Background: Acne has been treated with many types of lasers in recent years. It has been found that vascular laser effectively and safely reduce inflammation in acne lesions. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a 577-nm pro-yellow laser with traditional treatment for patients with mild to moderate inflammatory acne. Methods: A quasi-randomized clinical trial study was conducted in a private dermatology clinic in Baghdad from January 2025 to January 2026 on 140 patients diagnosed with mild to moderate inflammatory acne and randomly divided into two groups: Group A (70 patients) underwent three laser treatment sessions/week, and group B (70 patients) received traditional treatment (topical, systemic, adjunctive, or a combination thereof). Both groups were assessed at the first session (baseline) and after one and six months from treatment. Results: Acne severity and inflammatory lesion count show greater reduction in group A (p<0.05). 70% of patients in group A and 48.6% in group B didn’t report any side effects. After six months, group A was more satisfied with the laser procedure than group B. The recurrence rate after six months was significantly higher in group B. The greatest predictor of successful 577 nm pro-yellow laser treatment was the baseline GAGS score reduction. Conclusions: Although traditional treatment is effective, the 577-nm pro-yellow laser is more promising, effective, and well-tolerated for mild to moderate inflammatory acne with favorable satisfaction and lower 6‑month recurrence relative to routine care.

Red and blue light have beneficial, complementary effects on acne. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of at-home treatment of mild-to-moderate inflammatory acne with an investigational combination 660-nm red/415-nm blue light-emitting diode device (RBL) compared with a commercially available 415-nm blue light-emitting diode device (BL). This was an open-label randomized-controlled trial with a 30-subject goal (n = 20 RBL, n = 10 BL). Subjects performed once-daily at-home treatments for 8 weeks, with 4-week (4W) and 8-week (8W) follow-ups. Twenty-three subjects completed the study (n = 14 RBL, n = 9 BL). Total lesions were significantly reduced at 4W (p = .028) and 8W (p = .015) with RBL but at neither timepoint with BL. Inflammatory lesions were significantly reduced at 4W (p = .010 and p = .008) and 8W (p = .005 and p = .02) with both RBL and BL, respectively. Noninflammatory lesion reduction was not significant in either group. No significant between-group difference in total, inflammatory, or noninflammatory lesion reduction occurred at any timepoint. Median investigator static global assessment was significantly lower with RBL at 8W (p = .015). Daily at-home treatment with RBL led to significantly reduced inflammatory and total acne lesions at 4W and 8W. Although equivalent to BL in most outcomes, RBL demonstrated a significantly greater reduction in median ISGA.

Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disease involving multiple factors such as increased sebum production, follicular hyperkeratinization, microbial colonization, and inflammation. Serum amyloid A1 (SAA1), an acute phase protein, and insulin, a hormone linked to metabolic and inflammatory pathways, may play significant roles in acne pathogenesis. This study aimed to evaluate SAA1 and insulin levels in patients with acne vulgaris and to investigate their relationship with disease severity and scar formation. A total of 72 acne vulgaris patients [13 males, 59 females; median age 22 (19-34) years] and 66 age-similar healthy controls [27 males, 39 females; median age 22 (18-38) years] were included. Acne severity was assessed using the Global Acne Grading System (GAGS), and scar severity was evaluated by the Global Scale for Acne Scar Severity. SAA1 and insulin levels were measured via ELISA from fasting blood samples. Additionally, anthropometric measurements and biochemical parameters were recorded. A total of 138 participants were included, with 72 acne vulgaris patients and 66 healthy controls. The groups were age-similar, though a higher female proportion was observed in the acne group. SAA1 levels were significantly higher in acne patients (p = 0.045), whereas insulin levels did not differ significantly (p = 0.902). LDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol were significantly lower in the acne group (p = 0.003, p = 0.045, p = 0.023, respectively). SAA1 levels did not significantly correlate with acne severity (p = 0.052) or scar severity (p = 0.09). However, LDL and total cholesterol showed weak negative correlations with both acne severity and scar severity. Elevated SAA1 in acne vulgaris patients suggests that SAA1 may serve as a novel biomarker for assessing inflammation in acne. Further large-scale studies are needed to explore therapeutic implications targeting inflammation.

