Importance of treating acne sequelae in skin of color: 6‐month phase IV study of trifarotene with an appropriate skincare routine including UV protection in acne‐induced post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Background Acne‐induced hyperpigmentation (AIH) may accompany acne vulgaris (AV) inflammation in all skin phototypes. Trifarotene has shown depigmenting properties in vivo. This study evaluated trifarotene plus skincare because it is increasingly recognized that holistic AV management should include skincare and treatments. Methods This is a phase IV double‐blind, parallel‐group study of patients (13–35 years) with moderate AV and AIH treated with trifarotene (N = 60) or vehicle (N = 63) plus skincare regimen (moisturizer, cleanser, and sunscreen) for 24 weeks. Assessments included the AIH overall disease severity (ODS) score, post‐AV hyperpigmentation index (PAHPI), exit interviews, photography, and acne assessments. Standard safety assessments were included. Results Trifarotene 50 μg/g cream improved significantly from baseline in ODS score versus vehicle (−1.6 vs. −1.1, P = 0.03) at Week 12, but scores were comparable between groups at Week 24 (primary endpoint). Trifarotene had a better reduction in PAHPI score at Week 24 (−18.9% vs. −11.3% vehicle, P