Significant improvement in mild acne following a twice daily application for 6 weeks of an acidic cleansing product (pH 4).

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Cleansing products for acne should remove excessive sebum, reduce acne-related bacteria and improve inflammation.

AIMS:

The aim of the study was to investigate a topical cleansing product containing glycolic acid with pH 4 in mild acne vulgaris.

METHODS:

Sixty patients were recruited for this open uncontrolled clinical trial. The tested product was exclusively applied twice a day for 6 weeks. The efficacy was judged by a dermatologist according to the Leeds score after 3 and 6 weeks. In addition, efficacy and tolerability were judged subjectively by physician and patients.

RESULTS:

Mild acne improved significantly after 6 weeks (baseline: 0.699 vs. day 42: 0.602; P < 0.001). Efficacy and tolerability were judged better by physician as compared with patients' assessment.

CONCLUSION:

In this clinical trial, a topical cleansing product containing glycolic acid with pH 4 improved mild acne significantly following twice-daily application for 6 weeks as monotherapy.

• Authors: Christoph Abels, Hubert Reich, Ulrich Knie, Dieter Werdier, Gunter Lemmnitz
• Journal: Journal of cosmetic dermatology (J Cosmet Dermatol) Vol. 13 Issue 2 Pg. 103-8 (Jun 2014) ISSN: 1473-2165 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 24910273 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Chemical References

• Detergents
• Glycolates
• glycolic acid

Topics

• Acne Vulgaris (drug therapy)
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Detergents (administration & dosage, adverse effects, chemistry)
• Female
• Glycolates (administration & dosage, adverse effects, chemistry)
• Humans
• Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Severity of Illness Index
• Time Factors
• Young Adult