The role of follicular hyperkeratinization in acne

Follicular hyperkeratinization is a key element in the pathogenesis of acne and a main target of retinoid activity. Hyperkeratinization occurs when th e cells of the follicle become cohesive and do not shed normally onto the s kin's surface. The result is a micro-comedone and subsequent lesions charac teristic of acne, Products with retinoid activity, such as tretinoin, adapa lene and tazarotene, normalize follicular keratinization, inhibit formation of microcomedones, decrease formation of inflammatory lesions, and speed r esolution of comedones. Topical retinoids act within the follicle at the si te of changes that lead to the development of microcomedones, reversing the process and stopping the development of lesions.