Sunscreen, serum, and cleanser regimen improved cosmetic aspects of skin with acne vulgaris, suggests study

A new study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology showed that adults with acne responded well to a regimen that included a broad-spectrum sunscreen, balancing serum, and clarifying cleanser. One of the most common dermatological conditions, acne vulgaris which is a chronic inflammatory pilosebaceous skin disorder that affects the face, chest, and back. It affects approximately 85% of people, with young adolescents being particularly affected.

Acne is linked to increased sebum production by overactive oil glands, hyperkeratinization by blocking skin pores, the subsequent release of skin inflammatory mediators, and bacterial colonization in the follicles that results in the carrying of commensal skin microorganisms. 3 main gram-positive bacteria are involved in the bacterial colonization of the follicle which are Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes), Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Staphylococcus aureus.

Acne vulgaris is often treated with anti-acne medicines such as retinoic acid and derivatives, azelaic acid, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, vitamins B and C, and antibiotics such as tetracyclines and macrolides like clindamycin. However, persistent use of these chemical-based medicines may result in tinnitus, lightheadedness, dizziness, and skin irritation.

There are several over-the-counter acne treatments available, but many of the formulations have problems with tolerability and do not have the sophisticated appearance that adult patients want. Thereby, assessing the effectiveness and acceptability of an active, non-prescription acne treatment regimen in adult patients with all Fitzpatrick skin types was the main goal of this study.

This 8-week, single-site, monadic research included a total of 35 male and female participants with Fitzpatrick skin types I to VI. A clarifying cleanser, balancing serum, and broad-spectrum sunscreen were all part of the acne treatment plan. These products were made with components that worked in concert to minimize acne and post-acne symptoms including post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

The reduction of inflammatory lesions by 63%, non-inflammatory lesions by 41%, and investigator overall evaluation by 51% was statistically significant after 8 weeks of administration. Furthermore, there was a notable increase in skin softness, brightness, tactile smoothness, and visual smoothness.

The severity of post-acne sequelae, such as PIH and PIE, improved by 27%. The individuals rated the tolerability of this regimen as excellent. Also, 78.5% of participants concurred that their skin looked healthier and more luminous after using the product for 8 weeks.

A well-formulated, cosmetically appealing active acne regimen was shown to be extremely effective and well tolerated by adult acne patients of various ethnicities. Overall, the routine improved esthetic features of the skin, such as PIH and PIE, which are significant in treating adult acne patients.

Source:

Farris, P. K., Gerstein, F. H., Harper, J. C., & Draelos, Z. D. (2024). Effective With Minimal Side Effects: A Novel Treatment Regimen for Acne Vulgaris Using Multifunctional Ingredients. In Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (Vol. 23, Issue 12, pp. 1042–1048). SanovaWorks. https://doi.org/10.36849/jdd.8458