Sebaceous glands, keratinocytes of the follicle, and skin microbiome/innate immunity are the principal players in acne. Current acne treatments frequently include side effects or may cause antibacterial resistance. Recently, new formulations and emerging treatments with novel mechanisms of action and improved formulations have become available or are in development. 

A recent review by a group of dermatologists interested in acne (GEA) explored the literature about new and emerging acne treatments since 2016. They found several novel treatments that are either available or are currently under development, such as Clascosterone, Trifarotene, and Sarecy-cline, as well as more effective and better-tolerated formulations of existing compounds, like Minocycline, Tretinoin, Tazarotene, and Lidose-isotretinoin. It also found emerging acne therapies (including hyaluronic acid, cannabidiol, modulators of the skin microbiota, insulin-like growth factor, vaccines, bacteriophages, probiotics, and antimicrobial peptides), that target the sebaceous gland and its activity, inflammation or keratinocytes of the follicle and skin microbiome including Cutibacterium acnes. 

Recently, along with other fixed combinations, a combination of adapalene and benzoyl peroxide that targets acne scars has been made available for the first time. The newly available products and other potentially emerging treatment options will expand the armamentarium of acne therapies and reduce its prevalence worldwide.

Auffret N, Claudel JP, Leccia MT, Ballanger F, Dreno B. Novel and emerging treatment options for acne vulgaris. Eur J Dermatol. 2022 Jul 1;32(4):451-458. English. doi: 10.1684/ejd.2022.4306. PMID: 36301760.