This randomized, controlled, parallel-group study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of daily almond consumption on acne lesion counts, skin hydration, sebum production, and skin microflora composition in 18-35-year-old young adults with acne vulgaris in Mumbai, India. A defined amount of whole, unsalted almonds with skin (60 g) was provided to the experimental group (n = 36). The control group (n = 38) received isocaloric cereal-pulse-based snack varieties. The primary endpoints were changes in inflammatory, non-inflammatory, and total acne lesion counts after 20 weeks of supplementation. Secondary endpoints included changes in facial sebum, hydration levels, skin morphology and microflora, and selected biochemical parameters. At week 20, the almond group showed greater reductions in total lesion counts (-22.2% vs. -9.8%), inflammatory lesion counts (-8.3% vs. +12%), and non-inflammatory lesion counts (-26.1% vs. -20.4%) than controls. Objective lesion volume, area, and height measures for both single and clustered acne decreased in the almond group (p ≤ 0.001). Microbial diversity increased, with the Shannon index (2.6 to 3.4 (p = 0.039) and the Chao1 richness index (266.9 → 835.2; p < 0.001) showing improvements at endline. Moreover, significant post-intervention changes in the psychosocial outcomes, such as the acne-related quality of life scores (p < 0.001) and anxiety symptoms (p = 0.016), were observed in the almond group. Daily almond consumption reduced acne lesion count and improved skin microbial diversity and acne-specific quality of life, highlighting its potential to complement standard acne treatments and support skin health.

Dystrophic Calcinosis Cutis (DCC) is the most common form of calcinosis cutis characterized by deposition of calcium salts in damaged or scarred tissue. DCC occurrence is considered as an uncommon complication of chronic cutaneous inflammation despite a normal calcium and phosphate metabolism. Acne vulgaris is a widespread, long-standing inflammatory dermatological condition, often resulting in scarring and pigmentation. However, chronic inflammatory acne predisposing to aberrant calcification is less reported. We present the case of a young female with long-standing acne who developed multiple facial DCC, incidentally identified during routine comedone extraction. This case highlights the importance of recognizing rare presentations associated with acne and adopting an individualized therapeutic approach. Timely diagnosis not only aids in preventing mismanagement but also contributes to achieving optimal clinical and cosmetic outcomes.

ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed to investigate the association between MMP-2 rs243865 and TIMP-2 rs8179090 gene polymorphisms and skin barrier function, as well as inflammatory cytokine levels, in acne patients, to explore potential genetic mechanisms underlying acne pathogenesis. Methods A total of 200 acne patients and 100 healthy controls were enrolled. Genotyping was performed using PCR-RFLP. Skin barrier function was assessed via transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and hydration measurements. Serum levels of IL-1β and TNF-α were quantified by ELISA. Statistical analyses included Pearson correlation and logistic regression. Results The MMP-2-CC and TIMP-2-CC genotypes were significantly more prevalent in acne patients (p < 0.05). These genotypes correlated with higher TEWL (p < 0.05), reduced skin hydration (p < 0.05), and elevated IL-1β and TNF-α levels (p < 0.05) compared to CT/TT genotypes. Logistic regression confirmed associations between CC genotypes and increased acne severity (OR = 1.86–2.24). Conclusion The MMP-2 and TIMP-2 CC genotypes are linked to impaired skin barrier function and heightened inflammation in acne, suggesting their role in genetic susceptibility and disease progression. These findings may inform future targeted therapies. Clinical Trial Registration www.clinicaltrials.gov identifier is NCT07069075.

