Excessive sebum production can give rise to oily skin, shiny appearance, enlarged pores and favour the development of acne lesions. The care of acne-prone skin involves the use of harsh molecules, wash out and multi-step products that irritate the skin and limit user compliance.
This study describes the development of a bicosome system that targets the epidermis and follicles to effectively deliver a sebostatic active compound and potentiate its effects on sebum production and acne lesion prevention. This is an alternative approach to that offered by current products, which can be included in the daily care of acne-prone skin.
The production of sebum has several functions that include thermoregulation, balancing skin pH, protection against microorganisms and regulation of transepidermal water loss.1 However, when an excessive amount of sebum is produced, it can give rise to oily skin, shiny appearance, enlarged pores and favour the development of acne lesions.
Altered sebum production together with the accumulation of keratinised cells obstruct the pilosebaceous units, creating an ideal environment for the proliferation of anaerobic Propionibacterium acnes (P . acnes). Acne treatment depends on the severity, but usually involves the use of salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, retinoids and topical antibiotics. These substances work by unclogging pores, regulating epidermal cell proliferation and controlling surface bacteria. Although they can be effective treatments, their application frequently involves wash out and multi-step products that damage the skin and cause dryness, irritation and redness.2 In addition, antibiotics can induce resistance. These side effects limit the length of treatments and are the main reason for discontinuation.
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