Novel combination for the treatment of acne differentiated based on gender. A new step towards personalized treatment

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate efficacy and tolerability of a complete skin care line consisting of an oral supplement in two distinct formulations for males and females, and a topical cream device in the treatment of mild and moderate acne. Oral supplements contain biotin, probiotic, vitamin E, zinc, nicotinamide; in the formulation for males beta sitosterol and Boswellia serrata were added, the oral supplement for females contains myo-inositol and folic acid. The topical cream device is represented by the association between active plant agents (verbascoside, Ocimum gratissimum) and keratolytic molecules (salicylic acid, gluconolactone, complex alpha-hydroxy acids). METHODS: An equal number of male and female patients with mild to moderate acne were enrolled in a double-blinded clinical trial. Efficacy and tolerability evaluations were performed at week 4 (T1) and week 12 (T2) by Global acne Grading System (GAGs). RESULTS: Most of patients had satisfactory therapeutic response, in terms of GAGs reduction. All the four groups presented a statistically significant improvement of the mean GAGs at T2 but those assuming the oral supplement improved more, as expected. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that this association can be considered a new effective option for mild and moderate acne. This therapeutic line differs from others in the gender matched oral treatment.