Background/Objectives: Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by sebaceous gland hyperactivity, follicular hyperkeratinization, proliferation of Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes), and subsequent inflammation. The development of effective therapeutics necessitates reliable preclinical models that accurately replicate key pathological aspects of the human disease. Methods: In this study, we established an inflammatory acne model in Wistar rats via the intradermal injection of live C. acnes into the ear pinnae and thoroughly characterized its temporal dynamics of the induced inflammation. Utilizing this model, we evaluated the protective efficacy of a whole-cell inactivated C. acnes vaccine (HI-C. acnes) formulated with adjuvants WS03 or MA107b. Results: Inflammation peaked between days 1 and 3 post-infection, manifesting as pronounced erythema, ear swelling, increased ear thickness, elevated bacterial load, and significant upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, and MCP-1). Histopathological examination revealed extensive neutrophil infiltration and microabscess formation, while immunohistochemistry confirmed localized overexpression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and CXCL1 within the lesional tissue. Inflammatory manifestations gradually subsided by day 5 and were fully resolved by day 7, which coincided with complete bacteria clearance and normalization of pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. Vaccinated rats developed significantly higher C. acnes-specific IgG titers and, upon challenge, exhibited markedly reduced ear swelling, diminished bacterial burden, and suppressed expression of key inflammatory mediators compared to control groups, indicating that vaccine-induced protection is associated with humoral immunity. Conclusions: Collectively, our standardized and quantifiable rat ear inflammation model provides a robust platform for mechanistic investigations and preclinical assessment of novel anti-acne vaccines and therapeutic agents.

Concerns about fetal safety limit acne treatments during pregnancy. The 308-nm excimer light offers targeted UVB exposure to lesions with less impact on healthy skin compared to whole-body NB-UVB. We assessed the efficacy and safety of lesion-directed excimer light for inflammatory acne in pregnancy, including folate monitoring and obstetric outcomes. This single-center, single-arm pilot study was conducted in 13 pregnant women with inflammatory acne in the second trimester. Lesion-directed 308-nm excimer light was delivered to facial lesions twice weekly for 8 weeks with erythema-guided escalation; serum folate was monitored, and obstetric outcomes were captured prospectively. For assessment of improvement, the Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) were applied. Analyses emphasized estimation with 95% CIs; exploratory patient-reported/assessor correlations used Spearman's ρ with exact p-values. Both inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions improved; the primary endpoint showed a 48.3% mean reduction in inflammatory lesions at Week 8, 5/13 achieved a ≥ 2-grade IGA improvement, and mean DLQI improved by 5.9 points. Serum folate remained within the reference range, and obstetric outcomes were reassuring. Excimer light was associated with clinically meaningful reductions in inflammatory acne lesions with reassuring safety signals and obstetric outcomes. It may be a pregnancy-compatible option when other therapies are limited and merits evaluation in controlled trials.

In vitro study of the efficacy of mandelic acid attenuates acne inflammation by inhibiting MMP9-mediated PI3K/AKT pathway

ABSTRACTContext:Acne vulgaris, a common skin disorder, primarily affects adolescents and often results in both inflammatory and noninflammatory lesions. Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) plays a central role in the pathogenesis, and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in C. acnes poses a significant challenge in acne treatment.Aims:This study aims to assess the AMR trends of C. acnes isolates from acne vulgaris patients for commonly used antimicrobial agents.Settings and Design:Setting: Tertiary care teaching hospital in Central India. Design: Observational cross-sectional study.Methods and Material:A total of 109 patients with pustular acne vulgaris were recruited over 15 months. Skin swabs were collected from lesions, cultured on Propionibacterium Isolation agar, and identified by conventional microbiological methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was conducted using the Epsilometer test (E-test) to assess the AMR trends to clindamycin, erythromycin, doxycycline, and azithromycin.Results:C. acnes was isolated from 29.35% of acne cases. Most of the acne vulgaris cases belonged to 18–25 years of age (77.98%) and were male patients (62.38%). Resistance to two or more classes of antibiotics was observed in 25% of isolates. Maximum resistance was observed for macrolide groups of antimicrobial agents, that is, erythromycin and azithromycin, while doxycycline (93.7%) and clindamycin (81.2%) exhibited good susceptibility.Conclusions:This study highlights a significant concern regarding AMR in C. acnes, particularly to macrolides. Judicious use of antibiotics and adopting non-antibiotic treatments, such as retinoids and benzoyl peroxide, are crucial to mitigate the growing resistance issue and improve acne management.

