Clinical-Instrumental Assessment of A Daily Cosmetic Regimen in Ensuring Improved Skin Barrier and Tolerability in Sensitive Skin Undergoing Acne Treatment: A Prospective Open Trial

Abstract

Massimo Milani and Francesca Colombo

Introduction: Sensitive skin is common in acne patients. In these subjects, it is important to adopt, whenever possible, a multi-product holistic protocol approach to reduce acne lesions, improve skin barrier function and ensure good tolerability profile with the final goal of good treatment adherence. Study Aim: The aim of this clinical trial was to evaluate the tolerability and efficacy of a cosmetic protocol regimen in improving facial skin conditions in subjects with sensitive and acne-prone skin. The cosmetic holistic treatment was based on the use of a specific cleanser (Biretix Cleanser) with antimicrobial activity (biopep15); a topical anti-acne product in gel formulation containing two retinoid molecules (RetinSpere® technology: hydroxy pinacolone retinoate and retinol encapsulated in glycospheres) with additional anti-inflammatory (niacinamide), antibacterial (biopep15) and keratolytic (glycolic and salicylic) activities; and a cream for adjuvant skin care (Biretix Hydramat) featuring hydrating, seboregulating and barrier renewal actives.The use of this complete cosmetic protocol (based on purify, treat, and care steps) could be particularly effective in the treatment of subjects with sensitive and acne-prone skin where treatment products can often cause excess dryness and irritation leading to lack of patient compliance and adherence. Subjects and Methods: The study was carried out on 20 women, aged 18-45 years, with sensitive and acne prone skin. Subjects cleansed and applied the adjuvant cream twice daily, morning and evening, and used the treatment cream in the evening and the cream for the skin care both in the morning and in the evening. The primary outcome of the study was the evaluation of the tolerability and acceptability of the cosmetic treatment regimen. Secondary outcomes were the evaluation of the efficacy of the regimen on acne lesions, sebum production, skin barrier function and skin hydration. Instrumental evaluations were carried out by means of non-invasive bioengineering techniques. Skin sebum levels were measured using Sebumeter® method (Sebumeter 815, Courage+Khazak GmbH). Trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) was measured by means of the internationally recognized TEWAMETER® method (Tewameter 300® Courage+Khazaka, electronic GmbH). Skin moisturization was evaluated by means of Corneometer®. Visia® pictures were taken at baseline and after treatments to evaluate acne lesions. Results: The Tested products were well tolerated by all the subjects. No adverse reactions or adverse events related to the cosmetic treatment were observed during the study. A significant reduction was observed in sebum production (-30%) at the end of treatment period. Skin barrier function significantly improved: TEWL was reduced by 9% at week 6. The products significantly improved skin moisturization with an increase of 20% at week 6 in comparison with baseline. Finally, this regimen significantly reduced non inflammatory acne lesions by 26% at week 6 in comparison with baseline. Conclusion: In subjects with sensitive skin and acne lesions, the use of a specific adjuvant skin care regimen (a cleanser and a skin moisturizing cream) can ensure tolerability of treatment (gel containing a retinoid complex, antimicrobial peptide and glycolic and salicylic acid)and significantly improve skin hydration and barrier function, and reduce sebum production and acne lesions

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