Interest of a cleanser product on subjects with mild to moderate acne and very dry skin due to acne treatments

Topical or oral retinoids use are one of the standard therapeutics in acne. They provide anti-inflammatory effects and reduce comedones, but lead to several cutaneous side effects, such as local skin irritation, dehydration, desquamation, pruritus, and lipid level alteration at the surface of the skin, which intensity depends on their concentration and formulation of the product. Biologically, these side effects are related to an excessive decrease in sebum production and an altered skin barrier, representing a key issue in patients’ adherence to treatment. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate, under dermatological and ophthalmological control, the safety and the subjective efficacy of a cleansing product in promoting skin comfort to patients undergoing retinoid treatment. 

In an observational, blinded control study, which includes two visits at day(D)0 and D28, 30 subjects, aged from 14 to 29 years (mean: 20.6 years) under treatment with mild to moderate acne and very dry skin were included and used the studied product on the face twice daily for 28 days. The Subjects Global Assessment (SGA) of acne severity was evaluated by the subjects at the end of study. Cutaneous and ocular safety assessments were performed at D0 and D28 by a dermatologist and ophthalmologist, respectively. The skin hydration and the lipidic index measurements were performed at each visit. In the same way, the efficacy and the cosmetic properties appreciation of the product were evaluated by the subjects at D0 and D28. 

All subjects were compliant with the treatment and 80% of them had a remarkable improvement in terms of acne severity comparing to D0. For 28 days of product use, no cutaneous and ocular reactions or discomfort sensations ascribable to the tested product were reported. The skin hydration was significantly improved by 53.1%, and no significant decrease in the lipidic index was observed compared to D0. The gently cleansing of the product was validated by 100% of the subjects as well as the soothing effect by 90% at D28. All subjects agreed that the product allows to do less frictions on the skin during the cleansing.