Essential oil of Saposhnikovia divaricata mitigates Cutibacterium acnes-induced inflammatory acne via Nrf2 pathway activation and NF-κB pathway inhibition.

Skin-derived precursors (SKPs) isolated from the dermis are poorly immunogenic and capable of modulating the allogeneic immune responses. Previous studies implied mouse SKPs-derived exosomes (mSKPs-exo) might possess immunomodulatory functions. In the present study we collected mSKPs-exo using ultracentrifugation method and characterized them. We then explored mSKPs-exo's impact on acne inflammation with Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes)-challenged murine monocyte-macrophages RAW264.7 and Sprague Dawley (SD) rats auricular acne model. The invitro studies demonstrated mSKPs-exo reduced nitric oxide, TNF-α, and IL-6 concentration in C. acnes-challenged RAW264.7 cells supernatant. mSKPs-exo also ameliorated NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation and CD86 and iNOS antigens expression in C. acnes-challenged RAW264.7 cells. The RT-PCR and Western blots revealed mSKPs-exo alleviated inflammation by regulating key genes (TLR2, TNF-α, MyD88, and IL-6) and proteins (TLR2, MyD88, IκBa, and NF-κBp65) in the TLR2/MyD88/NF-κB pathway. The anti-inflammatory effects could be synergistically enhanced by IκB/IKK inhibitor. The invivo studies validated mSKPs-exo's efficacy on acne inflammation and TLR2/MyD88/NF-κB pathway. Topical dermal injection of mSKPs-exo alleviated auricular inflammatory manifestations in SD rats. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot results indicated mSKPs-exo reduced the expression of TLR2, MyD88, MMP3, p-p38 MAPK, and NF-κB p65. The effect was comparable with topical adapalene gel application. The current study initiated mSKPs-exo research and provided theoretical support and experimental data for their potential application in inflammation regulation, acne treatment, and novel therapeutic targets identification.

Commensal bacteria interact with each other and their environment, secreting anti-microbial peptides, bacteriocins, and extracellular vesicles (EVs). Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes), a commensal bacterium that plays a major role in acne, is classified into different phylotypes (IA1, IA2, IB, IC, II, and III), where overabundance of phylotype IA1 relative to other phylotypes is found in acne lesions. EVs secreted by C. acnes phylotype IA1 extracted from an acne lesion were previously found to induce a pro-inflammatory response in skin models. Here, we investigated the effects of Myrtus communis extract (Myrtacine) and Celastrol-enriched extract (CEE), anti-inflammatory ingredients, alone or in combination, on cutaneous innate immunity induced by C. acnes IA1 EVs. This study was conducted under preventive and modulating conditions: Myrtacine alone, CEE alone, or in combination were added to the culture medium either prior to (preventive) or after (modulating) incubation with C. acnes IA1 EVs from healthy and acne skin in immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT) and human skin explants. Then, regulation of β-defensin 2 (hBD2), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-17α, and IL-36ɣ was assessed. Preventive and modulating applications of Myrtacine and CEE significantly reduced expression of the five immune markers induced specifically by EVs from acne-derived C. acnes IA1. Our results show that C. acnes EVs may be a target of Myrtacine and CEE. They can down-modulate the pro-inflammatory activity induced by EVs derived from C. acnes IA1 from acne skin, showing the interest of these ingredients at both preventive and modulating levels in the treatment of inflammatory acne.

