Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part A (2025)

Acne is a common chronic inflammatory skin condition that predominantly affects adolescents and adults. It is characterized by symptoms such as itching, redness, inflammation, and the formation of pimples, blackheads, and cysts. While traditionally considered a condition of adolescence, adult-onset acne has become increasingly prevalent due to a variety of internal and external factors. The pathogenesis of acne is multifactorial, involving excess sebum production, follicular hyperkeratinization, bacterial colonization (primarily Cutibacterium acnes), and inflammatory responses. Several environmental and lifestyle-related triggers contribute to the onset and severity of acne, including allergens, psychological stress, frequent touching or picking of the skin, high oil levels on the skin surface, consumption of chocolate, excessive sun exposure, poor hygiene, smoking, obesity, and microbial infections. Although various topical formulations such as benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, and antibiotics are widely used in acne treatment, they often lead to undesirable side effects including skin irritation, dryness, peeling, and in some cases, antibiotic resistance. These limitations have led to an increased interest in alternative and safer treatment approaches, including herbal formulations, non-invasive therapies, and lifestyle modifications. There is a growing need for effective and well-tolerated therapeutic strategies that target the root causes of acne without causing further skin damage. This review aims to provide an overview of acne as a dermatological condition, its common triggers, and the challenges associated with conventional topical treatments, while also exploring the potential of alternative therapies to minimize side effects and improve patient outcomes.