Ceramide-containing skincare reduces dryness, redness in acne patients

The use of a ceramide-containing skincare routine reduced dryness and erythema caused by topical acne medications, according to a poster presented at the EADV Congress virtual meeting.

“Topical acne medications have been shown to disrupt skin barrier function contributing to dryness, flaking and erythema,” Zoe Diana Draelos, MD, of Dermatology Consulting Services, and colleagues wrote. “Adjunctive skincare is used to help address signs of irritation to improve patient compliance and outcomes.”

This randomized study included 91 patients with moderate facial acne and oily/combination skin who were randomly assigned to a treatment group (n = 45) or a control group (n = 46). All subjects were prescribed Adapalene 0.3%/Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% gel to be used once daily in the evening. The treatment group also received a ceramide-containing foaming cleanser and a ceramide-containing facial lotion to use each morning and evening.

After one week, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) increased 47% in the control group and 35% in the treatment group. Visible dryness, erythema and scaling was also significantly reduced or eliminated in the treatment group compared with the control group.

“This research established an association between skin barrier function and acne treatment-induced irritation and demonstrated the benefits of a ceramide-containing foaming cleanser and facial lotion as adjunctive therapy,” the authors wrote.