Background: Systemic medications for acne treatment possess greater efficacy than topical preparations, therefore they are prescribed for patients with severe or extensive inflammatory acne. Systemic therapies include retinoids, oral antibiotics and hormonal therapy. Although each of these treatment modalities offers various benefits in managing severe acne, it is important to be aware of their potential side effects, including the ones affecting oral health. Despite extensive research on acne treatments and oral health independently, there is a notable gap in the literature regarding their combined effects. Aim: To explore and discuss the possible pharmacological associations between systemic acne therapies and oral health. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed using MEDLINE, PubMed, EBSCO, and the Cochrane Library databases to identify studies published after 1982 investigating the possible link between systemic acne therapies and their oral manifestations. Results: The awareness of probable oral manifestations such as xerostomia, gingivitis, periodontitis, alveolar bone loss, candidiasis, increased risk of caries, and other reported alterations is of great importance. Thus, a multidisciplinary approach is needed for acne patients’ management. Dermatologists can inform patients requiring long-term systemic therapy about potential oral signs and symptoms that may occur when taking new medications and the importance of careful monitoring and regular dental checkups to identify, assess and manage potential dental and periodontal issues to ensure a balance between therapeutic benefits and possible adverse effects. Furthermore, dental practitioners should take a thorough medical history and be aware of medication-related oral changes and their potential effects on diagnosis and treatment planning. Conclusion: Collaboration between dermatologists and dental specialists is essential to identify, monitor and adequately treat oral complications associated with systemic therapies for acne.

Introduction: Acne is increasingly recognized as an adverse event associated with JAKi (“JAKne”), with 2 meta-analyses demonstrating increased acne risk with JAKi. Initially developed for autoimmune/inflammatory conditions, JAKi indications have been expanded to include dermatologic diseases such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. While there are no established treatment guidelines for JAKne, its clinical manifestation shares some similarities with acne vulgaris, for which US guidelines recommend topical treatments combining multiple mechanisms of action, with strong recommendations for benzoyl peroxide (BPO), retinoids, and/or antibiotics. This narrative review summarizes topical treatments for JAKne and evaluates their effectiveness. Methods: PubMed and EMBASE were searched August 2025 using combinations of terms related to JAKi (eg, "JAK inhibitor" OR "Ruxolitinib," etc) and acne (eg, “acne” or "iatrogenic acne," etc). Articles were screened and supplemented, as needed, with additional manuscripts known to authors or publications identified within articles. Results: Though publications were limited, topical acne therapies were described for JAKne treatment, including BPO, antibiotics, general retinoids/adapalene (ADAP), salicylic acid, or varying combinations of each. One review provided clinical recommendations for JAKne, suggesting that mild-moderate cases be treated with topical mono- or combination therapy, while severe cases may require topical combination therapy alongside oral antibiotics. Across 4 publications that reported treatment effectiveness, qualitative terms such as “substantial improvement,” “good/moderate/poor response,” “partial improvement/resolution,” and “successfully treated” were used. One case study showed successful treatment of moderate/severe inflammatory acne owing to upadacitinib (15-30 mg daily) via fixed-dose, triple-combination clindamycin phosphate 1.2%/ADAP 0.15%/BPO 3.1% gel, with acne improving to mild/almost clear. In a clinical trial for upadacitinib (15 mg or 30 mg daily), the 6 patients who developed acne were successfully treated with ADAP or fixed-dose ADAP/BPO. Two other studies reported mixed responses to topical treatments. A retrospective cohort study in patients treated with tofacitinib, filgotinib, or upadacitinib demonstrated acne improvement/resolution in 52/106 patients (49%) when using topical antibiotics, BPO, retinoids, salicylic acid, or a combination of therapies. Additionally, a case series for patients treated with upadacitinib (15 mg) or baricitinib (4 mg) showed that 3 patients treated with ADAP 0.1%/BPO 2.5% gel showed good response and 5 patients treated with nadifloxacin 1% cream had moderate/poor response. Conclusions: Though studies/analyses of topical JAKne treatment are limited, therapy with retinoids, antibiotics, BPO, and/or salicylic acid have demonstrated effectiveness. Research into the mechanism of JAKi-induced acne may further inform both treatment strategies and larger studies of the effectiveness/safety of various topical treatments.

ABSTRACTCutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) is a major contributor to acne inflammation and exhibits significant antibiotic resistance, but research focusing on reversing this resistance is limited. Rhubarb, a natural plant with known therapeutic effects, shows potential in combating antibiotic resistance, however, no studies have been explored before. The aim of this study was to investigate rhubarb's ability to reverse antibiotic resistance in C. acnes. Strains 11,827 and 6919 were cultured and passaged with 0.019 μg/mL ethanol extract, and antibiotic sensitivity was monitored from passage 0 to 12. The extract effectively reversed antibiotic resistance, and was also confirmed by growth curves and oxidative markers. The impact varied across antibiotics, with the most significant reversal being erythromycin (1000‐fold), followed by clindamycin (250‐fold), and a weaker effect for tetracycline (2–4‐fold). This suggests that the extract has a stronger reversal effect on antibiotics with higher resistance. LC‐MS analysis identified flavonoids and heterocyclic compounds were may be key active components, with (‐)‐epicatechin being the most abundant and crucial for antibacterial and reversal activities. The study suggests a new strategy of using rhubarb ethanol extract as a promising acne treatment with much lower resistance, with vital advantages over conventional antibiotics. These also provide new insights into using herbal plants to combat antibiotic resistance.

Background/Objectives: Inflammatory skin disorders such as dermatitis, psoriasis, and acne that affect patients’ quality of life and health require safe and effective active delivery systems. In Thai traditional medicine, Curcuma aromatica has long been used to treat skin disorders and for cosmetic skin care. However, the research is scarce. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a novel anti-inflammatory and anti-acne hydrogel patch containing C. aromatica extract. Methods: The hydrogel patch formulations were prepared, and their mechanical properties, in vitro release, skin permeation, in vitro anti-inflammatory and anti-acne activities, and physicochemical properties were studied. Results: The C. aromatica hydrogel patch (CA2 formulation) made from carrageenan, locust bean gum, PVP-K30, and C. aromatica extract displayed excellent physical appearance and mechanical properties; it was smooth, durable, and flexible. Curcumin, an active ingredient, was released from the C. aromatica hydrogel patch within the first 30 min (19.07 ± 1.14%), reaching its peak at 12 h (50.40 ± 3.94%), with sustained permeation of 38.18 ± 0.45% at 24 h. Data from the drug release and permeation study better fit Higuchi’s kinetic model. Additionally, the CA2 hydrogel patch demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity, with an IC50 value of 19.85 ± 0.82 μg/mL, and was also effective against Cutibacterium acne, with an inhibition zone of 12.70 ± 2.10 mm. Conclusions: The developed C. aromatica hydrogel patch not only showed great physicochemical properties but also had anti-inflammatory and anti-acne activities; it prolonged curcumin release, enabling delivery of the drug to treat skin inflammation disorders. The CA hydrogel patch is suitable for use as an anti-acne facial mask and for inflamed skin areas; however, it should be further evaluated in clinical trials.

