◆ Notable findingA finding from a controlled trial, systematic review, or meta-analysis with noteworthy results.Systematic ReviewSummary and analysis of existing published studies.AcnePublished: April 1, 2026
New Acne Treatments Beyond Isotretinoin Show Promise
Researchers reviewed emerging systemic therapies for moderate-to-severe acne, finding some promising alternatives to isotretinoin. These treatments include antibiotics, hormonal agents, and biologic therapies, which may help improve acne symptoms. However, more studies are needed to compare their effectiveness to isotretinoin.
Why it matters: Understanding these new treatments may lead to better acne management options for people with moderate-to-severe acne.
Most treatments lack head-to-head comparisons with isotretinoin, and further large-scale comparative studies are needed to define their roles within evidence-based acne management algorithms.
◆ Notable findingA finding from a controlled trial, systematic review, or meta-analysis with noteworthy results.Systematic ReviewSummary and analysis of existing published studies.AcnePublished: March 31, 2026
Expert Consensus on Isotretinoin Use for Severe Acne
Researchers developed a consensus on the use of isotretinoin for severe acne, recommending it for adults and adolescents with certain types of acne. The consensus also suggested early initiation and tailored dosing. However, there is still some uncertainty around the optimal dosing and monitoring.
Why it matters: This study may help guide dermatologists in treating severe acne, but its findings should be interpreted with caution.
The consensus was developed through a modified Delphi process and literature review, but some areas of agreement, such as cumulative dosing, laboratory testing frequency, and duration of posttreatment washout, were not universally agreed upon.
Small Human StudySmall or uncontrolled human study. Results are preliminary.AcnePublished: March 26, 2026
Isotretinoin Use in Pediatric Patients: Barriers to Access and Treatment Continuity
Researchers studied how pediatric patients with severe acne access and use isotretinoin, a treatment for acne. They found that many patients faced difficulties with scheduling, pharmacies, and financial issues, which may have led to gaps in treatment. Despite these challenges, most patients felt their treatment was successful.
Why it matters: This study highlights potential barriers to effective acne treatment in underserved populations, which may inform strategies to improve access to care.
This study had a small sample size of 42 pediatric patients and was conducted at a single urban safety-net hospital.
◆ Notable findingA finding from a controlled trial, systematic review, or meta-analysis with noteworthy results.Systematic ReviewSummary and analysis of existing published studies.AcnePublished: March 25, 2026
L-Carnitine May Help with Skin Issues and Acne
Researchers studied L-Carnitine, an amino acid, for its potential benefits in dermatology. They found it may help reduce acne, sebum production, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation when applied topically. Systemic L-Carnitine may also help with inflammation, skin elasticity, and wound healing in certain conditions.
Why it matters: This research may lead to new treatments for various skin disorders and improve our understanding of skin health.
The review included 59 studies, but most were small or focused on specific conditions. Further dermatology-specific trials are needed to optimize dosing, formulations, and long-term safety.
◆ Notable findingA finding from a controlled trial, systematic review, or meta-analysis with noteworthy results.Systematic ReviewSummary and analysis of existing published studies.AcnePublished: March 23, 2026
Italian Experts Share Insights on Managing Scalp Seborrheic Dermatitis
Italian dermatology experts shared their views on managing scalp seborrheic dermatitis, a skin condition. They emphasized the importance of accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment. Topical antifungals and selenium disulfide were found to be useful in managing the condition.
Why it matters: Understanding how to manage scalp seborrheic dermatitis may help individuals with the condition find effective treatment options.
This study is based on expert opinions and clinical experience, rather than a systematic review of existing literature. The findings may not be generalizable to other populations.
◆ Notable findingA finding from a controlled trial, systematic review, or meta-analysis with noteworthy results.Systematic ReviewSummary and analysis of existing published studies.AcnePublished: March 19, 2026
Isotretinoin's cardiac effects studied in acne patients
Researchers reviewed existing studies on how isotretinoin, a treatment for acne, affects the heart. They found that some patients may experience rare heart rhythm problems, but these issues often go away when the treatment is stopped. More research is needed to understand the risks.
Why it matters: This study may help dermatologists better understand the potential cardiac risks associated with isotretinoin, a widely used acne treatment.
The review is based on existing studies, mostly small and case-based, with limited large-scale, controlled trials. Further research is needed to better define risk profiles and guide clinical monitoring.
