Tolerability and effectiveness of a dermocosmetic product containing Silybum marianum fruit extract in adolescents and young adults with acne-prone skin: An international, phase IV, longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND

Dermocosmetic products are often used to maintain or enhance the tolerance and effectiveness of medical anti-acne therapies. Recent discoveries about the pathophysiology of acne-prone skin indicate that skincare products may help maintain homeostasis around the sebaceous gland progenitor cells, thereby preventing microcomedone formation.

AIMS

To evaluate the tolerance and effectiveness of a dermocosmetic product containing Silybum marianum fruit extract (SMFE) in adolescents and young adults with acne-prone skin.

PATIENTS/METHODS: This real-life, international, observational, multicenter study was conducted in patients aged 12-25 years with mild-to-moderate acne. Patients (N = 4230) used the product twice daily for 8-12 weeks, either alone before ("initial group") or after an anti-acne therapy ("maintenance group"), or in association with their usual prescribed anti-acne therapies ("association group"). The tolerance, effectiveness, and cosmetic properties of the product were assessed. Patient quality of life (QoL) was also evaluated.

RESULTS

Dermatologists rated the tolerance of the product as "good" or "very good" in about 95% of the patients and the effectiveness of the product as "effective" or "highly effective" in about 80% of the patients, with a significant reduction in the mean global evaluation of acne (GEA) grade (-36% ± 39%, p < 0.0001) at study end. The QoL of most patients (80%) improved by the end of the study, and the majority (79% to 94%) appreciated the cosmetic properties of the product. Overall, the product was a clinical success in >84% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This dermocosmetic product can be used by adolescents and young adults with acne-prone skin to limit the initial or chronic use of medical anti-acne therapies.