New Treatment Eradicates Acne in 7 Days

SadaNews - Researchers in South Korea have developed a new treatment that can eliminate acne in just 7 days.

The team from Hanyang University explained that the treatment relies on an innovative medical patch that works through a precise two-phase mechanism, providing quick and effective results without causing skin irritation. The results were published on Thursday in the journal "Applied Materials and Interfaces" of the American Chemical Society.

Acne is one of the most common skin problems among teenagers and young adults, arising from clogged pores due to the accumulation of sebum (oil) and dead skin cells, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to grow and lead to inflammation. It often appears as pimples or black and white heads that can cause pain and redness, affecting one's appearance and self-confidence. Despite its prevalence, treating acne usually takes weeks or months, and can leave scars in some cases.

The new patch resembles small clear bandages and utilizes rows of tiny microscopic spikes designed using 3D printing technology in the shape of an arrowhead.

This shape helps securely anchor the patch over the pimple and prevents it from slipping. Upon application, the spikes penetrate the outer layer of the skin painlessly, delivering the drug compounds directly to the site of bacterial inflammation, thereby speeding up treatment without causing irritation.

The structure of the spikes is made from hyaluronic acid, a common ingredient in skincare products that is capable of retaining moisture and gradually dissolves into the skin within 30 to 90 minutes, releasing the active ingredients gradually.

The treatment begins on the first day with a patch containing antibacterial substances, such as salicylic acid and hemp extract, followed by six days of treatment with anti-inflammatory patches containing niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) and chamomile extract to reduce redness and swelling and promote skin healing.

Clinical trials on 20 volunteers showed that the patch resulted in an 81 percent reduction in the size and number of blemishes within 3 days, with complete disappearance after a week.

A noticeable decrease in sebum secretion and significant improvement in skin appearance were also observed.

About 95 percent of participants expressed complete satisfaction with the results. According to the researchers, this innovation offers a significant improvement over traditional topical treatments, thanks to the direct drug delivery mechanism through the dissolvable matrix that makes the treatment safer, more comfortable, and increases adherence to its use.

The researchers plan to launch these new patches in the markets in the fall of 2025 in South Korea and the United States.