Please join us for Acne Global Education day on June 7th. We have an all-star cast lined up and it is going to be an outstanding session on everything acne. For more and to register: www.global-dermatology.com/en/events/ac...

ACNE | Global Education Day 2025

ACNE Global Education Day 2025: join top experts online for clinical insights, treatment updates, and expert discussions at global-dermatology.com.

global-dermatology.com

Some more evidence from a meta-analysis of 6 RCTs to support that subdermal implants (i.e. Nexplanon) are more likely to cause acne than hormonal IUDs (OR 2.21). Something to keep in mind for those concerned about acne who otherwise don't have strong preferences. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40069520/

Subdermal implants vs. levonorgestrel intrauterine devices outcomes in reproductive-aged women: a systematic review and meta-analysis - PubMed

PROSPERO ID: CRD42024516472.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

🚨 News Alert 🚨 The FDA just released an important update regarding benzene in benzoyl peroxide products (www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-s...). See below for my thoughts and products to avoid:

Recalls small number of acne products for benzene contamination

Voluntary recalls of acne products after FDA testing finds small number of proudcts with elevated levels of benzene

fda.gov

A new report on the potential relationship between benzene and benzoyl peroxide was just released in @theJIDJournal. While I applaud continued efforts to address this important topic, I have some serious concerns with this study. 1/8 www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

A Disproportionality Analysis on Benzoyl Peroxide and its Risk of Malignancy using the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System

sciencedirect.com

There is growing interest in the role of home LED therapy for acne. In this systematic review and meta-analysis in JAMA Derm, we examine the evidence base for this treatment (TL/DR: it appears to have reasonable efficacy for mild acne): www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/new...

While we often worry about SJS/TEN with TMP-SMX, it also can be associated with severe acute respiratory failure, particularly among younger individuals. Another reason to be very cautious about using it for acne: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40012193/

Severe Acute Respiratory Failure Associated With Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole Among Adolescent and Young Adults: An Active Comparator-Restricted Disproportionality Analysis From the FDA Adverse Event...

TMP-SMX may increase the risk of ARF/ARDS, requiring further validation in larger pharmacoepidemiological studies. Our findings lay the groundwork for future research to further investigate the safety...

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Sherry Ershadi, an amazing research fellow in our lab this year, has put together these incredible acne/rosacea patient handouts. Feel free to use them if you find them helpful: barbierilab.bwh.harvard.edu/educational-...

Lately, we've seen a lot of discussion about the potential risk of benzoyl peroxide products breaking down into benzene. In this letter, we discuss some of the limitations with respect to the methodology and framing of the recent Kucera et al. article in the JID: www.jidonline.org/article/S002...

Minocycline-MR 40mg was recently FDA approved for rosacea. In this video, I will review the clinical trial data and share my thoughts on where it fits among our existing treatment options: #rosacea #minocycline #emrosi youtu.be/103ncqVznGk

How good is the new Minocycline-MR (Emrosi) for rosacea | Dermatologist explains

YouTube video by John Barbieri, MD

youtu.be

Just out in BJD, interesting MR study lending further support to the potential role of Omega-3 being helpful in acne. These findings align with small trials and observational studies suggesting Omega-3 may be useful. 1/2 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39936505/

The causal association between polyunsaturated fatty acids and acne: A two-sample Mendelian randomization study - PubMed

Our study indicates that high DHA levels and their ratios to total fatty acids have causal protective effects against acne, while high LA levels and omega-6: omega-3 ratio are associated with increase...

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Excited to share work with @labmuffin.com, Courtney Rubin, and James Pham, identifying how formulation characteristics might be associated with benzene levels in benzoyl peroxide products. Some helpful hypotheses to guide future product development. jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...

The Role of Formulation in Benzene Formation in Benzoyl Peroxide Products

This quality improvement study examines the effects of formulation on benzene levels detected in over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide products.

jamanetwork.com

In this latest video, I review common reasons why isotretinoin is not working and how to address these clinical scenarios: youtu.be/gEc2qxdEH6Q

Why Accutane (isotretinoin) isn’t working | Dermatologist and acne expert explains

YouTube video by John Barbieri, MD

youtu.be

We often consider GoodRx to reduce out-of-pocket costs. In this @JAADjournals study, we find that @costplusdrugs frequently has lower prices for derm drugs (and the mail order aspect may be more convenient). Another good option to help with affordability. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39863169/

Comparing Prescription Drug Saving Platforms for Dermatology: A Cost Analysis of Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs, GoodRx, and Amazon RxPass - PubMed

Comparing Prescription Drug Saving Platforms for Dermatology: A Cost Analysis of Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs, GoodRx, and Amazon RxPass

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Just out in @JAMADerm, we describe the psychometric properties of the 1-item ACORN Patient Global Assessment, which correlates well with the CASS IGA and also is highly responsive to change. This can be particularly useful for online surveys/assessments. jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...

