Efficacy and Tolerability of a Tri-Acid Dermocosmetic Serum in Adults of Any Skin Phototype With Mild to Moderate Acne

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVESAdult acne significantly impacts quality of life (QoL) and self-esteem. Expert recommendations and guidelines recognize the role of dermocosmetics, either as a monotherapy for the mild to moderate forms, or as an adjunctive to acne medications in more severe forms. However, clinical data regarding the benefits of dermocosmetics in adult acne, with clinical visualization across all phototypes, is still lacking. This study assessed the benefit of an ultra-concentrated tri-acid complex serum (DC serum) in adult acne management in subjects of any skin phototype.

MATERIAL AND METHODSIn an open-label, multicentric study, 87 adult subjects of any phototype with a mean age of 25 ± 1 years, presenting mild to moderate acne (GEA 2–3), were recruited. DC serum was applied twice daily on the face for 168 days. Assessments comprised Global Evaluation of Acne (GEA) grading, submandibular acne scoring (in female participants only), and inflammatory lesion counts. Additionally, skin hydration levels, signs of cutaneous aging, quality of life (via the AI-ADL scale), stigmatization (via PUSH-D), local tolerance, and subject satisfaction rates were evaluated, alongside standardized clinical photography.

RESULTSA significant (p < 0.0001) decrease in all lesion counts was observed starting 14 days. At Day 168, the inflammatory lesion count had decreased by 55%, that of non-inflammatory lesions by 61%, and that of total lesions by 59%. The GEA score had significantly (p < 0.0001) decreased from Day 14, sustaining till Day 168 (−36%; 62% of subjects with an improvement). In women with submandibular acne, a 12%-improvement at Day 14 (n = 63, p = 0.0078) and a 43%-improvement at Day 168 (n = 56, p < 0.0001) were observed. Skin hydration had increased, and skin aging signs had significantly (p < 0.0001) improved at D168.

CONCLUSIONDC serum is beneficial in mild to moderate adult acne across all phototypes, providing a continuous improvement of acne, skin hydration, and a reduction of early skin aging signs overtime.

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