Exploring the potential of nanocarriers for targeted delivery of anti-acne agents: A review

Acne is one of the most prevalent skin conditions among adolescents, which can often continue to adulthood. It is characterized by the appearance of comedones along with blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pimples, and pinheads on the neck, face, and back. The most common cause of acne is the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes, but factors like hormonal imbalance, anxiety, and genetic makeup can often be responsible. Despite the availability of numerous anti-acne agents, their efficacy is often limited due to poor skin penetration and adverse effects. Nanocarriers have emerged as a promising approach for the targeted delivery of anti-acne agents to the skin. This review discusses the potential of nanocarriers, including vesicular systems, biphasic systems, polymeric systems, fullerenes, and carbon nanoparticles, for enhanced skin penetration and controlled release of anti-acne agents. Various studies have reported using nanocarriers to successfully deliver agents such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoids, resulting in improved efficacy and reduced side effects. Using nanocarriers has shown promise for developing combination therapies targeting multiple aspects of acne pathogenesis. However, further research is needed to optimize the formulation and assess the safety and efficacy of nanocarrier-based anti-acne therapies.