Evaluation of a dermocosmetic regimen for acne-prone skin in volunteers with mild, moderate or severe skin conditions
Acne is a widespread skin condition that causes spots, redness, and irritation. While many skincare products are sold on the high street, doctors need clearer evidence about how well they work in everyday life. This clinical study is testing a skincare routine made up of Eucerin DermoPure products and a high-protection sunscreen. Researchers want to find out how safe and effective these creams are for people aged 12 to 50 with mild, moderate, or severe acne. Participants will use either the Eucerin routine or another comparison skincare routine for eight weeks. You will visit a skin clinic twice, take daily facial photos on your smartphone, and complete short surveys. After the first eight weeks, you will enter a lighter maintenance phase for ten months. In total, taking part lasts about one year, helping doctors learn how to care for acne-prone skin more effectively.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Acne is one of the most common skin problems in the UK. It affects teenagers and adults alike, leading to spots, oily skin, and redness. Beyond physical discomfort, acne can knock a person's self-esteem and daily confidence. While there are prescription medicines available, many people look for gentle, daily skincare routines to help keep their skin clear.
This trial focuses on 'dermocosmetics'—specialised skincare products designed to support skin health. Researchers are testing a routine that uses Eucerin DermoPure products alongside an oil-control sun cream (SPF 50+). They want to see whether using these products every day helps calm acne breakouts, protects the skin, and improves overall skin quality compared to another standard skincare routine.
Unlike tests done in scientific laboratories, this is a 'real-world' study. That means it looks at how creams perform when everyday people use them at home as part of their normal lives. The results could help doctors and pharmacists give better advice on daily acne care, helping people find routines that work without needing harsh treatments.
Key takeaways
- Open to people aged 12 to 50 with mild, moderate, or severe facial acne.
- Tests a daily Eucerin skincare and sun protection routine against another active routine.
- Requires just two clinic visits alongside at-home daily skincare and photos for the first 8 weeks.
- Includes a lighter 10-month follow-up phase with monthly online check-ins.
- Taking part is completely voluntary, and you can stop at any time.
Who may be eligible?
This study is open to people aged between 12 and 50 who have mild, moderate, or severe facial acne. It is open to people of all genders and with any natural skin tone. To join, your facial skin should be generally healthy apart from your acne spots, and you must be willing to follow the study routine and attend appointments.
You cannot join this study if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if your facial skin has other damage such as severe sunburn, open wounds, or eczema. The trial is also not suitable for people with fungal acne, or anyone who has had cosmetic skin treatments—like chemical peels or laser therapy—in the last two months.
Additionally, you must not be using prescription acne treatments containing antibiotics or benzoyl peroxide during the study. If you have recently taken steroid medicines, tablets that affect your immune system, or taken part in another clinical research study within the past three months, you will not be able to take part.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- You are aged between 12 and 50 years old.
- You have mild, moderate, or severe acne on your face.
- You are not pregnant and not currently breastfeeding.
- You do not have other active facial skin problems like eczema or severe sunburn.
- You are not currently using topical antibiotics or benzoyl peroxide for your skin.
- You have not had chemical peels or laser skin treatments in the past two months.
What does participation involve?
Taking part in this study lasts for about 12 months in total. At the start, you will visit a local dermatology clinic where a skin specialist will count your spots and assess your acne. You will be given a set of skincare products to use at home every day for eight weeks. During these first eight weeks, you will take a daily photo of your face using your smartphone or computer and complete short online surveys about your skin and well-being. At week eight, you will visit the clinic once more for another check-up. After this, you enter a 10-month maintenance phase where you only need to submit one photo and complete one short survey each month. You will not need to pay for any of the study skincare products.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (9)
- Chelsea and Westminster Private Dermatology ClinicCity onlyLondon, England
- Homerton HospitalApproximateLondon, England
- Imperium Medical LtdCity onlyBirmingham, England
- Miravue Clinic - Sangeeta PunjabiCity onlySouthall, England
- Nuffield Health WarwickCity onlyHeathcote, England
- Simon TsoUnverifiedRugby, England
- Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth (grove End Road)UnverifiedLondon, England
- Taktouk ClinicUnverifiedLondon, England
- The Meriden Hospital, Part of Circle Health GroupUnverifiedCoventry, England
Common questions
Do I have to pay for the skincare products?
No. All study skincare products, including cleansers, creams, and sun protection, are provided free of charge for the duration of the trial.
Can teenagers take part?
Yes. Young people aged 12 and older can take part, provided they and their parent or legal guardian agree and sign the consent forms.
Can I wear makeup during the study?
The study team will give you clear guidance on cosmetics, but you will usually need to wash your face clean before taking your daily study photos.
What happens if a product irritates my skin?
You should contact the study clinic team straight away. They can examine your skin, advise you on what to do, and stop the treatment if necessary.
Will I know which skincare products I am given?
This is a blinded study, which means you might not be told whether you are using the Eucerin routine or the comparison routine until the trial ends.
How to find out more
Anne-Christin Worthmann
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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