Effectiveness and Safety of Moisturizer Use in Acne Patients Undergoing Isotretinoin Therapy: A Clinical Assessment

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Isotretinoin is a widely used and effective treatment for moderate to severe acne; however, it is associated with significant side effects, including skin dryness. Moisturizer use has been proposed as a potential adjunct to reduce isotretinoin-induced skin dryness and improve patient satisfaction. Aim of the study: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of moisturizer use in reducing skin dryness and improving clinical outcomes in acne patients undergoing isotretinoin therapy. Methods & Materials: In this prospective clinical study, 95 acne patients (mean age 24.03 ± 4.05 years) receiving isotretinoin therapy were included. Participants were instructed to use a moisturizer regularly during their treatment. Clinical outcomes, including changes in acne severity and skin dryness scores, were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks. Patient satisfaction was also evaluated using a post-treatment questionnaire. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify factors associated with skin dryness. Result: After 12 weeks of moisturizer use, acne severity decreased by 62.5%, and skin dryness score reduced by 52.9%. The most common side effects were cheilitis (37.89%) and erythema (11.58%). Patient satisfaction improved significantly, with a mean score of 8.2 ± 1.4, reflecting a 2.5-point increase from baseline. Multivariate analysis revealed that moisturizer use was strongly associated with reduced skin dryness (β = -2.4, p < 0.001), with isotretinoin dose and baseline skin type also influencing outcomes. Conclusion: Moisturizer use during isotretinoin therapy significantly alleviates skin dryness and improves patient satisfaction without compromising the effectiveness of isotretinoin in treating acne. This study supports the integration of moisturizers into isotretinoin treatment regimens to enhance patient comfort and outcomes.