Acne

When the body gets rid of dead skin cells, they tend to exfoliate naturally.

Sebum is a fat that keeps skin hydrated. In some people, it may be involved in the process of acne. Dead skin cells and sebum can bind and clog pores.

Acne can also appear when bacteria enter clogged pores and infection begins under the surface of the skin. It can spread quickly and provoke redness and swelling.

Care tips

Often, people treat acne at home with over-the-counter drugs and homemade remedies. The following guidelines from the American Academy of Dermatology, USA, may help treat acne:

• should be washed 2 times a day with warm water;
• it is desirable to wash after sweating;
• it is necessary to use shampoo regularly, especially on oily hair;
• it is important to carry out delicate cleansing of the skin, avoiding aggressive products;
• it is advisable to avoid touching the face with dirty hands;
• try to stay less in the sun and avoid tanning;
• in the event of damage to the skin, the healing process must take place naturally;

need to avoid squeezing acne^[1]

History

2024-2025

Acne breakthrough: spiked acne patches created

Korean researchers have presented an innovative development in the field of dermatology - specialized acne patches equipped with microscopic spikes to deliver drugs directly to the focus of inflammation. The new patches differ from traditional analogues in a fixed delivery system for active components, which ensures a stable position of the patch on the skin and prevents discomfort from shifting microstructures. The results of the study are published in the journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces in late August 2025.

According to Medical Xpress, the development was carried out using three-dimensional printing technology to create an array of microscopic spikes of a unique configuration resembling the tip of arrows. This architecture provides reliable adhesion to the surface of the skin and guarantees the immobility of the patch throughout the application period.

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Фото: Freepik

The base of the patch is a composite mixture of hyaluronic acid - a well-known cosmetic component - and specialized drugs with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Salicylic acid, niacinamide and chamomile extract are used as active substances.

Clinical trials of new patches were carried out on a group of 20 volunteers according to a special method. On the first day, antibacterial patches were used, after which anti-inflammatory products were used for six days to comprehensively affect problem skin areas.

The test results demonstrated the high efficiency of the new technology. Hyaluronic acid microcrystals completely dissolved in skin tissues over a period of 30 to 60 minutes without causing pain or allergic reactions in the study participants.

After three days of application of patches in patients, a significant improvement in skin condition was recorded with a reduction in the number of inflammatory elements by 81%. Complete cleanup of problem areas was observed seven days after the start of therapy.^[2]

Sales of funds for the treatment of acne in Russia for the year soared by 48% to ₽12,94 billion

The Russian market for pharmaceuticals for the treatment of acne showed record growth rates, reaching sales of ₽12,94 billion in 2024, which is 48.3% more than in 2023. In physical terms, 9.88 million packages of anti-acne drugs were sold, which represents an increase of 24.9% compared to the previous year. This is evidenced by data from the analytical company RNC Pharma, published in August 2025.

According to RNC Pharma, in the first half of 2025, sales of funds for the treatment of acne amounted to ₽8,68 billion in retail prices, including VAT, which is 51% more than the same period in 2024. The Russians purchased almost 5.89 million packages of such products, natural consumption increased by 28.5%. The growth in sales of analyzed drugs was recorded for the third year in a row with two-digit dynamics.

Peak demand for acne remedies is traditionally noted in the spring months. In March 2025, buyers purchased over 1 million packages of such drugs in the amount of ₽1,49 billion - an absolute historical record in both monetary and physical terms. Compared to March 2024, sales increased by 50.8% in rubles and by 27.5% in packages.

Inflation for this group of drugs compared to the first half of 2024 did not exceed 8%. The average price for the first six months of 2025 was approximately ₽1,5 thousand per package of the drug. Most of the expenses in the category fall on oral drugs - almost 55% in ruble terms, while local funds form more than 70.7% of the volume of sales.

There are 13 international generic names in the group of drugs for the treatment of acne. The maximum costs of Russian consumers fall on retinoids, in particular on drugs with the active substance isotretinoin. Funds with this INN provide more than 55% of value and 31% of natural sales in the category. ^[3]

2023

Microneedle patch developed to treat antibiotic-free skin infections

On June 14, 2023, researchers from the University of Medicine and Technology of Hong Kong (HKUMed) reported the development of a special microneedle patch to treat skin infections without the need for antibiotics. Read more here.

The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation warns that acne creams can cause angioedema

In January 2023, it became known about a new side effect in drugs for acne based on adapalene. It turned out that this substance can have an undesirable effect on the immune system and skin. The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation asked manufacturers to warn doctors and patients about this. Read more here.

2021: Sanofi buys Austrian acne vaccine developer

At the end of November 2021, the French medical company Sanofi acquired Origimm Biotechnology. The financial component of the transaction was not disclosed. Read more here

Notes