Novel combination for the treatment of acne differentiated based on gender: a new step towards personalized treatment

G Ital Dermatol Venereol. 2018 Dec;153(6):866-871. doi: 10.23736/S0392-0488.18.05710-3. Epub 2018 Feb 7.

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate efficacy and tolerability of a complete skin care line consisting of an oral supplement in two distinct formulations for males and females, and a topical cream device in the treatment of mild and moderate acne. Oral supplements contain biotin, probiotic, vitamin E, zinc, nicotinamide; in the formulation for males beta sitosterol and Boswellia serrata were added, the oral supplement for females contains myo-inositol and folic acid. The topical cream device is represented by the association between active plant agents (verbascoside, Ocimum gratissimum) and keratolytic molecules (salicylic acid, gluconolactone, complex alpha-hydroxy acids).

Methods: An equal number of male and female patients with mild to moderate acne were enrolled in a double-blinded clinical trial. Efficacy and tolerability evaluations were performed at week 4 (T1) and week 12 (T2) by Global acne Grading System (GAGs).

Results: Most of patients had satisfactory therapeutic response, in terms of GAGs reduction. All the four groups presented a statistically significant improvement of the mean GAGs at T2 but those assuming the oral supplement improved more, as expected.

Conclusions: Our data suggest that this association can be considered a new effective option for mild and moderate acne. This therapeutic line differs from others in the gender matched oral treatment.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Acne Vulgaris / drug therapy*
  • Acne Vulgaris / pathology
  • Administration, Oral
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Dermatologic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Dermatologic Agents / adverse effects
  • Dermatologic Agents / chemistry
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Drug Combinations
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Keratolytic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Male
  • Plant Preparations / administration & dosage
  • Plant Preparations / chemistry
  • Salicylic Acid / administration & dosage
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Sex Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Dermatologic Agents
  • Drug Combinations
  • Keratolytic Agents
  • Plant Preparations
  • Salicylic Acid