title: Cosmetics for acne: indications and recommendations for an evidence-based approach.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this review was to evaluate, by a thorough revision of the literature, the true efficacy of currently available topic and systemic cosmetic acne agents.
  
  
  METHODS
  The efficacy of currently available cosmetic acne agents has been retrospectively evaluated via thorough revision of the literature on matched electronic databases (PubMed). All retrieved studies, either randomized clinical trials or clinical trials, controlled or uncontrolled were considered.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Scientific evidence suggests that most cosmetic products for acne may enhance the clinical outcome. Cleansers should be indicated to all acne patients; those containing benzoyl peroxide or azelaic/salicylic acid/triclosan show the best efficacy profile. Sebum-controlling agents containing nicotinamide or zinc acetate may minimize excessive sebum production. Cosmetics with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory substances such as, respectively, ethyl lactate or phytosphingosine and nicotinamide or resveratrol, may speed acne recovery. Topical corneolytics, including retinaldehyde/glycolic acid or lactic acid, induce a comedolytic effect and may also facilitate skin absorption of topical drugs. Finally, the use of specific moisturizers should be strongly recommended in all acne patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cosmetics, if correctly prescribed, may improve the performance of the therapy, whereas wrong procedures and/or inadequate cosmetics may worsen acne. Cosmetological recommendations may allow clinicians to make informed decisions about the role of various cosmetics and to indentify the appropriate indications and precautions. The choice of the most effective product should take into consideration the ongoing pharmacological therapy and acne type/severity as well.
authors.affiliation: Section of Dermatology, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Catania, Italy - cldermct@nti.it.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Dall'oglio
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tedeschi
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Fabbrocini
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Veraldi
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Picardo
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Micali
mesh_terms: D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D003358:Cosmetics / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D012869:Skin Absorption
chemical_list: D003358:Cosmetics; D003879:Dermatologic Agents