A real-world approach to Trifarotene treatment in patients with acne and acne sequelae based on the experience of the Italian Acne Board

Acne and acne sequelae can have an important impact on patients’ quality of life, affecting interpersonal relationships and social functioning. Acne-induced scars (AIS) and acne-induced macular hyperpigmentation (AIH), in particular, are a major concern for patients with acne, as their management is challenging and often unsatisfactory. Retinoids are considered the mainstay of acne treatment because of their action on multiple pathogenetic factors, and there is increasing evidence that they can also improve AIS and AIH. Trifarotene, a topical retinoid with selectivity for retinoic acid receptor (RAR)-γ, has undergone an extensive clinical development programme, demonstrating its efficacy in treating facial and truncal acne and improving acne sequelae. In this article, we review the main evidence supporting the use of trifarotene in patients with acne and acne sequelae and provide place-in-therapy suggestions based on the experience of the Italian Acne Board with this drug in real-life practice. Trifarotene can be used successfully, as monotherapy or in association with other treatments, in most clinical settings of acne, but it plays an essential role in patients with existing AIS and AIH, those with a clinical or personal history of scarring and those who are predisposed to AIH. Owing to its long-term efficacy and tolerability, trifarotene is also a good option as a maintenance treatment. As with other topical retinoids, patients undergoing trifarotene therapy should be given advice on how to minimise local irritation when starting treatment.