Randomised trial, 2017
Does a dermocosmetic cream help with premenstrual acne flare-ups?
Yes. A dermocosmetic containing lipohydroxyacid, nicotinamide, and piroctone-olamine reduced inflammatory acne lesions during the premenstrual phase compared to placebo.
What they did
Double-blind randomized trial with 32 young adult women reporting premenstrual acne flares. Study had two phases: observational (2 menstrual cycles) to confirm the acne pattern, then interventional (1 cycle) where half of each woman's face received dermocosmetic and the other half received placebo. Lesion counts were measured during luteal and follicular phases.
What they found
Observational phase: premenstrual acne showed significant increase in papules (20.2 vs 13.7, p=0.0008) and closed comedones (25.6 vs 22.7, p=0.04) during luteal phase. Interventional phase: the dermocosmetic-treated half showed significantly fewer inflammatory lesions (7.6 vs 9.4, p=0.01) than placebo during luteal phase. Dermocosmetic tolerance was good or excellent.
What it means for you
Premenstrual acne is real and measurable, with more lesions before menstruation, especially papules. A specific dermocosmetic can reduce these inflammatory flare-ups, but the effect is partial. This study only measured skin appearance, not hormonal or biological causes.
32
Women
20.2 vs 13.7
Papules (luteal vs other phases)
7.6 vs 9.4
Inflammatory lesions (treated vs placebo)
About the study
- Original title
- Characteristics of premenstrual acne flare-up and benefits of a dermocosmetic treatment: a double-blind randomised trial
- Authors
- Saint-Jean M, Khammari A, Seite S et al.
- Journal
- European journal of dermatology : EJD
- Year
- 2017
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 32
- What was tested
- Dermocosmetic containing lipohydroxyacid, nicotinamide, and piroctone-olamine vs. placebo, applied to half-face
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1684/ejd.2016.2952