Is maintenance treatment in adult acne important? Benefits from maintenance therapy with adapalene, and low doses of alpha and beta hydroxy acids

Background: Adult acne is a chronic disease with uncontrolled exacerbations, associated with a psychological burden of the patient and medical expenses.Aims: The aim of the study was to check the efficacy of maintenance therapy of adult acne. It is essential part of treatment as adult acne usually has a long-lasting and recurring course.Methods: In the study, the efficacy of maintenance therapy in patients with adult acne is evaluated. In this study, 100 patients (aged 25–39 years of age) with mild and moderate adult acne were enrolled.Results: The maintenance therapy (adapalene 0.1% three times a week and low doses of alpha and beta hydroxy acids) led to a significant decrease in the number of acne lesions (from 31.3 to 12.25; p < .001) and severity of seborrhea (p < .001).Conclusions: Maintenance therapy brings significant improvements in the reduction of non-inflammatory and inflammatory lesions in patients with mild and moderate adult acne.