Journal of Asia Pacific Aesthetic Sciences

Abstract: Acne is a common skin disorder that has the potential to cause physical scarring and significantly impact the quality of life (QOL). This observational study aims to evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of combined prebiotic and postbiotic- based moisturizer, either alone or as a complement to topical and systemic treatments, in patients with mild to moderate acne. Patients aged 14 years and above, with mild to moderate acne based on a validated Global Evaluation Acne (GEA) score of I to III, received Effaclar Duo (+) for a duration of 60 days. The evaluation of its efficacy, targeting both types of lesions (20.5% retentional, 28.3% inflammatory, 51.2% mixed), and preventing colored marks, was assessed using GEA score, observed seborrhea level, skin-colored marks, Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI) scores, and clinical examinations at day 0 (D0) and day 60 (D60). Demographic data, acne onset duration, and skin phototype of patients were collected at D0. Additionally, both patients and assessing dermatologists completed self-administered questionnaires to assess tolerance and acceptability at D60. In this study, a total of 268 patients from the local cohort, with a mean age of 24.4 ±7.8 years, GEA scores ranging from I to III, and 51% of the patients with skin phototype IV, were recruited. The results showed a statistically significant (p < 0.0001) improvement of the GEA Grade in 48% of the patients at D60. A significant reduction (p < 0.0001) of up to 47% in seborrhea level was observed at D60. Significant improvement in erythematous marks (p < 0.0001) and pigmentary marks (p < 0.0001), seen in 44% and 42% of patients, respectively. Furthermore, there was a significant (p < 0.0001) improvement in the QOL among patients, with 27.5% reduction in CADI score. In conclusion, Effaclar Duo (+), which contains Aqua Posae Filiformis, was proven to reduce acne severity, skin post inflammatory erythema and pigmentation, and skin seborrhea, thereby enhancing the QOL for local patients with mild to moderate acne.