INTRODUCTION
The primary treatment goals for acne vulgaris (AV) are to achieve initial
control of the disease, prevent flares, prevent physical scarring, and
manage psychosocial morbiditites.1 Although dermatologists have a number
of therapies in their armamentarium that are empirically proven to actualize
these goals, therapies such as benzoyl peroxide (BPO) and retinoids (both oral and topical)
have the potential to adversely affect epidermal barrier functions
and induce skin inflammation.2 The symptoms and cutaneous effects
associated with acne treatment include edema, erythema, irritation,
inflammation, photosensitivity, and xerosis.3 Furthermore, an
increasing body of literature has emerged indicating that AV itself
causes epidermal skin barrier impairment because it is associated with
a deficiency of ceramides and specifically linoleic acid.2
Sebum production is clearly increased in AV, but AV patients appear to
lack healthy, protective fats on the epidermal surface, whose function
is to retain moisture in the skin and prevent transepidermal water loss
(TEWL). Although AV patients’ skin might have an oily, shiny sheen, we now
understand that they are overproducing “bad†fats while
under-producing “good†ones—a concept that is both novel and complex.
Not only is nurturing the skin barrier in acne patients and keeping the
skin properly hydrated absolutely essential, but the need for photoprotection
must also be stressed. Many acne therapies thin the skin and predispose to
ultraviolet (UV) damage, and UV damage itself has been shown to generate
free radical formation, which has been implicated in acne flares.
Many acne patients may not find it intuitive nor consider it necessary to use
a moisturizer or photoprotection as part of their skin care regimen, but it
is an essential part of restoring a balanced barrier and long-term skin health.
Therefore, it is crucial to counsel
acne patients regarding both moisturization and sun protection.
Moisturizers and photoprotectants have the potential to offset the negative
dermatological effects of BPO and retinoids and to be highly beneficial for
AV patients who are receiving AV therapies.3 They can also be important
adjunctive therapeutic modalities for patients with AV if they are noncomedogenic, devoid of skin
irritants, and compatible with therapeutic regimens.3
Although there are currently numerous skin care moisturizers on the market,
there is a paucity of studies that have evaluated their efficacy and compatibility
specifically in AV patients and those with acne-prone skin.4 Consequently, AV patients
have a myriad of options with regards to over-the-counter skin care products that have
the potential to complement their treatment, but in some cases these products magnify
the side effects of prescription therapies or even exacerbate the patient’s AV.4
Therefore, professional direction of patients to skin care products that will complement their prescribed AV
therapies is very important in the overall management of AV.4
Cetaphil
Cetaphil® DermaControl™ Moisturizer SPF 30 (Galderma Laboratories, L.P., Fort Worth, Texas) is a new generation of pho-
