Combined use of energy-based interventions with low-dose isotretinoin for the treatment of inflammatory acne: An retrospective cohort analysis.

BACKGROUND: The combined use of oral isotretinoin with energy-based interventions including fractional microneedle radiofrequency, pulsed dye laser, and ablative fractional laser is an effective way to treat moderate-to-severe inflammatory acne lesions. However, studies regarding its efficacy and safety are limited. AIMS: This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of a treatment using low-dose isotretinoin with energy-based interventions for inflammatory acne. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 126 patients who were diagnosed with inflammatory acne and were treated with systemic isotretinoin for at least 3 months. Patients were divided into EBD (energy-based intervention) (n = 82) and non-EBD groups (n = 44). Clinical outcomes of both groups were assessed using medical records and digital photographs. RESULTS: After treatment, the modified Global Acne Grading Score of the EBD and non-EBD groups decreased by 35.1 ± 17.2 and 25.6 ± 10.1, respectively. The improvement in acne severity was significantly greater in the EBD group than in the non-EBD group. Cumulated isotretinoin dose and frequency of drug-related side effects were significantly higher in the non-EBD group than in the EBD group. CONCLUSION: Combined treatment with low-dose isotretinoin and energy-based intervention is well tolerated and associated with positive responses in patients with inflammatory acne.

The efficacy and safety of multilamellar vesicle containing retinaldehyde: A double-blinded, randomized, split-face controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Retinaldehyde is one of the major members of the retinoid family, which has potential skin rejuvenating effects on photoaged skin and has a good safety profile. AIMS: The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of multilamellar vesicle containing retinaldehyde (MLV-RAL) 0.05% and 0.1% used to treat photoaged skin. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A randomized, prospective, investigator-blinded, split-face comparison study was conducted. We enrolled 23 Korean volunteers who applied MLV-RAL 0.05%/0.1% cream on one randomized side of their face and retinol 0.05%/0.1% cream on the opposite side. Wrinkle depth on both crow's feet was assessed by the Antera 3D system. Skin hydration, elasticity, facial curved length, and dermal density were also evaluated. RESULTS: After an 8-week application, all objective parameters, including wrinkle depth, were significantly improved in both MLV-RAL 0.05%/0.1% and retinol 0.05%/0.1% treated sides. Compared with the retinol-treated side, MLV-RAL-treated side showed a significant improvement of objective assessments except for dermal density. Additionally, there was no adverse event associated with the use of either MLV-RAL 0.05%/0.1% or retinol 0.05%/0.1% cream. CONCLUSION: The application of MLV-RAL 0.05%/0.1% cream improved wrinkle, facial contour, and biophysical parameters associated with skin aging.