HealthCert Blog

A combination of salicylic acid and botanical extracts may provide anti-inflammatory benefits as a spot treatment for acne. A study recently published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology found that the combination treatment can reduce erythema associated with mild acne.

Researchers combined an over-the-counter topical gel containing two percent salicylic acid with botanicals known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Twenty-five acne-prone patients undertook a randomised, blinded, split-face study to determine if this combination treatment could reduce redness, elevation and induration associated with acne lesions.

Most commercial over-the-counter products are based on benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, which are effective in reducing lesions but usually fail to reduce inflammation or redness. Benzoyl peroxide is also poorly tolerated by some patients and can be associated with skin irritation and allergic contact dermatitis.

The botanical component of the study was Kamedis Acne Spot Treatment, which includes 10 percent herbal botanical ingredients associated with having antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

All patients undertaking the study reported having a 15 to 20 percent reduction in redness consistently over the course of 10 days. Researchers concluded that a combination of salicylic acid and botanical extracts may therefore provide anti-inflammatory benefits as a spot treatment for mild acne.

Click here to learn more about treating acne in primary care.

Source:
Jesitus, J. (14 September 2017.) Botanical ingredients reduce mild acne-related erythema. Dermatology Times.

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