Cutis
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Simplifying regimens promotes greater adherence and outcomes with topical acne medications: a randomized controlled trial.
New combination topical formulations for the treatment of acne may improve outcomes by increasing adherence. We assessed adherence to and efficacy of a combination topical medication for acne applied once daily compared with daily applications of 2 separate generic subcomponents. Twenty-six participants with mild to moderate acne vulgaris were randomized to 12 weeks of once daily application of clindamycin phosphate 7.2%-tretinoin 0.025% gel (CTG) combination product or separate daily applications of clindamycin phosphate gel 1% and tretinoin cream 0.025% (C gel + T cream) for a total of 2 applications daily. ⋯ There was a 51% mean reduction in total lesions for the CTG group versus a 32% mean reduction for the C gel + T cream group by the end of the study. Both CTG and separate applications of C gel + T cream improved mild to moderate acne. The use of a once daily combination product has the advantage of promoting better adherence and clinical outcomes.