PATIENTS with acne who understand and routinely use basic skincare report milder disease in this cross-sectional study.
Study Design and Population
Investigators surveyed 450 individuals with acne vulgaris about awareness and use of cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreens while dermatologists graded severity using the Global Acne Grading System. Two thirds of participants recognized the need for skincare, with awareness rising alongside educational attainment.
Key Findings on Acne Skincare Awareness
Use of sunscreen, cleansing gel, or moisturizer aligned with a higher prevalence of mild acne and a lower incidence of severe presentations. Patients receiving isotretinoin demonstrated the strongest skincare knowledge while those on topical regimens showed the lowest. The authors observed positive associations between skincare awareness, frequency of clinical follow up, and milder disease expression.
Clinical Implications for Acne Care
These findings support routine counseling on barrier-supportive skincare throughout acne management, including during initiation of prescription therapies. Reinforcing cleanser selection, daily moisturizer use, and photoprotection may complement pharmacologic treatment and mitigate adverse effects that can limit adherence. For additional clinical context on therapeutic options, see AMJ’s evergreen review of acne treatments and practical pathways for tailoring care and a symposium primer on photoprotection in dermatology practice for everyday counseling. Aligning patient education with simple, sustainable routines may be particularly important for individuals managed with topical therapy, who in this study showed the lowest baseline knowledge.
These results suggest a simple clinical opportunity to reduce burden and improve adherence through structured education that embeds acne skincare awareness into every visit. Counsel patients to choose a gentle cleanser, apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer to support barrier function, and use broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher each morning. Revisit technique, frequency, and product tolerability at follow up, especially for those on topical therapy who showed the lowest knowledge. Normalizing these steps can complement prescriptions and may help limit irritation that often derails treatment.
Reference: Hacinecipoğlu F et al. Assessing Skincare Awareness in Acne Vulgaris: A Cross-Sectional Study. Adv Skin Wound Care. 2025;doi:10.1097/ASW.0000000000000374.
