Ceramides and Niacinamide: A Winning Combination for Acne Treatment

Hey fam! 👋 Let’s dive into an exciting topic today.  In this edition we are exploring the fascinating world of ceramide and niacinamide-containing moisturizers (CCM) and their impact on acne treatment.

We will be gathering insights by decoding the research paper titled “Efficacy of ceramides and niacinamide- containing moisturizer versus hydrophilic cream in combination with topical anti- acne treatment in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: A split face, double- blinded, randomized controlled trial”

This research paper was published  in February 2024  Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.

 Get ready for some skin science! 🌟✨

Title- Efficacy of ceramides and niacinamide- containing moisturizer versus hydrophilic cream in combination with topical anti- acne treatment in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: A split face, double- blinded, randomized controlled trial”

Therdpong Tempark M.D., Andrew Shem M.D., MSc, Suparuj Lueangarun M.D., MSc

Date: First published: 01 February 2024

 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.16212

Acne is a common skin condition that affects many people, especially adolescents. Topical therapy with retinoids and benzoyl peroxide is the first-line treatment for mild to moderate acne, but it can cause skin irritation and dryness.

Moisturizers are often recommended to reduce these side effects and enhance the efficacy of acne treatment.

Key highlights from the Study

• The study compared the effects of two different moisturizers in combination with topical anti-acne treatment in 40 patients with mild to moderate acne.
• One moisturizer contained ceramides and niacinamide, which are ingredients that can improve skin barrier function, hydration, and inflammation.
• The other moisturizer was a hydrophilic cream without these ingredients.
• The patients applied the moisturizers on each half of their face, along with 5% benzoyl peroxide in the morning and 0.1% adapalene gel at night, for 8 weeks.

The Results

• The results showed that the ceramides and niacinamide moisturizer (CCM) significantly reduced the number of non-inflammatory, inflammatory, and total acne lesions compared to the hydrophilic cream after 8 weeks of treatment.
•  The CCM also prevented the flare-up of inflammatory lesions that often occurs with topical retinoids.
• Both moisturizers improved the skin tolerance and reduced the irritation caused by the anti-acne medications
• The authors concluded that CCM in combination with anti-acne medication can improve acne lesions and decrease cutaneous irritations, leading to a better treatment outcome for mild to moderate acne.
•  They suggested that ceramides and niacinamide may have beneficial effects on acne by restoring the skin barrier, reducing inflammation, and regulating sebum production.
• However, they also acknowledged some limitations of their study, such as the small sample size the lack of long-term follow-up etc.
• This study provides evidence that moisturizers with specific ingredients can enhance the effectiveness and tolerability of topical acne therapy.

Takeaways: -

 his combination can be tried with mild to moderate cases of acne, but further studies with large sample sizes are recommended.