Affiliation:
1. Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine Miami Florida USA
2. University of Missouri‐Kansas City School of Medicine Kansas City Missouri USA
3. Eastern Virginia Medical School Norfolk Virginia USA
4. Division of Dermatology University of Louisville Louisville Kentucky USA
5. Skin Laser & Surgery Specialists, A Division of Schweiger Dermatology Group New York New York USA
6. Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai New York New York USA
Abstract
AbstractBackgroundAcne vulgaris (AV) is a widespread inflammatory skin condition associated with increased sebum production, abnormal keratinization, bacterial overgrowth, and inflammation. Overactive sebaceous glands (SGs) produce excess sebum, promote Cutibacterium acnes growth, and affect acne development. Energy‐based treatments (EBDs), including light therapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT), lasers, and radiofrequency (RF) devices, have emerged as effective treatment options. As the use of EBDs becomes more widespread, it is imperative to understand their effects on skin parameters, such as sebum, in AV.MethodsSearches were conducted in Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. The studies included were randomized and nonrandomized trials on facial AV that used EBDs and featured objective casual sebum level (CSL) measurements via Sebumeter. Data synthesis involved percentage reductions in CSL at follow‐ups compared to baseline.ResultsTwenty‐three studies were analyzed. PDT and RF consistently reduced CSL by 30%–40% and 30%–35%, respectively. Laser therapy showed lesser reductions, whereas light therapy varied significantly and studies had a high risk of bias. All EBD therapies were more effective than no treatment and PDT was superior to light monotherapy. Laser therapy combined with fractional microneedling radiofrequency (FMR) or as a standalone was more effective than laser alone.ConclusionNoninvasive sebum measurement provides valuable insights into AV treatment efficacy. PDT, lasers, especially the 1450‐nm diode laser, and FMR are promising for reducing sebum. Standardization of measurement techniques and further research are vital for enhancing treatment personalization, reducing side effects, and improving AV management.