A Novel Systems-Wide Approach in Addressing Acne with a Multi-Targeting Nutraceutical

March 2024 | Volume 23 | Issue 3 | 160 | Copyright © March 2024


Published online February 28, 2024

Cheryl Burgess MDa, Michael Gold MDb, Patricia K Farris MDc, Adina Hazan PhDd, Isabelle Raymond PhDd

aCenter for Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, Washington, DC
bThe Tennessee Clinical Research Center, Nashville, TN
cDepartment of Dermatology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
dNutraceutical Wellness LLC, New York, NY

substantial support that whole-body factors such as stress, diet and nutrition, gut and skin microbiome, hormones, oxidative stress, and immune function contribute to a generalized, dysregulated immune-inflammatory response. This was discussed in a recent review from Del Rosso et al.71 Now, the authors propose the consideration of therapeutics that have traditionally been used, and have clinical support, to address these systemic dysregulations on a patient-centric level.

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), such as nutraceuticals, have long been explored for their use in improving skin health, but the paucity of scientific evidence and lack of clinical data on the safety and efficacy have limited their recommendation for use in the clinic for AV.  Now, scientific literature is bridging the gap with clinical evidence that provides support for a systemic, multi-targeting approach. The approach does not reject the established, effective therapeutics that are available to us, rather it proposes an expanded consideration using evidence-based studies to provide a more comprehensive approach to AV management. In this paper, we provided the current evidence suggesting that many botanicals, vitamins, and minerals may be available to address underlying drivers of AV that conventional medicines ignore.

When combined, these ingredients may have the potential to improve AV and skin health. A 12-week proof-of-concept study showed improvements in AV and skin parameters in adults with mild-to-severe AV. Although more studies are needed, these results offer insight into the potential benefits of nutraceuticals addressing underlying mechanisms that up to now, have gone largely unexplored. Addressing dysregulation that contributes to a generalized inflammatory response in a patient-centric manner may prove to be an important step in expanding our toolbox in providing more options for AV management and improving skin health.

DISCLOSURES

Dr Burgess is a clinical investigator for Nutraceutical Wellness LLC but has not received compensation or services for any aspect of the submitted work. Dr Gold is a consultant for Nutraceutical Wellness LLC and is paid for those services. Dr Farris is a paid advisor for Nutraceutical Wellness LLC. Dr Hazan and Dr Raymond are employees of Nutraceutical Wellness LLC. 

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The authors would like to acknowledge the contributions of Nicole Townsend and Ryan McLendon for their research assistance.

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AUTHOR CORRESPONDENCE

Isabelle Raymond PhD Isabelle@nutrafol.com
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