Safety and efficacy of a novel three-step anti-acne regimen formulated specifically for women.

BACKGROUND: Due to ambient environmental- and lifestyle-associated stressors, the prevalence of acne in adult women has been increasing. Classical anti-acne treatments using benzoyl peroxide technology are associated with dehydration of the skin, which may accelerate aging and further reduce treatment compliance. The addition of bio-functional actives intended to replenish hydration and improve barrier function may hasten the onset of anti-acne benefits while restoring a healthy appearance and counteracting skin aging effects. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to test the safety and efficacy of a new three-step topical anti-acne regimen designed specifically to improve the overall condition and appearance of the skin in women with acne. METHODS: Safety and efficacy were tested in an 8-week study of women ages 22 to 44 years with mild to moderate acne. Skin endpoints were monitored at baseline and weeks 1, 4, and 8 by clinical grading, measurement of sebum secretion using a sebumeter, standardized pictures, and self-validation questionnaires. RESULTS: A total of 31 women completed the study. Acne severity and lesion counts, including comedones and papules, improved gradually starting from week 1 and continued to improve throughout the study period, reaching statistical and clinical relevance at weeks 4 and 8. Moreover, significant improvements in skin roughness, radiance, overall healthy appearance, and oiliness (further confirmed with decreased sebum production) were observed. Compared with baseline responses, participants reported noticeable improvements in acne lesions and overall healthier-looking skin. Participants also noticed overall younger-looking skin at the end of the study period. CONCLUSION: This three-step regimen provided efficacious anti-acne benefits to the skin that were also gentle, safe, and well tolerated.

Novel interpenetrating polymer network provides significant and long-lasting improvements in hydration to the skin from different body areas.

BACKGROUND: Hydration and moisturization both impact skin quality, directly reflecting its appearance. Signs and onset of dehydration-related skin aging are region-specific and require tailored treatment to be effective. AIMS: To test the hydrating effects of formulas containing a novel 3-dimensional 3-polymer interpenetrating network (3D3P-IPN) to deliver humectants and actives to specific body sites. METHODS: Two clinical studies were conducted focused on the skin under eyes and body (arms/legs). Healthy women ages 25-65 (eyes) or 35-65 (body) with mild to moderate dry and aged skin were enrolled. Study product containing the 3D3P-IPN and tailored actives was applied twice daily for 8 weeks on the periorbital area and for 4 weeks on the body. Changes in skin attributes were measured by biophysical instrumentation for hydration, dark circles, skin color, elasticity and transepidermal water loss, and by clinical grading and subject self-assessment. RESULTS: Significant improvements in hydration and skin smoothing were demonstrated in both studies. In the periorbital region, actives and humectants delivered by the 3D3P-IPN also led to significant improvements in dark circles, fine lines/crow's feet, puffiness, restoring radiance, and overall younger-looking appearance. On the arms and legs, there were significant reductions in crepiness and dullness. The arms and legs also had improvements in tactile and visual skin texture, radiance, and general healthy look. Improvements were immediate and persisted through the end of both studies. CONCLUSION: The 3D3P-IPN provides immediate and long-lasting improvements in skin hydration and overall healthy appearance regardless of the targeted application site.

Characterization of bound water in skin hydrators prepared with and without a 3D3P interpenetrating polymer network.

BACKGROUND: Hyaluronic acid (HA) has been considered the gold standard ingredient for improving skin hydration and combating age-related effects, however it is an inefficient polymer with inconsistent results partially due to its poor skin penetration, surface deposition, and rapid degradation. Herein we report the synthesis and in vitro characterization of a newly developed, topical super-humectant with the goal of attracting and binding water molecules more efficiently than traditional, cosmetic-grade forms of HA. METHODS: A modified interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) was developed using three polymers into a three-dimensional formation (3D3P) for entrapping HA and water. This 3D3P-IPN functions as a super-humectant, attracting and binding water molecules more efficiently than the traditional cosmetic-grade forms of HA. We compare 3D3P-IPN serum samples to a traditional commercial benchmark product of similar ingredients using microscopic analysis, rheology, Karl Fischer (KF) titration, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and dynamic vapor sorption (DVS) techniques. RESULTS: The 3D3P-IPN samples appeared to bind water tighter than the benchmark sample as evidenced by maximum endpoints of endotherms occurring at significantly higher temperatures. The DVS results further confirm this speculation as the 3D3P-IPN samples lost approximately 10% less water up to 35% RH than the benchmark. The 3D3P-IPN samples also absorbed more water as the humidity level increased,demonstrating superior humectant properties. KF titration indicated that all three samples had similar water concentrations; however, TGA results demonstrated that the benchmark (a viscous, humectant-rich hydrating masque) did not have much bound water. CONCLUSION: Through the synthesis of a 3D3P-IPN using simplified methods, we were able to increase the water-binding and HA-delivery capabilities of a thin serum. This 3D3P-IPN serum has potential to deliver more hydration to the skin's surface compared to traditional HA formulations.

