Pharmaceutical Science: New Insights and Developments Vol. 12

Acne is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit that causes significant cosmetic morbidity and may contribute to psychological distress and social dysfunction. Clinically, acne-related conditions are broadly categorised into two distinct entities: acne vulgaris, which predominantly affects adolescents and young adults, and acne rosacea (rosacea), which mainly occurs in individuals aged 30–60 years. Despite similarities in nomenclature, these conditions differ considerably in their etiopathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and therapeutic approaches, and are therefore regarded as separate dermatological disorders. Conventional topical and systemic therapies—including retinoids, antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, and hormonal agents—remain the mainstay of acne management; however, their long-term use is frequently associated with limitations such as poor patient compliance, drug instability, skin irritation, systemic side effects, and development of antibiotic resistance. Recent advances in nanotechnology have introduced lipid-based nanocarriers as promising alternatives for improved topical drug delivery in dermatological therapy. Lipid nanoparticles, including solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), are composed of physiologically compatible lipids that enhance drug localisation within the skin while minimising systemic exposure. These carriers offer multiple advantages such as improved drug stability, controlled and sustained release, enhanced skin penetration, reduced toxicity, increased hydration through occlusive film formation, and protection of encapsulated drugs from chemical degradation. Furthermore, lipid nanoparticles can improve therapeutic efficacy and patient adherence by reducing dosing frequency and adverse effects.

The present review highlights recent advances in lipid nanoparticle–based drug delivery systems for acne management, discusses their formulation strategies, mechanisms of enhanced dermal targeting, therapeutic benefits over conventional delivery systems, and explores their future potential as effective and patient-friendly approaches for the treatment of acne and related inflammatory skin disorders.