From Monotherapy to Adjunctive Therapies: Application of Dermocosmetics in Acne Management Across Australia and New Zealand

Abstract

Acne vulgaris is a globally prevalent dermatological disease, with its severity ranging from mild to severe. While moderate to severe acne often requires topical or systemic pharmaceutical therapy, mild to moderate acne may be managed with dermocosmetics, which are over-the-counter skincare agents with active ingredients that target acne pathophysiology. Dermocosmetics can also be effective as adjunct therapy for the management of more severe acne. For example, they can be used to complement the mode of action of pharmaceuticals or to mitigate side effects and improve treatment compliance. This review discusses the roles of commonly available dermocosmetics in the context of both mild and severe acne management protocols.