Name a common treatment for acne vulgaris.

Topical retinoids are a cornerstone treatment for acne vulgaris due to their ability to promote cell turnover, reduce comedone formation (the clogging of hair follicles with dead skin cells and sebum), and exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. They work by normalizing the shedding of skin cells within hair follicles, making it effective for both non-inflammatory acne (such as closed and open comedones) and inflammatory acne (like papules and pustules). Commonly used topical retinoids include adapalene, tretinoin, and tazarotene.

While oral antibiotics can also be effective for treating acne, particularly for moderate to severe cases with significant inflammation, the choice of topical retinoids as a common first-line treatment stems from their broader application and ability to address multiple aspects of acne pathology. Additionally, steroid injections are typically reserved for treating individual cystic lesions, and phototherapy is not as frequently utilized as a standalone treatment for acne.