GuidelineProfessional guidance or consensus statement from a medical society.AcnePublished: March 18, 2026
Updated Acne Treatment Guidelines Released
Researchers updated guidelines for treating acne, focusing on when to use isotretinoin, antibiotics, and hormonal treatments. The guidelines also cover the use of new topical treatments and the safety of benzoyl peroxide. The recommendations are based on current evidence and expert consensus.
Why it matters: These guidelines may help healthcare professionals make informed decisions about acne treatment, which can improve patient outcomes.
This guideline is an update of the 2016 version, and all other aspects remain unchanged. The guideline group prioritized three key clinical questions and provided revised recommendations based on current evidence and expert consensus.
◆ Notable findingA finding from a controlled trial, systematic review, or meta-analysis with noteworthy results.Systematic ReviewSummary and analysis of existing published studies.AcnePublished: March 17, 2026
Oral Doxycycline's Effectiveness for Acne Treatment Compared to Other Options
Researchers studied the effectiveness and safety of oral doxycycline for treating acne vulgaris by comparing it to other treatments. They found that doxycycline showed similar results to azithromycin, but other treatments like isotretinoin and silymarin seemed to work better. However, doxycycline also had more side effects.
Why it matters: This study's findings may help skincare professionals and patients understand the pros and cons of using oral doxycycline for acne treatment.
This systematic review included 23 randomized controlled trials with 2,672 patients, but the quality of the evidence and the risk of bias across studies were not explicitly evaluated in the abstract.
Ex VivoSkin model or tissue experiments. Not in living humans.PhotoagingPublished: March 9, 2026
Exosome Study Compares Skin Regeneration Effects
Researchers studied how two types of exosomes, derived from umbilical cord and fat tissue, affect human skin regeneration in a lab setting. They found that both types increased skin cell growth and reduced signs of aging, but in different ways. The study suggests that these exosomes may be useful for personalized skin rejuvenation.
Why it matters: This study may help us better understand how to use exosomes for skin rejuvenation and potentially develop new treatments for skin aging.
This study was conducted in a lab setting using human skin samples, and its findings may not directly translate to real-world skin care. Further research is needed to confirm these results.
◆ Notable findingA finding from a controlled trial, systematic review, or meta-analysis with noteworthy results.Controlled TrialControlled human study, often randomized. Stronger evidence.AcnePublished: March 4, 2026
Combining Oral Isotretinoin with Microneedle Radiofrequency May Help Treat Severe Acne
Researchers studied the effectiveness of combining low-dose oral isotretinoin with fractional microneedle radiofrequency in treating moderate-to-severe acne. They compared this combination to isotretinoin alone and found that it may lead to better outcomes, including reduced inflammation and scarring. However, the study was small and more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Why it matters: This study may help improve our understanding of how to treat severe acne and reduce its long-term effects on the skin.
This study had a small sample size (n=70) and a relatively short duration of 44 weeks. More research is needed to confirm these findings and understand their long-term implications.
Small Human StudySmall or uncontrolled human study. Results are preliminary.AcnePublished: January 30, 2026
Isotretinoin Linked to Rare Side Effect of Hematuria in Acne Patients
A small study of acne patients found that those taking isotretinoin were more likely to experience hematuria, a rare side effect. Researchers analyzed data from 864 patients and found that 13% of those on isotretinoin had at least one episode of hematuria, compared to 2.9% of those not taking the medication. However, the study had limitations and more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Why it matters: Understanding the potential side effects of isotretinoin may help dermatologists make informed decisions about treatment for acne patients.
This study had a relatively small sample size and only 26% of isotretinoin patients had urinalysis done during treatment, which may have affected the accuracy of the results.
Small Human StudySmall or uncontrolled human study. Results are preliminary.Redness / Facial RednessPublished: January 1, 2026
Tofacitinib may help treat rare skin condition
Researchers studied tofacitinib, a medication that blocks a specific pathway in the body, to see if it could help a man with a rare skin condition called eosinophilic pustular folliculitis. The man had tried many other treatments but didn't get better. After taking tofacitinib, his symptoms improved quickly. The study suggests that tofacitinib might be a useful treatment for this condition, but more research is needed.
Why it matters: This study could help people with rare skin conditions find new treatment options.
This study only looked at one person and didn't follow them for a long time, so more research is needed to confirm the results.