Acne vulgaris is a widely prevalent condition that impacts physical as well as psychological perceptions. Combination of topical retinoids along with antimicrobial agent is considered the preferred treatment approach for most of the people affected by mild-to-moderate acne. A 2-month prospective study assessed the efficacy and tolerability of a new topical gel formulation that combines retinol encapsulated in glycospheres and hydroxypinacolone retinoate, associated with an anti-microbial peptide (BIOPEP-15) salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and niacinamide as monotherapy in mild acne vulgaris.

This study involved 25 female patients aged from 14-30 years (median age: 23.4 years) with mild acne of the face (GAGS score≤ 18). Each patient was asked to apply the gel formulation once daily in the evening for 8 weeks. The number of acne lesions were assessed at baseline, after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment for each patient with VISIA camera system, the Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) score, Trans Epidermal Water loss (TEWL), skin colorimetry (X-rite Spectrocolorimeter), and reflectance confocal microscopy exam. In addition, tolerability and safety of the product were also evaluated. The results published in the Giornale Italiano di Dermatologia e Venereologia journal reported that of 25 patients, 22 (88%) completed the 2-month treatment period visits. At baseline, the total acne lesion number, mean (SD), was 5.5 (4) and the GAG score was 9 (4). A remarkable (p=0.001) reduction in number of total acne lesions was seen at week 4 (-57%) and at week 8 (-80%). All patients presented a marked reduction in the GAGS score values: -42% at week 4 and -78% at week 8, confirming the clinical efficacy of the product. At baseline, TEWL was 10.2 g/m2/h (1.3) and 10.7 (1.4) at week 8, thereby showing that the gel did not impair the skin barrier function. Skin colorimetry was reduced significantly (p=0.0015) on treatment in comparison with baseline (62 vs. 58). Efficacy of gel formulation was also confirmed with RCM exams, showing a reduction of dermal inflammation and exocytosis, and an improvement of infundibular hyperkeratinization. Adherence to treatment correlated positively with the improvement of single parameters. Moreover, side effects such as erythema, dryness, and excessive xerosis were not reported, leading to complete adherence to the treatment.

These results provide favorable outcomes in terms of efficacy and safety of this new product and serve as evidence as a first line treatment in patients with mild acne, or, as a maintenance therapy for prolonged periods after the suspension of a systemic treatment.

Source: G Ital Dermatol Venereol. 2020 Sep 1. doi: 10.23736/S0392-0488.20.06581-5.Online ahead of print.