Ceramide-Containing Adjunctive Skin Care for Skin Barrier Restoration During Acne Vulgaris Treatment.
Level 2 - randomized trial
Individual double-blind randomized controlled trial
PubMed 37276158 · doi:10.36849/JDD.7142
What was done
A double-blind randomized controlled trial evaluated whether adjunctive ceramide skin care improves skin barrier function and tolerance during topical acne treatment. All participants used fixed-dose adapalene (0.3%) and benzoyl peroxide (2.5%) gel once daily. The intervention group received a ceramide-containing foaming cleanser and facial lotion twice daily, while the control group received a basic foaming face wash twice daily. Outcomes included transepidermal water loss (TEWL), investigator-assessed dryness, tolerability, inflammatory lesion counts, and Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) through week 12.
What was found
The abstract reports statistical significance directionally without numerical values, effect sizes, or p-values: - TEWL in the ceramide group was significantly lower than the control group at all timepoints and significantly improved from baseline by week 12. - Investigator-rated dryness scores were statistically significantly lower in the ceramide group at all timepoints. - Inflammatory lesion counts were significantly lower in the ceramide group compared with controls.
Why it matters
Topical retinoid and benzoyl peroxide combinations frequently compromise the epidermal barrier. Adding a ceramide-containing cleanser and moisturizer routine can reduce treatment-associated barrier disruption, dryness, and inflammation.
Limits
The abstract does not state the sample size (n), participant age or sex characteristics, baseline acne severity, exact numerical values, or confidence intervals. The control group received only a cleanser rather than a matched vehicle moisturizer, confounding the specific effect of ceramides with the general effect of applying a moisturizer.
Cited by
- supports Applying a gentle moisturizer before and after retinol ('retinol sandwich') slows retinol absorption to reduce skin irritation.