Ayda Rajabi
1 
, Azizeh Rahmani Del Bakhshayesh
2,3, Leila Hosseini
4, Azizeh Farshbaf-khalili
5, Halimeh Amirazad
6, Amélia C. F. Vieira
7,8, Soraya Babaie
5* , Ana Cláudia Paiva-Santos
7,8*1 Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Yasouj University of Medical Sciences, 75918-74934 Yasouj, Iran.
2 Department of Tissue Engineering, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, 51368 Tabriz, Iran.
3 Kidney Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, 51368 Tabriz, Iran.
4 Research Center of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, 51368 Tabriz, Iran.
5 Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Research Center, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, 51368 Tabriz, Iran.
6 Endocrine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, 51368 Tabriz, Iran.
7 Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3000548 Coimbra, Portugal
8 REQUIMTE/LAQV, Group of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
Abstract
Acne vulgaris, a widespread inflammatory skin disorder, affects millions globally and is particularly common among teenagers and young adults. Acne arises due to a multifactorial interplay of genetic predisposition, hormonal fluctuations, environmental influences, and microbial activity, often complicating treatment; and is characterized by the development of various skin lesions, including comedones, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. These manifestations typically appear in areas with high sebaceous gland density, such as the face, neck, chest, and upper back. Conventional therapies such as antibiotics, retinoids, and hormonal modulators face challenges including side effects, antimicrobial resistance, and inconsistent patient adherence. Drug delivery systems utilizing nanotechnology show significant potential, particularly through lipid-based carriers such as liposomes, niosomes and solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs). These systems optimize therapeutic efficacy by improving absorption rates, enabling controlled and prolonged drug release, and reducing localized irritation. This review examines acne’s biological mechanisms, evaluates existing treatments, and explores lipid nanoparticle technology as a means to refine targeted therapies, paving the way for advancements in personalized skincare.