Houttuynia cordata essential oil (HCEO) is a promising ingredient for acne-focused phytocosmetics. This in vitro study evaluated its volatile compounds, antimicrobial, antioxidant, wound-healing, anti-melanogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties, along with the stability of topical oil‑in‑water emulsions. GC-MS analysis identified n-decanoic acid (46.21%), β-myrcene (14.082%), and 2-undecanone (11.01%) as the main components. HCEO inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Cutibacterium acnes. It displayed antioxidant activity, with IC50 values of 13.25 ± 0.09 mg/mL (DPPH) and 17.44 ± 0.16 mg TEAC/g (FRAP). No cytotoxicity was observed in NIH/3T3 fibroblasts and RAW 264.7 macrophages (up to 500 µg/mL). HCEO enhanced fibroblast migration by 26.94% ± 1.12% at 400 µg/mL. It inhibited melanin synthesis in B16F10 and A375 cells, with IC50 values of 200.61 ± 2.19 and 152.16 ± 1.97 µg/mL, respectively, and tyrosinase activity (IC50 of 48.00 ± 0.01 µg/mL). Additionally, HCEO suppressed nitric oxide production in LPS-stimulated macrophages (IC50 of 1.176 ± 0.084 µg/mL). Oil-in-water emulsions containing HCEO maintained physical stability for eight weeks, indicating suitability for cosmetic product development. These findings suggest HCEO has potential as a natural ingredient for advanced skincare formulations targeting acne and skin inflammation, although further work is needed to optimise loading, assess skin permeation, and confirm efficacy in vivo.

Background: Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that often leads to scarring and pigmentation. Conventional therapies may provide limited improvement and are frequently associated with adverse effects. Recent advances in regenerative medicine suggest that stem cell–derived secretome and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may promote skin repair and rejuvenation through anti-inflammatory and regenerative pathways. Case Presentation: A 21-year-old male presented with persistent inflammatory acne and post-acne hyperpigmentation. The patient underwent two sessions of combined SH-MSCs-derived secretome and PRP therapy at two-week intervals. Facial assessments were performed using the Janus Skin Analyzer at baseline, day 14, and day 28. Quantitative analysis revealed significant improvement in multiple parameters, including reduction of pore size, pigmentation index, and sebum levels, accompanied by enhanced skin elasticity. Clinically, the patient exhibited visible improvement in overall skin texture, evenness, and clarity without any adverse reactions. Results: Marked clinical improvement was observed after the second session, with visible reduction in acne lesions, fading of post-acne marks, and overall improvement in skin radiance. Quantitative analysis demonstrated a 30% reduction in pore condition, 58% increase in elasticity, 35% decrease in pigmentation index, and 227% reduction in sebum levels compared to baseline. These findings indicate significant enhancement in skin texture, tone, and elasticity. Conclusion: Combination therapy using SH-MSCs-derived secretome and PRP demonstrated promising regenerative and aesthetic outcomes in this patient with acne vulgaris. Larger-scale clinical studies are warranted to validate efficacy and optimize treatment protocols.

Background and Objective: Acne is a common inflammatory dermatosis in adolescents, influenced by multiple factors (hormonal, genetic, environmental, and nutritional) and known to affect quality of life. This study aimed to explore the potential association between body mass index (BMI) and acne among adolescents in Kinshasa, where available data remain scarce. Methods: This was an analytical and descriptive study conducted from March to December 2023 (nine months) in four randomly selected secondary schools in Kinshasa. Eligible participants were students aged 10 to 19 years, enrolled in the selected schools, who provided verbal assent and whose parents gave informed consent. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed using SPSS v.20 and Epi Info v.7. The value of p &lt; 0.05 was considered the threshold for statistical significance. Results: The prevalence of acne among adolescents was 72%, with a female predominance (64.8%) and a higher frequency after age 15 (43%). Most cases started around age 14 (33.3%), with a slight male predominance (51.38%). The duration of acne exceeded one year in 60% of cases. A family history of acne was reported in 38.66% of participants. The use of cosmetic products and puberty were significantly associated with acne, unlike dietary habits. Acne type and BMI differed significantly by sex (p=0.0006 and p=0.009): retention and inflammatory acne were more common in females (54.82% and 70.18%), while obesity was associated with severe acne (grade 3) in males (100%). BMI was significantly correlated with acne severity in both sexes (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Body mass index, regardless of its value, is associated with acne severity in adolescents. A holistic and multidisciplinary management approach may help improve the quality of life of affected students.