Validation of the ACORN Patient Global Assessment

This survey study evaluates the measurement properties for acne severity of the Acne Core Outcome Research Network (ACORN) patient global assessment.

jamanetwork.com

Should we start with spironolactone or doxycycline for women with acne? Check out my breakdown of the FASCE trial here: youtu.be/zRbPfSCn9Ow

Spironolactone or oral antibiotics? Which is best? | FASCE Trial | Dermatologist explains

YouTube video by John Barbieri, MD

youtu.be

Just out in JAMA Dermatology, led by Jenny Lai, we evaluate long-term clearance outcomes among those treated with isotretinoin for acne. A thread: ⬇️ jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...

Acne Relapse and Isotretinoin Retrial in Patients With Acne

This cohort study assess rates of acne relapse and isotretinoin retrial and identifies associated factors in patients after completing an isotretinoin course.

jamanetwork.com

Do we really need to check frequent labs for isotretinoin? In this video, I go through the evidence about why we likely aren't getting much value from our current approach and even make a case for no monitoring: youtu.be/UpsW1iN9FRw

Does Accutane (isotretinoin) require lab monitoring? | Dermatologist and acne expert explains

YouTube video by John Barbieri, MD

youtu.be

Some of the best evidenced-based info on acne treatment right here! @drjohnbarbieri.bsky.social #DRESSsyndrome #acnetreatment

John Barbieri, MD, MBA@drjohnbarbieri.bsky.social · 2y ago

Want to learn more about which are the best oral antibiotics for the treatment of acne, including the relative role of doxycycline, minocycline, sarecycline (Seysara), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim), amoxicillin, and azithromycin, among others? Check out this video: youtu.be/RgMXi92UjnQ

Want to learn more about which are the best oral antibiotics for the treatment of acne, including the relative role of doxycycline, minocycline, sarecycline (Seysara), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim), amoxicillin, and azithromycin, among others? Check out this video: youtu.be/RgMXi92UjnQ

What are the best antibiotics for acne | Dermatologist and acne expert explains

YouTube video by John Barbieri, MD

youtu.be

Catch up on some of the biggest topics, studies, and new medications for acne in my latest year-in-review video: youtu.be/vxqxzDYGSsg

Catch up on the biggest acne developments of 2024: Year in Review | Dermatologist Explains

YouTube video by John Barbieri, MD

youtu.be

In JAAD, we find evidence that acne may be a risk factor for fractures. This aligns with evidence that acne is associated with low vitamin D levels or might be related to pleiotropy or systemic inflammation www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

Nice article in @nytimes.com covering some of the recent benzene concerns (including benzoyl peroxide) as well as our recent work on this topic. www.nytimes.com/2024/12/05/w...

Is It Time to Worry About Benzene in Personal Care Products?

The carcinogen has been found in sunscreen, deodorants, acne creams and other personal care products. Here’s what to know.

nytimes.com

Isotretinoin can be highly effective for #acne and is the only prescription treatment that can provide a lasting remission. While we often discuss skin dryness, we don’t often consider the eyes. In this thread, let's explore the effects of #isotretinoin on the eye. #dermsky 1/9

Pityrosporum folliculitis ("fungal acne") can be easy to miss and needs different treatments than run of the mill acne. In this video, I go over what to look for and how to treat this condition: www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0YH...

Are those pimple breakouts fungal acne? Dermatologist explains Pityrosporum folliculitis

YouTube video by John Barbieri, MD

youtube.com

Wheezy Whee@noteasybeinwheezy.bsky.social · 2y ago

anyone have any remedies for “fungal” acne? i guess it can just come from stress, but im kinda tired of these breakouts each day.

Real world data shows no correlation between benzoyl peroxide use and benzene blood levels, or leukaemia/lymphoma/internal malignancies 👇🏻

John Barbieri, MD, MBA@drjohnbarbieri.bsky.social · 2y ago

I cover some of our research on this subject here: youtu.be/LSylzH_ikU8

Great breakdown by @labmuffin.bsky.social on the recent JID paper from Valisure evaluating benzene in benzoyl peroxide products. Stay tuned for more to come (we have a couple papers in the works): labmuffin.com/is-benzene-i...

Is benzene in benzoyl peroxide a cancer risk? | Lab Muffin Beauty Science

There's been a lot of stories about benzene contamination in personal care products over the last 4 years. This year, benzene was discovered in benzoyl peroxide, a staple acne treatment.

labmuffin.com

While isotretinoin can be a great acne treatment for the right person, side effects can often be a challenge. In this video, I discuss how to avoid prevent some of the main side effects of isotretinoin such as dryness: youtu.be/KU3NsjdA50o

How to avoid side effects from Accutane (isotretinoin) – Dermatologist and acne expert explains

YouTube video by John Barbieri, MD

youtu.be

The SD-ACNE trial is a study comparing doxycycline versus spironolactone for women ages 16-40, and is currently enrolling in AR, FL, MA, NY, OH, OR, PA, TX, and VA. To learn more, visit: clinicalresearch.pennmedicine.org/us/en/listin...

We have another member of the original dermtwitter crew here! @drjohnbarbieri.bsky.social. Follow him for his excellent acne knowledge!

Is acne not improving? Make sure that it isn't due to one of these acne mimickers and learn how to treat them: youtu.be/6pXh_f6t3NE

Don’t be fooled by these acne mimickers | Find the right treatment | Dermatologist explains

YouTube video by John Barbieri, MD

youtu.be