Introduction
The bacteria present in our gut have an enormous effect on our overall health and well-being, dictating many internal processes in our bodies. Poor gut health, including changes in the gut microbiome and permeability in the gut lining, allows particles and toxins to pass through the digestive tract into the bloodstream, where they can kick off an inflammatory cascade, known as a leaky gut syndrome. This inflammatory response can then be communicated to the skin, triggering cystic acne, dermatitis, rosacea, and other skin conditions.
As more and more research is emerging in support of the importance of the gut-skin connection for skin health, we were inspired to conduct a trial of our own and see if ingesting Totally Derma® could improve cystic acne.
Objective
This trial aimed to assess the benefit of ingesting nutraceutical collagen drink Totally Derma® for treatment of cystic acne following everyday use of the supplement for 12 weeks.
Background
The patient (female, age 25) began to develop mild acne in the late summer of 2020, which worsened and developed into cystic acne in a matter of a few weeks. The patient started a skincare regimen, comprised of topical products described below 2 months prior to the trial with no improvements.
Methodology
A 90-day supply of Totally Derma® was provided to the skin trial candidate. She was informed and understood the importance of compliance in drinking Totally Derma® daily.
The patient maintained her consistent skincare routine throughout the 3-month trial. For clinical research and data purposes, the candidate agreed to keep a journal of her weekly journey and submit 2 before photos (left and right side of the face) and subsequent weekly photos over the 12-week trial.
Skincare protocols
During the 3-month trial, the patient was following a skincare regimen consisting of 3 prescription topical products:
- Dermol 500 lotion
- Erythromycin (zineryt) lotion
- Benzoyl peroxide 5%
The candidate was not taking any oral medication throughout the trial. Neither could she undergo any clinical treatments due to severity of skin condition (microneedling, microdermabrasion, laser, etc.)
Improvement in skin
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Results of the trial
The patient noticed a huge improvement in the condition of her skin within the first 2 weeks of taking the supplement. She reported that swelling around the inflamed areas on her face had gone down and the cysts had flattened. In weeks 3 and 4, the candidate suffered from a cold, which triggered a worsening in her skin condition and she also skipped the supplement a few nights in a row. By the midpoint of the trial, a major difference can be seen between the baseline photos and photos taken during week 6 of ingesting Totally Derma®. The patient reported that “it is the best my skin has looked in a very long time”.
In weeks 7 and 8 the candidate reported further clearing of the skin, followed by minor breakouts in weeks 9 and 10, which coincided with the luteal phase of her menstrual cycle – a phase that is often associated with the increased sebum production. By the end of the 3 months, the patient’s skin had improved significantly and no active breakouts or cysts were reported.
The patient was very satisfied with her skin condition and her only concern was the post-acne scarring. The candidate reported that her skin remained clear for 2 months following the trial but 3 months after stopping Totally Derma® her acne has returned, however not nearly as aggressive as before the trial.