title: Addressing Free Radical Oxidation in Acne Vulgaris.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Comparatively little attention has been paid to the role of free radical oxidation in acne vulgaris. Here, using the traditional abnormalities cited for acne, the authors address the role of free radical oxidation throughout the pathogenesis by detailing the chemistry that may contribute to clinical changes. To probe the effects of free radical oxidation and test an antioxidant, they conducted a preliminary study of topically applied vitamin E.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seventeen patients with mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris were evaluated over an eight-week period in two private dermatology practices in this open-label study. All patients enrolled were on the same baseline regimen of salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. This regimen was then supplemented with topical vitamin E in sunflower seed oil.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At the end of the eight-week period, all patients demonstrated clinical improvement, as indicated by a reduction in the number of lesions and global mean difference. A statistically significant reduction was noted as early as Week 2. Enrolled patients also expressed a positive experience due to good tolerability and easy application.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although the exact pathogenesis of acne vulgaris remains unknown, the presence of excessive reactive oxygen species can be implicated in each of the major abnormalities involved. This presence, along with the positive results of the authors' preliminary study, demonstrates the need for more exploration on the use of topical antioxidants in limiting free radical oxidation in the acne model. This paper is designed to stimulate academic discussion regarding a new way of thinking about the disease state of acne.
authors.affiliation: Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey;
authors.forename: Otto H
authors.initials: OH
authors.lastname: Mills
authors.affiliation: Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey;
authors.forename: Maressa C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Criscito
authors.affiliation: Dermatology & Laser Center of Charleston Center for Clinical Research, Charleston, South Carolina;
authors.forename: Todd E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Schlesinger
authors.affiliation: Verdi Enterprises, Inc., Bridgewater, New Jersey;
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Verdicchio
authors.affiliation: Dermal Nurturing Technologies, Inc., North Wales, Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: Ernest
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Szoke