INNOVATIVE PROLONGED-RELEASE RETINOL SYSTEMS IN THE THERAPY OF CHRONIC ACNE

Chronic acne remains one of the most common dermatological conditions requiring long-term therapy.Topical retinol is recognized as an effective treatment, although its clinical use is limited due to the high instability of the molecule, susceptibility to photodegradation, and pronounced irritant effects on the skin.The purpose of the study is to analyze modern innovative prolonged-release retinol delivery systems and to evaluate their potential in the therapy of chronic acne in terms of effectiveness, safety, and tolerability. Research methods.A systematic analysis of scientific publications on retinol encapsulation technologies was conducted.Various types of carriers were examined, including polymeric nanoparticles, solid lipid nanocarriers, second-generation lipid nanocarriers, glycospheric structures, and silicon microcarriers.Clinical data on the effectiveness, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic characteristics of encapsulated retinol compared with traditional galenic formulations were analyzed.Research results.It was determined that modification of the delivery system significantly affects retinol stability, its penetration depth into the pilosebaceous unit, and the intensity of irritation.Encapsulated forms demonstrate improved tolerability while maintaining high therapeutic efficacy in reducing active acne lesions and correcting post-inflammatory changes.Controlled release ensures an optimal concentration of the active compound within target skin structures over an extended period.Several scientific gaps were identified, including the absence of standardized methods for comparative assessment of different carriers, the limited number of longterm clinical studies, and insufficient investigation of their impact on the skin microbiome.Conclusions.Innovative prolonged-release retinol systems have substantial potential for optimizing chronic acne therapy.Promising directions include the development of adaptive carriers with controlled release, improvement of encapsulation technologies, and integration into personalized therapeutic protocols.