Effective With Minimal Side Effects: A Novel Treatment Regimen for Acne Vulgaris Using Multifunctional Ingredients

December 2024 | Volume 23 | Issue 12 | 1042 | Copyright © December 2024


Published online November 30, 2024

doi:10.36849/JDD.8458

Patricia K. Farris MDa, Francine H. Gerstein MDb, Julie C. Harper MDc, Zoe D. Draelos MDd

aTulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
bTrue MediSpa, Toronto, Ontario
cThe Dermatology and Skin Care Center of Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
dDermatology Consulting Services, PLLC, High Point, NC

Abstract
Background: There are numerous over-the-counter products for treating acne, although many formulations have tolerability issues and lack the cosmetic elegance desired by adult patients.
Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a non-prescription, active acne regimen in adult patients of all Fitzpatrick skin types.
Method: Thirty-five male and female subjects with Fitzpatrick skin types I-VI were enrolled in this single-site, monadic 8-week study. The acne treatment regimen included a clarifying cleanser, balancing serum, and broad-spectrum sunscreen formulated with synergistic ingredients designed to mitigate acne and reduce post-acne sequelae including post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and post-inflammatory erythema (PIE).
Results: After 8 weeks of use, there was a statistically significant reduction in inflammatory lesions by 63%, non-inflammatory lesions by 41% and investigator global assessment by 51%. Additionally, there was significant improvement in tactile smoothness, visual smoothness, skin softness, and luminosity. Post-acne sequelae including PIH and PIE improved significantly by 27%. No tolerability issues were identified by the investigator and subjects gave the regimen an excellent tolerability rating. 78.5% of subjects agreed that, after 8 weeks of product use, their skin appeared more radiant and looked better than before starting the study.
Conclusion: In this study, a well formulated, cosmetically elegant active acne regimen was found to be highly effective and well tolerated when used by adult acne patients of diverse ethnicities. In addition, the regimen improved cosmetic aspects of the skin including PIH and PIE, which are important when treating adult acne sufferers.

J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(12):1042-1048. doi:10.36849/JDD.8458

INTRODUCTION

Acne is the most common dermatologic condition. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne affects 50 million Americans annually, and 85% of people aged 12 to 24 experience at least minor acne.1 Nearly half of those who suffer with acne in their teens will continue to have persistent acne into their 20s and 30s.2 Additionally, the incidence of late-onset adult acne that occurs after the age of 25 is increasing, particularly in females.3,4

Studies suggest that stress, poor nutrition, lack of sleep, medications, cosmetics, smoking, premenstrual flare-ups, and hormonal disorders play a role in adult acne.5-8 Adult acne affects social and professional life and is associated with low self-esteem, social isolation, and depression.9,10 Accordingly, adult patients with acne are highly motivated and often seek treatment by a dermatologist.

The pathogenesis of acne is multifactorial and includes androgen-driven sebaceous hyperplasia, altered growth and differentiation of follicular keratinocytes, colonization with Cutibacterium acne (C. acnes), and an inappropriate inflammatory response.11 The microcomedone forms because of these processes and is a precursor for all acne lesions. In addition, we know that oxidative stress plays a role in the pathogenesis of acne.12 Local and systemic oxidative stress causes lipid peroxidation, which is an early event that drives the acne process. The spectrum of adult acne includes comedones, inflammatory papules and pustules, and nodules or cysts. Adult acne has a predilection for the lower half of the face in contrast with adolescent acne that is found on the upper central face or so-called "T-zone".13
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