Effectiveness of Ceramides and Niacinamide-Containing Moisturizer in Acne Treatment

Dealing with acne can be a persistent challenge, especially during the teenage years and into early adulthood. Whether it’s occasional breakouts or more frequent blemishes, acne can be stressful, and finding the right skincare routine to support healthy skin can take time. While many skincare products are designed to help manage acne, they may sometimes cause side effects like dryness, redness, and irritation, which can temporarily make the skin feel more sensitive.

In 2024, a split-face, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial Study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology explored a promising solution. Researchers aimed to determine whether ceramides and niacinamide (also known as nicotinamide) could support standard acne treatments by helping to reduce the appearance of side effects when used alongside these therapies.

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The Study At A Glance

The study evaluated whether a ceramide and niacinamide-containing moisturizer (CCM) could enhance standard acne treatments by supporting skin hydration and minimizing visible side effects like dryness and irritation. Treatments like benzoyl peroxide and adapalene often cause irritation, so the researchers sought to determine if combining them with CCM could improve skin health by maintaining hydration. To do so, they enlisted forty participants, aged 18 to 40, with mild to moderate acne. The group consisted of 70% women, with participants having experienced acne for an average duration of approximately 11 years.

The trial used a randomized, controlled, split-face design. Participants applied CCM to one side of their face and a hydrophilic cream to the other, along with standard acne treatments. These included 5% benzoyl peroxide in the morning and 0.1% adapalene gel at night. The design allowed for a direct comparison of the two moisturizers.

The study lasted eight weeks, with participants applying the products twice daily and undergoing skin evaluations at four intervals: baseline (week 0) and weeks 2, 4, and 8. Researchers measured key skin health indicators like acne lesions, hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), sebum production, and pH using a corneometer and Tewameter for accurate results. This approach provided clear insights into the effectiveness of CCM versus the hydrophilic cream in reducing acne and minimizing irritation, offering valuable findings for improving acne treatment regimens.

The Findings of the Study

The study found that the side treated with the ceramide and niacinamide moisturizer (CCM) showed a more noticeable improvement in the appearance of acne lesions compared to the side using hydrophilic cream. After eight weeks, participants had fewer pimples on the CCM-treated side, with a significant reduction in both non-inflammatory and inflammatory lesions.

The CCM also helped reduce the appearance of irritation often associated with acne treatments, supporting a healthier-looking skin barrier. The skin on the CCM-treated side stayed better hydrated, reducing dryness and peeling commonly seen with acne treatments. Additionally, the CCM improved moisture retention by reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which helped keep the skin in better overall condition compared to the hydrophilic cream side.

There were no severe side effects from either moisturizer. Participants reported less irritation, including less redness and dryness, on the CCM-treated side, highlighting its effectiveness alongside standard acne treatments.

Significance of the Findings

This study suggests that using a moisturizer with ceramides and niacinamide may help reduce dryness and support the skin’s appearance by addressing both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne. Adding this moisturizer to an acne treatment routine helps reduce irritation, making it easier for patients to stick with their treatment for better results.

The findings highlight the importance of skin hydration in managing acne. Ceramides strengthen the skin barrier, protecting it from irritation caused by treatments like benzoyl peroxide and retinoids. By reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL), these ingredients help the skin retain moisture and minimize irritation.

In short, combining traditional acne treatments with ceramides and niacinamide improves both acne reduction and skin comfort. This combination may prevent patients from stopping treatment early due to discomfort from harsh acne products. Overall, the study suggests that ceramides and niacinamide may help hydrate the skin and support standard acne treatments by minimizing visible side effects and promoting healthier-looking skin. These benefits may also apply to people with sensitive skin or conditions that affect the skin barrier.

Limitations of the Study

Despite the promising results, the study had some limitations. The sample size was small, with only 40 participants from a single hospital in Thailand, limiting the generalizability of the findings. Larger studies with more diverse populations are needed to better understand the moisturizer's effectiveness.

Additionally, the study lasted only eight weeks, providing insight into short-term benefits but leaving questions about long-term effects. It is unclear whether the improvements in acne and skin hydration will last over time. Future research should include more extended follow-up periods to assess the durability of these results.

Functional Labs for Assessing Acne Risks in Patients

For patients with acne, underlying hormonal imbalances or thyroid dysfunction can contribute to breakouts. Functional lab testing can help identify these factors and guide more targeted treatments. Below are some relevant tests that may help assess the risks associated with acne.

Hormonal Testing

Hormones play a significant role in acne development. Here are some tests available through Rupa Health that can reveal imbalances contributing to breakouts:

Testing cortisol levels
Testing progesterone levels
Total estrogen levels
DHEA-S

Thyroid Function Testing

Thyroid function plays a major role in regulating skin health, affecting oil production, moisture levels, and cell renewal. Here are some tests available through Rupa Health to assess thyroid function and determine if imbalances are contributing to acne:

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Key Takeaways

A ceramide and niacinamide-containing moisturizer may help improve the appearance of acne breakouts while soothing the skin from irritation caused by acne treatments, making the overall skincare routine more comfortable.

This type of moisturizer strengthens the skin barrier, improving moisture retention and preventing common side effects like dryness and redness, leading to healthier, more resilient skin.

Incorporating this moisturizer into your skincare routine may enhance the effects of acne treatments, helping to support clearer-looking skin with less discomfort and potentially better long-term results.