Nutraceutical collagen drink company Totally Derma has completed a 12-week skin trial on cystic acne.
The company explains that the trial aimed to assess the benefits of ingesting the collagen drink for the treatment of cystic acne following everyday use for 12 weeks. The supplement contained high amounts of collagen amino acid peptides, hyaluronic acid and other synergistic co-factors which are distributed throughout the dermis.
Totally Derma explains that the 25-year-old female patient began to develop mild acne during the late summer of 2020, which worsened and developed into cystic acne. The patient started a skincare regimen, comprised of topical products, but no improvements. The products included dermol 500 lotion, erythromycin (zineryt) lotion and benzoyl peroxide 5%. The candidate was not taking any oral medication throughout the trial and could not undergo any clinical treatments due to the severity of her skin condition.
The patient retained a diary of her weekly journey whilst using the supplement. She observed a vast improvement in the condition of her skin within the first week of taking the supplement. In weeks three and four, the patient suffered from a cold, which triggered a worsening in her skin condition. In weeks seven and eight, she noticed further clearing of the skin, followed by minor breakouts in weeks nine and 10, which coincided with her menstrual cycle.
At the end of the three months, the patient noticed significant improvements, and no active breakouts or cysts were reported. The patient reported her skin remained clear for two months following the trial but since not consuming the supplement, her acne has returned, but not as aggressive as before the trial.
Totally Derma commented, “Although a broader study is needed to claim efficacy of the supplement in treating cystic acne, the study represents an exciting piece of research which demonstrates the gut-skin connection and the potential for non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical acne treatment routes.”
