Dermatology Times 2025 Year in Review: Acne

Throughout 2025, acne remained one of the most frequently discussed—and rapidly evolving—areas in dermatology. Over the past year, Dermatology Times covered acne from multiple angles, including expert perspectives on patient-centered management, practical guidance for navigating misinformation and emerging trends, and timely reporting on regulatory updates and pipeline developments. Take a look at the insights, data, and developments that helped shape acne management throughout the year.

Key Developments and Research Updates

In 2025, regulatory updates, safety concerns, and patient trust dynamics were balanced alongside reports on novel mechanisms of action, pipeline therapies, and global epidemiologic trends. From benzoyl peroxide testing and isotretinoin safety considerations to advances in mRNA technology and non-antibiotic treatments, these developments reflected a field moving toward more targeted, informed, and patient-aligned care.

FDA Alerts of New Independent Testing for Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Products, Additional Voluntary Recalls

The agency shared details of additional voluntary recalls and its plans to release full results of its independent testing in the coming months.

Isotretinoin Often Continued Despite Mood Concerns

Despite early psychological symptoms, over half of the patients in the study completed their full treatment course.

New Survey Confirms Acne Patients Have More Trust in Clinicians than Social Media Influencers

Even with the recent rise of social media guidance, patients still trust dermatologists over social media influencers for acne treatment.

Acne Burden is Growing in Young Women Across the World, New Study Finds

Global acne burden in reproductive-age women has risen significantly, with greater increases expected by 2040.

From COVID-19 to Clear Skin: How mRNA Technology May Be Used to Fight Acne

Joshua Zeichner, MD, spoke to Dermatology Times about Sanofi's clinical trials for the world’s first mRNA acne vaccine, aiming to revolutionize treatment by targeting the body’s inflammatory response rather than just symptoms.

Biofrontera Completes Ameluz Phase 2b Trial for Moderate to Severe Acne

Biofrontera Inc. advances acne treatment with aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride gel, completing a phase 2b study for moderate to severe cases.

Beyond Antibiotics: How Oral Denifanstat Could Reshape the Acne Pipeline

Denifanstat emerges as a groundbreaking oral therapy for acne, targeting sebum production and inflammation, promising safer, effective treatment options.

Expert Perspectives on Acne Care

This year’s interviews explored acne care through a multidimensional lens, emphasizing the intersection of clinical management, patient well-being, and emerging innovation. Conversations addressed the psychosocial impact of adolescent acne, seasonal treatment considerations, and the evolving role of technologies—from advanced lasers to novel therapeutics—in optimizing outcomes.

Balancing Adolescent Acne Treatment and Well-being

According to Nanette Silverberg, MD, emotional resilience, social support, and purposeful activities help adolescents cope with acne-related stress.

Advancing Acne Care: New Therapies and Technologies

Compliance with acne medications remains a challenge, but timely intervention can prevent severe skin damage.

Acne Awareness Month: The Link Between Hair Care and Skin Health

Iris Rubin, MD, reveals how her brand SEEN transforms hair products to combat acne, promoting clearer skin through innovative, skin-friendly formulations.

Optimizing Acne Care in Summer With Advanced Laser Technologies

Sonia Batra, MD, shares effective summer acne solutions using lasers such as Aerolase Neo Elite and AviClear, ensuring tailored care for optimal skin health.

Practice Insights and Clinical Considerations

In an era of rapidly evolving information and patient-driven trends, these clinical tips highlighted the growing role of AI-powered tools in patient education, emerging misinformation circulating on social media platforms such as TikTok, and the need for evidence-based counseling as patients experiment with unconventional skin care approaches for acne-prone skin.

How to Best Support Women With Menopausal Acne

Menopausal acne is rising yet underexplored; treatment must address hormonal shifts, skin sensitivity, and patient emotional well-being.

#DermTok: Navigating TikTok’s Acne Advice Misinformation

Social media reshapes dermatology, but misinformation about acne treatments on platforms like TikTok raises concerns among clinicians and patients alike.

Beyond the Label: How AI Tools Such as SkinGPT Enhance Skin Care Understanding

SkinGPT by Haut.AI uses AI to visually simulate skin care results, empowering inclusive, personalized skin care and bridging clinical data with patient insight.

Broadening the Therapeutic Horizon of Topical Dapsone Beyond Acne

Topical dapsone shows promise in treating various mucocutaneous diseases, including rosacea and neutrophilic dermatoses, with a favorable safety profile.

Clinical Guidance Needed as Patients Turn to Tallow for Skin Conditions

While individual fatty acids in tallow have known biological effects, their combined impact in whole tallow remains uncertain.