ascorbic-acid and Acne-Vulgaris

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies are increasing in popularity in the field of dermatology. Natural products and holistic approaches are in high demand among patients and research has begun to support their roles in acne and rosacea pathophysiology. In this article, commonly utilized biologically based complementary and alternative therapies for acne and rosacea are reviewed from an evidence-based perspective. Therapies discussed include vitamin C, nicotinamide, zinc, tea tree oil, green tea, resveratrol, curcumin, feverfew, licorice, chamomile, polypodium leucotomos, and nutrition-based approaches. J Drugs Dermatol. 2018;17(6):611-617.

Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Biological Factors; Complementary Therapies; Humans; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Rosacea

Vitamins are a group of organic compounds occurring naturally in food and are necessary for good health. Lack of a vitamin may lead to a specific deficiency syndrome, which may be primary (due to inadequate diet) or secondary (due to malabsorption or to increased metabolic need), and it is rational to use high-dose vitamin supplementation in situations where these clinical conditions exist. However, pharmacological doses of vitamins are claimed to be of value in a wide variety of conditions which have no, or only a superficial, resemblance to the classic vitamin deficiency syndromes. The enormous literature on which these claims are based consists mainly of uncontrolled clinical trials or anecdotal reports. Only a few studies have made use of the techniques of randomisation and double-blinding. Evidence from such studies reveals a beneficial therapeutic effect of vitamin E in intermittent claudication and fibrocystic breast disease and of vitamin C in pressure sores, but the use of vitamin A in acne vulgaris, vitamin E in angina pectoris, hyperlipidaemia and enhancement of athletic capacity, of vitamin C in advanced cancer, and niacin in schizophrenia has been rejected. Evidence is conflicting or inconclusive as to the use of vitamin C in the common cold, asthma and enhancement of athletic capacity, of pantothenic acid in osteoarthritis, and folic acid (folacin) in neural tube defects. Most of the vitamins have been reported to cause adverse effects when ingested in excessive doses. It is therefore worthwhile to consider the risk-benefit ratio before embarking upon the use of high-dose vitamin supplementation for disorders were proof of efficacy is lacking.

Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Ascorbic Acid; Asthma; Cardiovascular Diseases; Common Cold; Fibrocystic Breast Disease; Humans; Neoplasms; Osteoporosis; Vitamin A; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin D; Vitamin E; Vitamin K; Vitamins

Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Adult; alpha-Tocopherol; Ascorbic Acid; Cicatrix; Cosmeceuticals; Drug Combinations; Erythema; Female; Glyceryl Ethers; Humans; Hyperpigmentation; Male; Skin Cream; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult

The purpose of the study was to analyze the potential capacity of a dietary supplement, based on gamma linolenic acid, vitamin E, vitamin C, beta-carotene, coenzyme Q10 and Vitis Vitifera, to reduce side effects, in particular the dry skin, erythema and desquamation, due to treatment with oral isotretinoin, and evaluate the ability of the product to increase adherence to therapy in patients with acne.. Forty-eight patients with nodular acne (32 females and 16 males) were randomly divided into 2 groups: 24 received isotretinoin therapy (20-30 mg/day) for 6 months associated to dietary supplement (twice a day), while the other 24 patients received only isotretinoin (20-30 mg/day) for 6 months. For all patients the degree of acne severity, through GAGS (Global Acne Grading System), the sebum production by Sebutape, the hydration by Corneometer and the erythema by Mexameter, were measured. We have also evaluated the adherence to treatment, asking to patients how many days a week they follow the therapy.. Patients treated with dietary supplement had lower side effects, with a less degree of erythema and dryness, and greater degree of hydration; a greater adherence to therapy was also reported.. Thanks to antioxidant and moisturizing properties, the dietary supplement containing gamma linolenic acid, vitamin E, vitamin C, betacarotene, coenzyme Q10 and Vitis Vitifera, can be considered a useful supplement in the treatment and prevention of dry skin associated with the use of oral isotretinoin.

Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Administration, Oral; Adolescent; Adult; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Dermatologic Agents; Dietary Supplements; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Erythema; Female; gamma-Linolenic Acid; Humans; Isotretinoin; Italy; Male; Severity of Illness Index; Skin; Treatment Outcome; Ubiquinone; Vitamin E; Vitamins; Vitis

Antioxidants are becoming increasingly important in the treatment of skin disease. In addition to their known anti-inflammatory effects, antioxidants may act to prevent the oxidation of sebum which has been proposed to be comedogenic in acne patients. Sodium L-ascorbyl-2-phosphate (APS) is a stable vitamin C derivative and highly effective antioxidant that has demonstrated efficacy in acne in open label studies.. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of APS 5% lotion for the treatment of acne in a blinded controlled study.. A total of 50 subjects were randomized in a double-blind controlled trial to receive APS 5% lotion or vehicle for 12 weeks. Evaluation included an Investigator's Global Assessment Score, a Subjects' Global Assessment Score, lesion counts, cutaneous tolerability, and adverse events.. APS 5% lotion demonstrated statistically significant improvement when compared to vehicle in all of the parameters measured. The adverse event frequency and cutaneous tolerability profile for APS 5% lotion were similar to vehicle.. Adjunctive topical or oral agents and their impact on acne were not studied in this trial.. This study demonstrates that 5% sodium L-ascorbyl-2-phosphate is efficacious as monotherapy for the treatment of acne. APS 5% lotion offers a novel addition to our current acne armamentarium.

Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Administration, Cutaneous; Adolescent; Adult; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Dermatologic Agents; Double-Blind Method; Female; Humans; Male; Ointments; Phosphates; Severity of Illness Index; Treatment Outcome

Acne vulgaris impairs the appearance of an individual and causes psychological irritation. Inflammatory acne lesion is caused by multifactor incorporates in each step of acne pathogenesis. In an attempt to archive inflammatory lesion treatment with the promise of prevention of acne vulgaris, randomized and double-blind studies on the comparison of the efficacies of topical formulations containing 5% sodium ascorbyl phosphate (SAP) and 0.2% retinol, separately as well as in combination application, were conducted. The resulting data showed that SAP reduced the inflammatory lesion by 20.14% and 48.82% within 4 and 8 weeks respectively. Application of the formulation containing retinol slightly improved the treatment efficacy as the lesion reduced by 21.79% and 49.50% after 4 and 8 weeks respectively. The combination treatment significantly reduced the inflammatory lesion by 29.28% after 4 weeks and 63.10% after 8 weeks of application. The most effective treatment was by using the combination of 5% SAP and 0.2% retinol, which incorporated the synergistic effects on lipid peroxidation and sebaceous gland function in addition to the enhancement of SAP permeability by the desquamation of stratum corneum influenced by retinol, keratin plug removal and anti-inflammatory effect of retinol. This study promises for the development of cosmetic products to overcome aesthetic and psychological problems caused by acne vulgaris.

Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Administration, Topical; Adolescent; Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Double-Blind Method; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Humans; Male; Vitamin A; Young Adult

Acne patients are subject to different degree of psychosocial distress. The emotional impact of acne vulgaris due to disfigurement caused by the disease is undisputed. Most common reactions to the acne are depression and anxiety. The use of isotretinoin, one of the most effective options in acne treatment, increases depression symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate the psychological status of the patients with moderate to severe acne and to compare patients treated with isotretinoin with patients treated with vitamin C. A total of 85 patients suffering from acne vulgaris were included in the study. The results of this study do not find a significant correlation between the use of isotretinoin and the psychological effects of the drug.

Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Adolescent; Adult; Anxiety; Ascorbic Acid; Croatia; Depression; Dermatologic Agents; Female; Humans; Isotretinoin; Male; Prospective Studies; Severity of Illness Index

Post acne scars following sebaceous injury and abnormal wound healing during the course of acne is a prevalent and challenging to treat condition To evaluate microneedling by dermapen with topical vitamin C versus microneedling with topical insulin in treating atrophic post-acne scars. A split-face comparative study included 30 subjects with atrophic post-acne scars. Human insulin was topically applied to the left side of the face and on the right side, vitamin C serum was applied. Scars were assessed via the Acne Scar Assessment Scale (ASAS) and Scar quartile grading scale (SQGS). After 1 month of 4 treatments, a statistically significant mean improvement in ASAS value was reported on both split sides of the face (2.13 and 1.83) compared to baseline (3.03 and 2.93) (p = 0.005; p = 0.001 respectively). When compared to baseline, the mean ASAS value improved significantly with a slight more improvement on the vitamin c treated side. Topical insulin and vitamin c combined with microneedling, may both achieve comparable significant improvement for treating post acne scars. Insulin can be a promising novel anti-scarring therapy pending larger controlled studies to verify its efficacy.

Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Ascorbic Acid; Atrophy; Cicatrix; Connective Tissue Diseases; Cosmetic Techniques; Humans; Insulin; Needles; Treatment Outcome

Adapalene-loaded transfersome gel containing vitamin C as a combination therapy for the management of acne vulgaris was developed in the present study. The transfersome was prepared by reverse-phase evaporation, and the effect of various process parameters were investigated by the Design of Experiment (DOE) approach and optimized based on the particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), and entrapment efficiency (EE). The selected tranfersomes were further evaluated for their thermal behavior and morphology by transmission electron microscopy and turbidity measurements and incorporated into a gel with/without vitamin C. The gel was evaluated and compared with the marketed product (Adiff gel) for various physicochemical parameters, and in vivo studies in testosterone-induced rat models of acne. The prepared transfersomes had PS in the range of 280 to 400 nm, PDI values of 0.416 to 0.8, ZP of - 38 to - 20 mV, and % EE of 32 to 70%. DSC studies confirmed a positive interaction of the components in the transfersome. Surface morphology confirmed that the vesicles were spherical, unilamellar, and discrete. A relative deformability study showed higher elasticity of the transfersomes compared with Adiff aqs gel. Ascorbyl-6-palmitate in adapalene-loaded transfersome gel containing vitamin C (ADVTG) was found to have a good antioxidant free radical-scavenging activity. An in vitro drug release study showed that the sustained release of the transfersomal formulations was attributed to the flexibility of the vesicles by which penetration was increased. ADVTG was found to be promising in treating acne compared with the marketed product. Graphical Abstract.

Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Adapalene; Administration, Topical; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Drug Compounding; Female; Gels; Male; Rats

The full exploration of the 'nutraceuticals' therapeutic potential in cosmetics has been hindered by their poor stratum corneum permeation. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to formulate a nutraceutical; quercetin, in novel vitamin C based nanovesicles (aspasomes), and to explore their beneficial effects in the treatment of acne. Aspasomes were characterized for their particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency (EE%), 3-months storage stability, skin deposition/permeation, antioxidant potential, and morphology. Aspasomes antibacterial efficacy on Propionibacterium acnes using the zone of inhibition assay was also tested, whilst their safety on skin fibroblastic cells was assessed in vitro using 3T3 CCL92 cell lines. An exploratory clinical trial was conducted in acne patients, and the percentage reduction of inflammatory, non-inflammatory and total acne lesions was taken as the evaluation criterion. Results revealed that quercetin-loaded aspasomes displayed a desirable nanometer size (125-184 nm), negative charge with good storage stability, and high skin deposition reaching 40%. Aspasomes managed to preserve the antioxidant activity of quercetin, and exhibited a significantly higher antibacterial effect (15 ± 1.53 mm) against Propionibacterium acnes than quercetin alone (8.25 ± 2.08 mm), and were safe on skin fibroblastic cells. Upon clinical examination in 20 acne patients (14 females, 6 males), quercetin aspasomes exhibited reduction percentages of 77.9%, 11.8% and 55.3% for inflammatory lesions, comedones and total lesions respectively. This opens vast applications of the presented formulation in the treatment of other oxidative skin diseases, and delineates the nutraceuticals and nanoformulations prepared from natural materials as promising dermatological treatment modes.

