An Innovative Formula for Keratosis Pilaris Treatment-A Randomized Controlled Study Based on the...

Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a common follicular keratotic skin disorder characterized by follicular papules and skin roughness, often accompanied by itching and inflammation, significantly affecting appearance and psychological health.

This 28-day prospective, open-label, randomized controlled study evaluated the effectiveness of a novel combined formula for KP treatment. The formula included a scrub (Olea europaea shell powder, hydrated silica, and papain) and a moisturizing lotion with plant oils (peony seed oil, oat kernel oil, and rice bran oil). Sixty KP patients aged 18-35 were randomly assigned to a control group (salicylic acid body lotion) or a study group (combined formula), with 30 participants each. Evaluations included follicular papule counts, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and depression scale scores at baseline (D0), day 7 (D7), day 14 (D14), day 21 (D21), and day 28 (D28). After D28, a self-assessment questionnaire was used to compare treatment outcomes.

According to the repeated-measures ANOVA, the control and study group had a significant reduction in follicular papule counts over time (all p < 0.05). For TEWL values, a significant simple effect of time was observed in the study group (p = 0.026), whereas the control group showed only a marginal change (p = 0.054). Despite the absence of a significant main group effect (p = 0.287), these results suggest that the study group achieved a greater overall improvement in skin barrier function over time. In the self-assessment, 21 out of 23 indicators had higher effectiveness rates in the study group than the control group, with 96.7% effectiveness in improving skin dryness, smoothness, roughness, freshness, oiliness, and oil control. Depression scale scores were significantly affected by both time and group (p = 0.017 and p = 0.008, respectively), indicating psychological improvement after 28 days.

The combined formula effectively reduced follicular papules, improved skin hydration, decreased TEWL, and alleviated depressive symptoms in KP patients.