Efficacy and Tolerability of a Twice-Daily, Three-Step Men's Skincare Regimen in Improving Overall Skin Quality and Reducing Shave-Related Irritation.

More men are beginning to take advantage of opportunities to improve the health and appearance of their skin; however, the effectiveness of men's skincare regimens has not been well studied. The authors investigated the efficacy and tolerance of a twice-daily, three-step men's skincare regimen in improving skin appearance and reducing shave-related issues. Twenty-nine men who used a wet-shaving method completed a specific, three-step, twice-daily facial regimen-a Shave Cleanser, a Post-Shave Treatment, and Day Protection-in place of their usual routine for 4 weeks. This skincare regimen produced significant improvements in tactile smoothness, clarity, radiance, and pore size at weeks 2 and 4 and in fine lines, razor burn, and photodamage at week 4 (P<.05). Significant improvements were seen in the appearance of nicks/cuts and folliculitis of the face and neck after weeks 2 and 4 (P<.05). Mean change in the moisture content of the stratum corneum was significant at week 4 (P<.05). The majority of men provided positive self-assessments and indicated an interest in continuing this regimen.

Efficacy of a twice-daily, 3-step, over-the-counter skincare regimen for the treatment of acne vulgaris.

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris (acne) is the most common skin disorder producing physical and emotional scars that can persist for years. An estimated 83% of acne sufferers self-treat, but there is lack of studies documenting the effectiveness of over-the-counter (OTC) acne treatment products. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of an OTC, 3-step, anti-acne skincare regimen in treating acne and improving the appearance of red/inflamed facial skin. METHODS: This 6-week, open-label clinical study included both genders aged between 12 and 35 years with mild-to-moderate acne. All subjects were required to have an acne score of 1-3 (Cook's acne grading scale: 0=clear to 7=very severe) and a moderate redness score of ≥2 (0=none and 4=severe). Subjects completed a 3-step facial treatment regimen every morning and evening using an OTC cleanser, toner, and acne treatment. Evaluations for effectiveness and safety were done at baseline and weeks 2, 4, and 6 using digital photographs (Visia-CR® digital imaging system) of the face and analyzed using Image-Pro® software for the grading of acne, red/inflamed skin, and the number and type of lesions. RESULTS: Thirty subjects (12 males and 18 females) were enrolled (mean age of 19 years; range 12-34 years). This skincare regimen resulted in statistically significant improvements in acne grading scores after 2 weeks of use, with mean scores continuing to improve after 4 and 6 weeks of use (P<0.001). Statistically significant improvements from baseline in red/inflamed skin, open and closed comedones, and papules were detected at all time points and for nodules at week 6, compared to their respective baselines (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: This clinical study demonstrated the effectiveness of an OTC 3-step, anti-acne skincare regimen in significantly improving acne and the overall appearance of skin in the majority of subjects who had mild-to-moderate acne.

Skincare Bootcamp: The Evolving Role of Skincare.

BACKGROUND: Although cosmetic procedures have a significant impact on certain aspects of aging, such as deep, wrinkling, sagging, and volume loss, they fail to address the overall quality of the skin. METHODS: Daily skincare routines potentially can have a significant long-term impact on the overall quality of a person's complexion. RESULTS: By expanding our product knowledge, we can help our patients individualize their at-home skincare routine using effective products and ingredients designed to address their specific skin concern and support the professional care we deliver. CONCLUSIONS: Here, we discuss the types of products and ingredients suitable for the most common dermatologic concerns, from wrinkling to skin sensitivity, acne to sun damage.