The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the effectiveness, safety profile, and post-acne sequelae of 0.025% retinoic acid cream versus 0.1% adapalene cream for mild acne vulgaris in individuals with Fitzpatrick skin types III-V. Main research questions are: 1. How does 0.025% retinoic acid cream compare to 0.1% adapalene cream in reducing the total number of acne lesions in patients with mild acne vulgaris and Fitzpatrick skin types III-V? 2. What is the severity of adverse effects that occur on the facial side treated with 0.1% adapalene cream and the facial side treated with 0.025% retinoic acid cream in patients with mild acne vulgaris and Fitzpatrick skin types III-V? 3. What is the severity of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) that occurs on the facial side treated with 0.1% adapalene cream and the facial side treated with 0.025% retinoic acid cream in patients with mild acne vulgaris and Fitzpatrick skin types III-V? 4. What is the severity of post-acne erythema (PAE) that occurs on the facial side treated with 0.1% adapalene cream and the facial side treated with 0.025% retinoic acid cream in patients with mild acne vulgaris and Fitzpatrick skin types III-V? 5. What is the quantity, type, and severity of post-acne scarring (PAS) that occurs on the facial side treated with 0.1% adapalene cream and the facial side treated with 0.025% retinoic acid cream in patients with mild acne vulgaris and Fitzpatrick skin types III-V? Participants will: * Undergo baseline assessments, including acne lesion count, hyperpigmentation index, Clinician Erythema Assessment (CEA) scale, and post-acne scarring grading on each facial side. * Apply 0.025% retinoic acid cream and 0.1% adapalene cream on different facial sides as per randomization, every night for 12 weeks. * Record daily adverse effects per facial side, lesion manipulation frequency, and sun exposure duration * Attend follow-up visits every 4 weeks for acne lesion count, hyperpigmentation index, CEA scale, post-acne scarring grading, and assessment of adverse effect severity.
Age range
15 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Comparison of the percentage reduction in total acne lesions between the 0.025% tretinoin cream group and the 0.1% adapalene cream group
Timeframe: from enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks