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Adapalene/benzoyl peroxide gel reduces atrophic acne scars, lesions up to 48 weeks

After 24 weeks of treatment with adapalene/benzoyl peroxide gel, atrophic acne scarring and lesions were reduced, and results were maintained after 48 weeks of treatment in adult patients.

In the randomized, investigator-blinded, vehicle-controlled first part of the study, 54 patients applied Epiduo Forte gel (adapalene 0.3%/benzoyl peroxide 2.5%, Galderma) on half of the face for 24 weeks. Forty-five patients chose to enter the 24-week extension phase, in which the gel was applied on both sides of the face. Forty-one patients completed both parts of the study.

At baseline, most participants had moderate acne and mild scarring. Patients had a mean of 39 acne lesions per half-face.

At week 24, patients had a mean of 9.2 scars on the half of the face treated with the adapalene/benzoyl peroxide gel and a mean of 13.9 scars on the half of the face that received vehicle gel.

The scar count reduction from baseline was 21.7% at week 24 and 26.9% at week 48 for the skin treated with adapalene/benzoyl peroxide gel. Scar Global Assessment was clear/almost clear in 48.9% of patients at week 24 and in 55.6% at week 48.

Researchers reported a reduction in acne lesions in both groups. At week 48, the median reduction in total lesions was 77.8% in patients who received adapalene/benzoyl peroxide gel and 74.5% in vehicle-treated patients.

The use of moisturizers and gentle cleansers in the study likely improved the skin barrier and helped improve tolerability. The lack of a control group in the second part of the study was cited as a limitation.

To help prevent and reduce acne scar formation, the researchers suggested early initiation of acne treatment. – by Abigail Sutton

Disclosures: Dréno reports she received financial support for conducting the study and is an investigator and/or consultant for Bioderma, Galderma, Pierre Fabre and La Roche Posay. Please see the study for all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.