Abstract:
Escalated sebum fabrication is seen with an unattractive look and lead to dermatological problems especially acne and seborrheic dermatitis. Previous study demonstrated that topical isotretinoin, which is the standard treatment for acne vulgaris, has the potential effect in reducing sebum production but many adverse effects are reported. Some of licorice extract constituents are shown to reduce the facial sebum by inhibiting enzyme 5α reductase. This study was aimed to depicted potential effects of formulation containing 5% licorice (Glycyrrhiza inflata) extract on skin sebum production in healthy men and women volunteers compare to the effects of the 0.05% isotretinoin.
Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy of 5% licorice extract gel compare to 0.05% isotretinoin gel on reducing sebum production on oily face in Thai people.
Materials and Methods: Thirty-six participants (men and women, aged 20-45 years old) with oily skin (The measured value obtained for skin sebum production with Sebumeter was more than 150 µg/cm2 ) were enrolled and randomly assigned 5% licorice extract on one forehead and nasal alar region and 0.05% isotretinoin on the contralateral region. Participants were instructed to apply gels once daily at bedtime for 8 weeks with follow-up at baseline(week 0),1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th week in a control room with Sebumeter. The primary end-point for efficacy evaluation was based on values measured by Sebumeter. The subjects satisfaction and side effects evaluated as the secondary end-point.
Result: Thirty volunteers completed the study. Both sides had statistically significant reduction in mean sebum value in week 2, 4, 6, and 8. When comparing between groups in the same week, the study found that the side of treatment by 5%licorice extract had mean sebum value statistically significant higher than the side of treatment by 0.05%isotretinoin at week 4, 6, and 8. However the adverse effects were very low in the side of treatment by 5%licorice extract compare to 0.05%isotretinoin.
Conclusion: Isotretinoin has higher efficacy in reducing facial sebum than licorice but both have appreciable efficacy in reducing sebum production. Considering that licorice is inexpensive and low adverse effect compare to isotretinoin, it can be another method to treat oily skin with satisfied result.