In vivo assessment of the efficacy of an innovative face care system in subjects with mild acne vulgaris¹

Abstract

The purpose of our studies was to verify efficacy and skin compatibility of a medical face care system containing 2% lactic acid (LA) as active ingredient in a specially designed vehicle (Follicle Targeting System) in adult subjects with mild acne vulgaris. The first study (46 patients) demonstrated superiority of 2% LA in comparison to 2% salicylic acid with respect to number of comedones and inflammatory lesions. The second study evaluated 90 patients receiving distinct combinations of face care products (Eucerin) Impure Skin, Hamburg, Germany), i.e. cleansing gel, facial tonic (2% LA) and cream gel (2% LA). All treatments were performed twice daily over a 12 weeks period. Lesion counts, cyanoacrylate biopsies and determination of quality of life by questionnaires were performed at different timepoints. A reduction of comedones by 56% corresponding to an 46% increase of quality of life index was demonstrated in patients applying cleansing gel, facial tonic and cream gel. For the first time we were able to show a significant improvement concerning the quality of life after using a new face care line. Especially adults with mild forms of acne may benefit from this effective skin care regimen.

S2k – Guideline on the Therapy of Acne

“…A care product that is adjusted to the physiological pH value simultaneously has an antibacterial effect. Additives with fruit acids, glycolic acid, salicylic acid and also lactic acid have a proven comedolytic effect [390]. Studies show that topical preparations with lactic acid significantly reduce the number of comedones.…”

Lactic and lactobionic acids as typically moisturizing compounds

“…The effectiveness of LAC in acne therapy has been confirmed in studies carried out by Scherdin and colleagues . In the first part of the study, 46 people divided into three groups applied lactic acid at a concentration of 2%, respectively; another group used salicylic acid at a concentration of 2% to compare the effects, while the third group received a placebo.…”

Cosmeceuticals based on Rhealba® Oat plantlet extract for the treatment of acne vulgaris

“…In a study where patients with acne comedonica were randomized to cream gel containing 2% lactic acid or 2% salicylic acid, lactic acid was significantly better than salicylic acid at reducing the number of comedones and inflammatory lesions. 36 An open clinical study examined the effect of applying a 5% aqueous solution of lactate twice daily for 1 year, supplemented with systematic antibiotics for periods of 4 weeks whenever acne was severe. At the end of 1 year, inflammatory lesions were reduced by 90-100% in 40.9% patients, and non-inflammatory lesions by the same amount in 22.7% of patients.…”