A Topical Antioxidant Serum Containing Silymarin Reduces Sebum Peroxidation and Improves Facial Acne

S. Lynch, K.l Patel, B. Lee, H. Choudhary

INTRODUCTION

A body of research suggests a connection between acne vulgaris and cutaneous lipid peroxidation (Figure 1).¹ Indeed, acneic skin is known to have higher levels of oxidative stress and lower levels of antioxidants than healthy skin.² Since there is evidence that certain antioxidants can help reduce lipid peroxidation, an opportunity exists for topical antioxidant treatment to help intervene in this pathogenesis. It is known that silymarin, a standardized extract from Silybum marianum (milk thistle) seeds has potent antioxidant properties.³ We have previously reported that a topical serum containing 0.5% silymarin, 15% vitamin C, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 0.5% salicylic acid was effective in preventing or reducing lipid peroxidation based on several methodologies.⁴ The current study evaluated the ability of this topical antioxidant serum to help reduce sebum peroxidation and improve facial acne and related aesthetic attributes when used over time.