Retinoid nanoparticulates: Approachable gateway for acne treatment

Abstract

Acne vulgaris is a skin disorder that results due to clogging of hair follicles with dead skin cells and oils from the skin. Although acne is not a fatal disease, it has serious effects on the patients' physical and emotional states due to the fear of permanent scars, reduced self-confidence, depression and avoidance of social interactions, and even the tendency to commit suicide. Topical retinoids are the first-line treatment for most forms of Acne vulgaris. Poor aqueous solubility coupled with physical or chemical instability limits the applications of retinoids for anti-acne therapy. Nanoformulations of retinoids can overcome many problems associated with conventional retinoid formulations by improving the solubility, stability, reducing skin irritation, improving the drug targeting and enhancing the therapeutic efficacy. This review details on formulation, characterization and in vivo/in vitro evaluation of selected nanoparticles loaded with retinoids and envisions articulating the findings from the literature into potential promises.

Keywords

• Retinoids
• Nanomedicine
• Acne
• Topical
• Gel