Acne Demystified: A Roadmap to Clear and Healthy Skin for Your Patients

Acne vulgaris (AV) is a chronic, dermatologic condition affecting the pediatric population.The prevalence of AV rises as children age, with approximately 28% to 61% of 10 to 12 year olds and 79% to 95% of 16 to 18 year olds affected. [1][2]2][3][4] This condition involves dysregulation of the pilosebaceous unit and leads to the emergence of both inflammatory and noninflammatory lesions. 1 Scarring and hyperpigmentation of these lesions are common consequences of AV and can intensify the adverse effects of this condition on one's quality of life and mental health. 5Furthermore, other potential long-term impacts, including depression and poor self-esteem, underscore the importance of timely and appropriate intervention for this prevalent disease. 6his review aims to provide an updated acne overview, including aggravating and alleviating factors and current treatment options.Our goal is to empower providers with the latest recommendations for effective acne management to achieve the best outcomes for their patients. Lifestyle BehaviorsStudies have yielded conflicting results regarding the associations between various lifestyle factors and the development and severity of acne.Factors under debate include cigarette smoke, poor sleep quality, air pollution, regular cannabis use, stress, and climate conditions.