acne erythema, but more research is needed.

Why it matters: Understanding the effectiveness of laser treatments for acne erythema may help individuals with this condition make informed decisions about their skincare.

A small study with a limited sample size of 30 patients, with a short follow-up period of 8 weeks after the final laser session.

PubMed
Small Human StudySmall or uncontrolled human study. Results are preliminary.Published: May 1, 2026

Polynucleotide Injections in Scar Prevention and Management

A nationwide survey of Korean dermatologists found that polynucleotide injections are commonly used for scar prevention and management, particularly for acne-related, surgical, and traumatic scars. The injections were often used in combination with other treatments. The benefits reported by dermatologists included improved tissue response and enhanced skin texture.

Why it matters: This study may help skincare professionals understand current practices and potential benefits of polynucleotide injections in scar management.

This study is based on a survey of 501 dermatologists and does not provide individual patient data or long-term outcomes. The findings are hypothesis-generating and require further investigation.

PubMed
Notable findingA finding from a controlled trial, systematic review, or meta-analysis with noteworthy results.Controlled TrialControlled human study, often randomized. Stronger evidence.Hyaluronic AcidPublished: May 1, 2026

Non-Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid Mesotherapy May Help Post-Acne Erythema

A small study looked at whether non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid mesotherapy can help reduce post-acne erythema. Researchers found that patients who received the treatment showed improvements in skin appearance and quality of life. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Why it matters: Understanding how to effectively treat post-acne erythema can help people manage the appearance and symptoms of acne.

This study had a small sample size of 25 patients and was conducted at a single center. The duration of the study was 12 weeks, and the long-term effects of the treatment are not known.

PubMed