ABSTRACT

Background: The SkinMedica Acne Treatment Platform (SM Regimen) was formulated to treat acne without overdrying the skin. We evaluated efficacy and tolerability of the SM Regimen (including a novel 1% salicylic acid Acne Clarifying Cleanser and 2% salicylic acid Acne Treatment Lotion) versus a prescription formulation (Rx Regimen; including adapalene 0.1%/benzoyl peroxide 2.5%) in a diverse population of adults with mild to moderate facial acne. 

Methods: This single-center, double-blind, randomized study enrolled adults (18–45 years) with Fitzpatrick skin types (FST) I–VI. SM Regimen or Rx Regimen was applied topically to the entire face for 12weeks. Assessments were conducted at 24 and 48h and 4, 8, and 12weeks.

Results: Subjects (SM Regimen, n=31; Rx Regimen, n=23) were primarily female (90.7%) with mean age of 28.6 years; 53.8% had FST IV–VI. Efficacy was comparable between regimens. The SM regimen resulted in significant improvements versus baseline in mean Investigator's Global Assessment of acne severity from 48h through week 12 (p≤0.001), as well as significant and sustained improvements from baseline in total acne lesion count, global postinflammatory hyperpigmentation/postinflammatory erythema, and oiliness. The SM Regimen was well tolerated at all time points, with mean scores below mild for all parameters; the Rx Regimen caused significantly more tightness/dry feeling at week 4 versus SM Regimen (p=0.008). Subjects (>96%) reported high satisfaction with the SM Regimen at all time points.

Conclusions: The SM Regimen reduced acne severity and skin oiliness, evening out skin tone without overdrying or irritating the skin.

This article is excerpted from the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025 by Wound World.