Acne and associated skin lesions can worsen the quality of life of patients, cause depression and lead to the emergence of suicidal thoughts. Cosmetic treatments can positively improve skin conditions by cleaning up skin eruptions, thus enhancing the well-being of affected people. 

Hydrogen purification treatment uses alkaline water yielded by a device, which decreases sebum from the surface of the epidermis. This novel treatment has recently been introduced to beauty salons. On the other hand, cosmetic acids have been employed for many years for treating people with acne vulgaris and render excellent results in improving skin conditions. 

The present study evaluated the skin condition with a Derma Unit SSC 3 device and used the Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) to check acne severity. 

The study enrolled 24 women aged 19 to 21 years diagnosed with mild acne vulgaris and high sebum levels. Group A received a hydrogen purification treatment using an H2jet manipulator, which ejected alkaline water from the manipulator under pressure. At the same time, Group B received a hydrogen purification treatment using phytic, pyruvic, lactic and ferulic acids at a 40% mixture (pH 1.4). Both groups received a series of four treatments performed at 14-day intervals. The study measured skin parameters before and after 30 days of the treatments and observed:

• Very good results in both groups. 
• Reduction in skin eruptions in patients and lower amounts of sebum on the surface of the epidermis, and an improvement in skin hydration. 
• Group B showed better results than group A. 

This study shows that the synergy of the treatments produces much better effects than those obtained by completing the hydrogen purification treatment alone.

Source: Chilicka K, Rusztowicz M, Rogowska AM, et al. Efficacy of hydrogen purification and cosmetic acids in the treatment of acne vulgaris: a preliminary report. J Clin Med. 2022; 11(21):6269.