New study finds topical vitamin-D acne cream just as effective as retinoid acne gels 

A new study published in Dermatologic Therapy involving 40 patients, found that a vitamin-D based acne cream was just as effective as retinoid (vitamin A) gel, a well-recognised and commonly used acne treatment for those with persistent acne.

The patients each treated one side of their face with the vitamin-D based cream and the other half with retinoid gel. Researchers focused specifically on acne vulgaris, which commonly affects adolescents. 

Interestingly, the product not normally used for treating acne lesions (vitamin-D cream) worked just as well as the established prescription gel treatment with decreased irritancy.

Whilst the research demonstrated that the topical treatments were equally as effective in treating acne lesions at the two-month mark of the trial, the study did find that the cream was preferred by the participants. In fact, 67.5% of patients noted irritation, redness and a burning sensation when using the gel compared with 17.5% who noted the same when using the cream.

Dr Phil Tong, All About Acne Co-Chair and Bondi Junction-based Dermatologist suggests that while vitamin-D based treatments provide the same great result in treating acne, it is worth considering patient comfort when prescribing topical creams and/or gels.  

Dr Tong also encourages healthcare providers to initiate open dialogue with patients on different treatment options available and explore what works best for each individual.

Reference: Dermatologic Therapy. 2022, July, 3; 1-6.