UV-selective face cream (Acne RA-1,2) in acne patients: clinical study of effects on epidermal barrier function, sebum production, tolerability and adherence to pharmacological therapy.

BACKGROUND: General skin care recommendations such as the use of moisturisers 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) on acne, epidermal barrier function, sebum production, adherence and tolerability when used together with pharmacological acne treatment. METHODS: 40 patients receiving pharmacological acne treatment applied Acne RA- 1,2 once-daily for 3 months. Investigator's Global Assessment of acne, trans- epidermal water loss, sebum production and tolerability were assessed after 1 and 3 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). 100% of patients reported complete adherence to pharmacological therapy over the summer of the study vs 52.5% in the previous summer. 87.5% 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