Topics: 3T3 Cells; Acne Vulgaris; Adolescent; Adult; Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Cosmeceuticals; Dietary Supplements; Female; Fibroblasts; Humans; Male; Mice; Particle Size; Propionibacterium acnes; Quercetin; Rats; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult

Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Administration, Topical; Adolescent; Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Female; Humans; Iontophoresis; Male; Treatment Outcome; Tretinoin

The standard management of acne vulgaris in Japan includes a combination of topical treatment with benzoyl peroxide (BPO) and BPO/clindamycin (CLDM), topical adapalene and systemic antimicrobials. However, the treatment of therapy-resistant complications such as postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), erosions with inflamed red papules and atrophic scars has not been established. We performed chemical peeling with glycolic acid and iontophoresis with ascorbyl 2-phosphate 6-palmitate and DL-α-tocopherol phosphate for the treatment of PIH, erosions with inflamed red papules and non-inflamed atrophic scars in 31 patients with acne vulgaris (mild to severe severity), and evaluated the efficacy and safety of these interventions. In most of cases, there was remarkable improvement in PIH and erosions with inflamed red papules after treatment. There was also some improvement in non-inflamed atrophic scars without erythema. Mild redness and irritation was observed in four cases as adverse reactions. Early initial treatment of PIH and erosions with red papules by chemical peeling and iontophoresis is an effective and safe method to prevent the formation of atrophic scars in patients with acne vulgaris.

Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Adapalene; Adolescent; Adult; alpha-Tocopherol; Anti-Infective Agents; Ascorbic Acid; Atrophy; Benzoyl Peroxide; Chemexfoliation; Cicatrix; Clindamycin; Combined Modality Therapy; Erythema; Female; Glycolates; Humans; Hyperpigmentation; Iontophoresis; Japan; Male; Severity of Illness Index; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult

The present study documents the fabrication and characterization of a topically applicable gel loaded with nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) of adapalene (ADA) and vitamin C (ascorbyl-6-palmitate [AP]). The NLCs were prepared by high pressure homogenization (HPH) method followed by incorporation into AP loaded gel. The fabricated system was characterized for size, poly dispersity index, entrapment efficiency (EE) and in vitro drug release properties, and was further investigated for skin compliance, skin transport characteristics (skin permeation and bio-distribution), rheological behavior, texture profile analysis and anti-acne therapeutic potential against testosterone-induced acne in male Wistar rats. The NLC-based formulation improved targeting of the skin epidermal layer and reducing systemic penetration. The co-administration of vitamin C led to an adjunct effect in acne therapy in physiological conditions. In brief, the present results suggest the potential of NLCs as a novel carrier for the dermal delivery of ADA and also the synergistic effect of vitamin C in topical therapeutics.

Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Adapalene; Administration, Cutaneous; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; Drug Carriers; Drug Liberation; Drug Synergism; Gels; Lipids; Male; Nanoparticles; Nanostructures; Particle Size; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Skin; Skin Absorption

Frequent or rare, minor or serious, numerous skin conditions exist. Allergic, inflammatory, infectious or bullous, dermatoses may also reveal underlying pathologies.

Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Dermatomyositis; Erythema; Humans; Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous; Psoriasis; Skin Diseases; Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous; Vitamin A; Vitamin A Deficiency

Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Adult; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Cats; Disease Models, Animal; Dogs; Esophagitis; Esophagogastric Junction; Female; Humans; Mucous Membrane; Pressure

Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Administration, Topical; Ascorbic Acid; Humans; Niacinamide; Pyridoxine; Riboflavin; Rosacea; Tetracycline

Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Adolescent; Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Group Antigens; Child; Dermatologic Agents; Female; Humans; Male

Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Adolescent; Amino Acids; Ascorbic Acid; Dermatitis; Dermatitis, Contact; Dermatology; Drug Eruptions; Eczema; Erythema; Glutamates; Melanosis; Neurodermatitis; Pantothenic Acid; Polyarteritis Nodosa; Psoriasis; Tablets; Tiopronin; Toxicology; Urticaria

Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Ascorbic Acid; Flavonoids; Vitamins

Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Ascorbic Acid; Disease Management; Humans; Vitamin A; Vitamins

Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Ascorbic Acid; Humans; Vitamins

Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Ascorbic Acid; Dermatitis; Dermatitis, Contact; Humans; Oils; Sebaceous Gland Diseases; Vitamin A; Vitamins