The efficacy of topical therapies in dermatology is often limited by the barrier function of the stratum corneum, which restricts drug penetration. Iontophoresis is a non-invasive transdermal delivery technique that uses a low-intensity electrical current to enhance the transport of charged and polar molecules across the skin. It has emerged as a strategy to improve local drug bioavailability while minimizing systemic exposure.
Relevant if you're working with pha for acne and hyperpigmentation.
If you're targeting acne, this research supports adding pha to your AM/PM routine.
Translated from this study's findings, not a personal prescription. Pair with your existing protocol and your practitioner's guidance.
1. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2026 May 13;19(5):765. doi: 10.3390/ph19050765. Iontophoresis-Based Topical Drug Delivery for Dermatologic Conditions: A Systematic Review. Piscazzi F(1)(2), D'Oria F(1)(2), Ramirez MA(3), Ardigò M(1)(2).
1. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2026 May 13;19(5):765. doi: 10.3390/ph19050765. Iontophoresis-Based Topical Drug Delivery for Dermatologic Conditions: A Systematic Review. Piscazzi F(1)(2), D'Oria F(1)(2), Ramirez MA(3), Ardigò M(1)(2). Author information: (1)Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Italy. (2)Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, Italy. (3)Degree Course in Medicine and Surgery, Humanitas University, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, Italy. Background/Objectives: The efficacy of topical therapies in dermatology is often limited by the barrier function of the stratum corneum, which restricts drug penetration. Iontophoresis is a non-invasive transdermal delivery technique that uses a low-intensity electrical current to enhance the transport of charged and polar molecules across the skin. It has emerged as a strategy to improve local drug bioavailability while minimizing systemic exposure. We systematically reviewed the clinical evidence on the efficacy, safety, and pharmacologic performance of iontophoresis-assisted topical drug delivery in dermatologic diseases. Methods: This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines and was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251234877). PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched through 19 November 2025 without language restrictions. Records were screened against predefined eligibility criteria, and data were extracted on study design, participants, dermatologic indications, intervention/comparator, iontophoresis parameters, efficacy outcomes, and adverse events. The risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2 for randomized trials and the JBI checklist for non-randomized studies. Because of substantial clinical and methodological heterogeneity, the findings were synthesized narratively and no meta-analysis was performed. Results: Twenty-one studies published between 1990 and 2025 met the inclusion criteria, including 15 randomized and 6 non-randomized studies. Investigated conditions included psoriasis, eczema, melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, herpes labialis, onychomycosis, chronic ulcers, systemic sclerosis-related digital ulcers, acne scarring, and actinic keratosis. Across studies, findings were mixed. The most consistent signals of benefit were observed in pigmentary disorders and infectious diseases, whereas results were more heterogeneous in inflammatory dermatoses and some studies did not show superiority over active comparators. Tolerability was generally favorable, with adverse events limited to mild, reversible local reactions such as erythema, tingling, burning, or transient irritation. No serious treatment-related adverse events were reported. Conclusions: Iontophoresis may represent a useful non-invasive delivery-enhancement strategy in selected dermatologic settings, particularly when topical efficacy is limited by anatomical or physicochemical barriers. However, heterogeneity in protocols, formulations, outcomes, and clinical indications limits direct comparison and does not support broad conclusions of efficacy across all dermatologic conditions. Larger, standardized trials are needed to clarify its therapeutic role, long-term efficacy, and indication-specific benefit. DOI: 10.3390/ph19050765 PMCID: PMC13210502 PMID: 42198439 Conflict of interest statement: M. Ardigò has received consulting fees from Pierre Fabre and has participated in lectures, presentations and advisory boards for Almirall, Kyowa Kirin, Pierre Fabre, Recordati Rare Diseases and Cantabria Labs. F. Piscazzi, F. D’Oria, and M. A. Ramirez declare no conflicts of interest.
Original source →Wounds continue to represent a significant public health challenge globally. In recent years, Astragalus mongholicus Bunge, a traditional Chinese botanical drug utilized for wound treatment, has garnered increasing research attention. However, the therapeutic efficacy and safety of this natural botanical drug on wound healing remain poorly understood.
Recent preclinical studies have shown that nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) plays a critical role in molecular mechanisms of axon degeneration, and reductions in NAD+ levels are associated with axonal degeneration. Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is a safe and widely available pyridine-nucleoside form of vitamin B3 and is an NAD+ precursor. To investigate if oral supplementation of synthetic NR can act as a therapeutic agent to prevent degeneration of small somatic sensory axons innervating the skin or promote regeneration of these same fibers in humans, we utilized a validated experimental model of cutaneous nerve degeneration and regeneration and conducted a placebo-controlled, double-blinded Phase 2 study.
Friedreich's ataxia is a rare, chronic, progressive, neurodegenerative condition affecting multiple organ systems, including neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiac, and endocrine systems, and is marked by low cardiopulmonary fitness. We tested the effect of exercise and NAD+ precursor supplementation with nicotinamide riboside, which have each shown benefits in animal and early clinical studies, on cardiopulmonary fitness in individuals with Friedreich's ataxia. This 12-week, outpatient, phase 2, single-site (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA), randomised, 2 × 2 factorial clinical trial recruited individuals aged 10-40 years with an ejection fraction of 45% or greater who were able to exercise.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Individual results vary. Consult a qualified dermatologist or healthcare professional for medical concerns. Full disclaimer →