Acne Therapy: It’s Not Just the Tools You Have—It’s How You Use Them!

In this episode of Derms and Conditions, host James Q. Del Rosso, DO, is joined by Hilary Baldwin, MD, for a treatment-focused discussion on acne management, with particular attention to how newer topical therapies are reshaping treatment approaches.

They begin by reflecting on how patient expectations and therapeutic options have shifted over the past decade. Dr Baldwin highlights improvements in topical formulations that have enhanced both efficacy and tolerability, allowing many patients with mild to moderate and even some severe acne to be managed with topicals alone. This shift has also reduced reliance on prolonged oral antibiotic use.

They next address practical considerations, including access and adherence. Dr Baldwin discusses the role of specialty pharmacies in helping ensure patients receive prescribed therapies without substitution and the importance of providing specific skin care recommendations to minimize irritation and improve outcomes.

A key focus of the conversation is topical clascoterone, a first-in-class androgen receptor inhibitor that targets the androgen-sebum pathway and reduces sebum production progressively over time. They emphasize the benefit of initiating it early and setting appropriate expectations with patients, as its therapeutic effects build over 2 to 3+ months. Both clinicians advocate pairing clascoterone from the outset with a combination of topical agents that addresses other pathophysiologic cascades in acne to provide early visible improvement while supporting longer-term disease control. Other agents, such as benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids, and clindamycin, are available in combination topical formulations to allow for ease of use, including a triple-combination topical gel.   

They also discuss strategies for simplifying complex regimens, especially for younger patients, and review admixture data supporting compatibility between clascoterone and other topical agents.

Tune in to the episode for practical pearls on designing combination topical regimens, setting realistic expectations with patients, and applying these strategies to optimize acne management.

Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Content provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only. Please consult with a physician regarding any health-related diagnosis or treatment.