A dermocosmetic regimen is able to mitigate skin sensitivity induced by a retinoid-based fixed combination treatment for acne: Results of a randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Topical retinoids cause retinoid-induced skin discomfort (RISD) mainly during the first weeks of use leading to noncompliance and premature treatment discontinuation. A dermocosmetic (DC) may help to reduce treatment-related signs and symptoms and improve adherence. OBJECTIVES: To assess the benefit of a DC regimen compared to a routine skin care regimen (RC) by reducing RISD signs and symptoms induced by a retinoid/benzoyl peroxide fixed-drug combination in subjects with acne. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Double-blind, randomized, comparative study in subjects ≥16 years with mild to moderate acne candidates to a topical adapalene/BPO fixed drug combination (A/BPO). Evaluations took place at Day 0, 7, 14, 28, and 84 and included erythema, desquamation, burning, itching and stinging and RISD (SD, a composite score of local treatment-related signs and symptoms and acne severity. Subjects used daily the DC or RC together with the fixed combination for 84 days. RESULTS: Eighty-eight subjects were included, the mean age was 21 years; 84% were females. At Day 0 the SD score was 0.8 in both groups. A statistically significant difference in terms of skin sensitivity with DC compared to RC (1.6 points, vs. 2.4 points p < 0.05) was observed at Day 14. Clinical sign and symptom scores were more reduced with DC than with RC at all time points. Acne severity improved in both groups. CONCLUSION: DC significantly reduces A/BPO-related RISD compared to RC, especially during the first 14 days of treatment, without interfering with the clinical efficacy of the treatment, thus helping to maintain treatment adherence.

A Dermocosmetic Significantly Reduces the Frequency and Intensity of Facial Skin Intolerability and Sensitivity in Subjects with Skin Intolerant to Skin Care Products and Sensitive Skin.

Introduction: Intolerance to dermocosmetics is frequent in subjects with allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). A dermocosmetic (DC) was developed to restore the natural skin barrier, to reduce skin inflammation and to improve sensitive skin in ACD. Objective: To assess the benefit of a DC in subjects with an allergic background and intolerance to cosmetic care, or with sensitive skin. Materials and Methods: In this open-label study, 107 subjects above 16 years of age applied DC on the face twice a day for 28 days. Assessments at Days 0, 14 and 28, included skin sensitivity, stinging test, local tolerance, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration, inflammatory biomarkers (IL-1α, IL-1RA, PGE2) using tape stripping and subject satisfaction. Results: 88% were women and mean age was 42.0±15.0 years. Skin sensitivity at inclusion scored 5.9±0.35; 46% had ACD, 95% skin irritation, 92% sensitive skin and 88% intolerance to cosmetics. A significant (p<0.0001) 85% decrease of frequency and intensity of the composite score was observed at both endpoints. Stinging scores significantly (p<0.0001) decreased from 3.9 at baseline to 2.4 at Day 14 and 1.4 at Day 28; 77% and 81% of subjects reported improved skin reactivity at Day 14 and Day 28, respectively. Similar improvements were noted in the frequency and intensity of irritation, erythema, stinging, burning and discomfort. TEWL, skin hydration and inflammatory biomarker levels significantly (p<0.0001) improved. Overall subject satisfaction (85%) and tolerance (investigators: 99%, subjects: 97%) were high. Conclusion: DC significantly reduced the frequency and intensity of facial skin intolerability and sensitivity in subjects with skin intolerant to skin care products. Clinicaltrialsgov Identifier: NCT05487937.