Top 5 Articles of the Week: August 24-29

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

Recent data has analyzed global trends in acne burden in young women of reproductive age over the last 31 years. The burden has risen in all age groups and will continue to grow, with a forecast up to 2040. Results were extracted from Global Burden of Disease (GBD) data between 1990 and 2021.

“The growing availability of high-quality datasets, such as the GBD Study, provides unprecedented opportunities to assess disease distribution, trends, and determinants across populations. While acknowledging the limitations of modeled estimates—particularly in data-scarce regions—GBD remains the most comprehensive source for understanding global health patterns,” the researchers wrote.

2. Pelage's PP405 Demonstrates Efficacy in Phase 2a Trial for Androgenetic Alopecia

Pelage Pharmaceuticals announced encouraging phase 2a results for its investigational hair loss therapy, PP405, marking a potential breakthrough in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Unlike traditional treatments that target hormonal causes, PP405 acts directly on hair follicle stem cells to stimulate natural hair regeneration. In the trial, the topical therapy demonstrated a strong safety profile, no systemic absorption, and promising early efficacy—including hair regrowth in previously bald areas. With phase 3 trials planned for 2026, the findings signal a possible shift in the future of hair loss treatment.

3. Laser Therapy Gains Ground in Acne Management

Acne vulgaris affects over 50 million people annually in the US, and while standard therapies remain the foundation of care, their limitations have driven interest in laser-based treatments. Visible light lasers such as pulsed-dye devices can reduce inflammatory lesions but carry pigmentation risks, while near-infrared Nd:YAG lasers have shown broad efficacy, especially in combination approaches. Newer 1726-nm diode lasers (AviClear, Accure) directly target sebaceous glands with response rates above 85% and minimal side effects, and fractional CO₂ lasers improve both active acne and scarring. Although more controlled, long-term studies are needed, lasers offer a promising non-pharmacologic option that may reduce antibiotic reliance and expand treatment choices for patients unresponsive to conventional therapies.

4. AI Trends in Dermatology: Talking With David Cotter, MD, PhD at DERM 2025

In a recent Dermatology Times interview, Las Vegas dermatologist David Cotter, MD, PhD, discussed the promise and pitfalls of AI in clinical practice. While AI tools like scribes and prior authorization assistants are reducing administrative burdens and streamlining patient access to treatments, Cotter warns that insurers are also using AI—often to deny claims at alarming rates. This dual use has sparked legal action, including class-action lawsuits against companies allegedly automating denials without proper review. Clinically, AI has potential in diagnostics, especially for skin cancer, but Cotter stresses it's not yet reliable as a standalone tool. Instead, he advocates for a collaborative approach: “man with machine.” Cotter urges fellow clinicians to embrace AI responsibly, integrating it into practice while remaining vigilant, saying, “The future is now… If we shy away from it, patients may experience harm.”

5. FDA Targets Whipped Sunscreens in Warning Letters

The FDA has issued warning letters to Supergoop and Vacation Inc. for marketing sunscreen mousse products without agency approval. While sunscreens are regulated as OTC drugs, only certain dosage forms—such as lotions, creams, gels, sprays, and sticks—are permitted under the current OTC monograph. Foam and mousse formats require specific FDA authorization, which has not been granted.

Supergoop’s “PLAY SPF 50 Body Mousse” and Vacation’s “Classic Whip” sunscreen line were cited as misbranded, with the FDA noting that Vacation’s whipped cream–style packaging also posed a risk of confusion with food products, particularly for children. Both companies must respond within 15 days or face potential enforcement actions, including seizure or injunction.