Resveratrol-Containing Gel for the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris: A Single-Blind, Vehicle-Controlled, Pilot Study
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 03/02/2011
Clinical Article
Fabbrocini G et al. – The study showed positive results for resveratrol gel in acne.
Methods- This is a single–blind study.
- The resveratrol–containing hydrogel was administered to 20 patients affected by acne vulgaris.
- Resveratrol was incorporated in a carboxymethylcellulose–based gel. The chemical stability of resveratrol after storage at 4°C for 30 days was investigated by high–performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
- The resveratrol–containing formulation was applied daily as a solo treatment on the right side of the face for 60 days, while the hydrogel vehicle was applied to the left side of the face as a control.
- A digital photographic database was used to collect images.
- The number and type of lesions were recorded for each patient, to compare the Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) score before treatment with that obtained at the end of the study.
- With the innovative technique of follicular biopsy, areas of acneic skin were prepared for histopathology.
- The average area occupied by microcomedones at baseline was compared with that at the end of treatment.
- HPLC analysis demonstrated that resveratrol, upon incorporation into the gel, did not convert to its cis–isomer when stored at 4°C for 30 days.
- Clinical evaluation showed a 53.75% mean reduction in the GAGS score on the resveratrol–treated sides of the face compared with 6.10% on the vehicle–treated sides of the face.
- The data were supported by histologic analysis, which showed a 66.7% mean reduction in the average area of microcomedones on the resveratrol–treated sides of the face.
- The comparison with the vehicle–treated side of the face (9.7% reduction) showed a clinically relevant and statistically significant decrease of lesions in areas treated with resveratrol–containing hydrogel.
- All patients were satisfied with the active treatment.
- No–one experienced adverse effects.
