UV-selective face cream (Acne RA-1,2) in acne patients: clinical study of its effects on epidermal barrier function, sebum production, tolerability and therapy adherence.
BACKGROUND
General skin care recommendations such as the use of moisturizers and products with adequate photoprotection are important components of management for acne patients to complement the medical regimen. This study aimed to evaluate the real-life clinical effects of a novel UV-selective face cream (Acne RA-1,2, Meda Pharma, Solna, Sweden) on acne, epidermal barrier function, sebum production, adherence and tolerability when used together with pharmacological acne treatment.


METHODS
Forty patients receiving pharmacological acne treatment applied Acne RA-1,2 once-daily for three months. Investigator's Global Assessment of acne, trans-epidermal water loss, sebum production and tolerability were assessed at one and three months.


RESULTS
After 3 months, there was a 38% significant clinical improvement in mean Investigator Global Assessment score (3.4 to 2.1), a 29% significant reduction in trans-epidermal water loss (13.2 to 9.4 g/h/m2), and a 17% significant decrease in sebum production vs. baseline (234.6 to 195.6 µg/cm2; all P<0.01). One hundred percent of patients reported complete adherence to pharmacological therapy over the summer of the study vs. 52.5% in the previous summer. About 87.5% of patients considered their acne improved over the summer of the study, vs. 55.0% in the previous summer. Pruritus, erythema, dryness and total tolerability symptom scores were significantly reduced after 3 months vs. baseline (P<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Acne RA-1,2 is a useful daily adjunct to pharmacological therapy as it helps to mitigate the irritation these therapies cause, increasing adherence to therapy, and leading to a clinical improvement in acne and epidermal barrier function and a decrease in sebum production.
Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University, Naples, Italy - giuseppe.monfrecola@unina.it.
Giuseppe
G
Monfrecola
Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
Claudia
C
Capasso
Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
Giuseppe
G
Russo
Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
Gabriella
G
Fabbrocini
D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D002164:Camphor / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D002934:Cinnamates / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004890:Erythema / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence; D011537:Pruritus / Q000139:chemically induced; D012629:Sebum / Q000378:metabolism; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays; D014870:Water Loss, Insensible / Q000187:drug effects; D055815:Young Adult
C000626399:Acne RA-1,2; D002934:Cinnamates; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D002164:Camphor