title: The Use of Cosmeceuticals in Acne: Help or Hoax?
abstract: The use of cosmeceuticals by patients with acne is common; however, their role is unclear and confusing, with many asking, "Do they really help acne?" Cosmeceuticals are intermediate products between prescription medications and cosmetics, available to consumers over the counter. These products are popular and may be used without the direct supervision of a dermatologist, creating a practice gap in educating patients. Herein, a variety of cosmeceuticals are discussed, including retinoids, niacinamide, and glycolic acid. The evidence for and against cosmeceutical use in patients with acne is reviewed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Penn State/Hershey Medical Center, HU14, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA, 17022, USA.
authors.forename: Brittany S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Barros
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Penn State/Hershey Medical Center, HU14, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA, 17022, USA. azaenglein@hmc.psu.edu.|Department of Pediatrics, Penn State/Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA. azaenglein@hmc.psu.edu.
authors.forename: Andrea L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Zaenglein
mesh_terms: D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000379:methods*; D000075202:Contraindications; D000068937:Cosmeceuticals / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008192:Deception; D006016:Glycolates / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007641:Keratolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009536:Niacinamide / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012176:Retinoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects*; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000187:drug effects; D014803:Vitamin B Complex / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000068937:Cosmeceuticals; D006016:Glycolates; D007641:Keratolytic Agents; D012176:Retinoids; C031149:glycolic acid; D014803:Vitamin B Complex; D009536:Niacinamide