Acne vulgaris is the most common skin condition associated with inflammation of the pilosebaceous unit and affects all ethnic and age groups, independent of sex, nationality, or socioeconomic status. Although this high incidence rate, the presence of acne lesions can usually affect self-confidence, anxiety, and community avoidance. Additionally, it can also affect the sexual quality of life of adult patients. This occurs because acne lesions can become scarring, which can aggravate both the physical aspect of the patient as well as the impact on the psychological factors.

The main etiological accepted mechanism involves changes in the pilosebaceous unit through the hyperkeratinization of the pore, overproduction of sebum, and excessive proliferation of a bacteria called Cutibacterium acnes (formerly known as Propionibacterium acnes). Those factors altogether will lead to the blocking of the hair follicle and to the characteristic inflammation of this clinical condition.

Treatment usually includes oral and/or physical and/or topical interventions—the last can be obtained through commercial preparations in fixed doses or as compounded creams/gels, with personalized qualitative and quantitative composition, to be unique to each patient.

The treatment will also depend on the grade of acne (from I to IV, being I the mild cases and IV the more severe presentation). From grades I to III, topical treatments are more used, while grade IV requires oral dosage forms. For each patient, a specific treatment considering acids, antibiotics and corticoids in different concentrations can be provided for their needs.