A Topical Combination Regimen of Benzoyl Peroxide and Retinol Moisturizer for Mild to Moderate Acne.

Topical therapies, in many cases over-the-counter (OTC) formulations, are available for the treatment of acne, including benzoyl peroxide (BPO), salicylic acid, and retinoids. While these agents provide therapeutic efficacy, combination regimens can offer improved outcomes due to their ability to address multiple pathways involved in acne formation, making them better suited to address the multiple factors involved in acne pathogenesis and the breadth of complexion issues associated with the condition. The present study assessed the efficacy and tolerability of a daily regimen comprised of topical low-dose (2.5%) BPO applied in the morning and topical retinol applied in the evening in 33 subjects with mild to moderate acne who completed the study. A significant reduction in global total acne count from baseline to week 12 (primary endpoint) was achieved, in addition to significant improvements in Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) of acne severity and reductions in inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions. Treatment also significantly improved acne-complexion graded efficacy parameters (tactile surface roughness, uneven skin tone, skin blotchiness, and lack of skin clarity), and was well-tolerated, with no statistically significant (P<0.05) increases in objective or subjective facial irritation. Significant improvements from baseline to week 12 were observed for both self-assessment of facial skin conditions and quality of life (QoL) scores. No product-related adverse events (AEs) were observed in the study subjects. J Drugs Dermatol. 2022;21(12):1340-1346. doi:10.36849/JDD.6845.

Tolerance of natural baby skin-care products on healthy, full-term infants and toddlers.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the tolerance of baby skin-care products with at least 95% naturally derived ingredients on infants and toddlers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Healthy, full-term infants and toddlers aged 1-36 months were enrolled. In study 1, a lightly fragranced natural baby hair and body wash (n=30), a lightly fragranced natural baby shampoo (n=30), or a lightly fragranced natural baby lotion (n=32) were assessed over 2 weeks. In study 2, a lightly fragranced natural baby hair and body wash and a lightly fragranced natural baby lotion (n=33) were assessed as a regimen over 4 weeks. The wash and shampoo were used three or more times per week, but not more than once daily. Lotions were applied in the morning or after a bath. Clinicians assessed the arms, legs, torso, or scalp for erythema, dryness, peeling/flakiness (study 1 only), tactile roughness, edema (study 1 only), rash/irritation (study 2 only), and overall skin condition (study 2 only) at baseline, week 1, and weeks 2 or 4. Parents completed skin assessment questionnaires. In study 2, stratum corneum hydration was measured. Subjects were monitored for adverse events. RESULTS: No significant changes in clinical grading scores were observed, indicating that all products were well tolerated. By the end of each study, >90% of parents/caregivers believed each product was mild and gentle. In study 2, improvement in stratum corneum hydration was observed (+37% at week 1 and +48% at week 4, P<0.05 for both). In study 1, one baby experienced mild erythema on the neck and scalp after using the shampoo (possibly related to treatment). In study 2, there were no product-related adverse events. CONCLUSION: The natural baby skin-care products were well tolerated by infants and toddlers when used alone or as part of a skin-care regimen.