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If you've been dealing with rosacea and are still seeking a solution that promises fast results in one of the most gentle ways possible, we've got some good news. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a new topical cream that's about to change the way rosacea-sufferers treat the very common skin condition: meet Epsolay, the newly FDA-approved prescription face cream.
Rosacea, a skin condition that results in facial redness, breakouts, swelling, and inflammation, affects more the 16 million Americans, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, and it can be difficult to diagnose. Treatments have so far included lasers, over-the-counter topical products with ingredients such as sulfur and azelaic acid, and oral medication to reduce or soothe the symptoms. But experts say Epsolay can promise better, faster results for patients who are unhappy with some of the negative effects that come with those other treatments.
"People with rosacea experience a significant burden of disease with diminished quality of life, and the approval of Epsolay represents an important advancement for those who are living with rosacea," writes Baldo Scassellati Sforzolini, MD, PhD, global head of research and development at Galderma (Epsolay's parent company) in a press release. "[We] look forward to bringing this new treatment option to the United States."
So how exactly does Epsolay treat rosacea, and what sets it apart from the rest? To get a complete breakdown of what it is and how to use it, we turn to the experts. Read on to see what they had to say below.
Epsolay is a topical cream that contains a microencapsulated form of 5 percent benzoyl peroxide (BPO) to treat the bumps, blemishes, and lesions you experience with rosacea. Ted Lain, MD, the executive director at the Austin Institute of Clinical Research and principal investigator for Epsolay's clinical trials, explains that Epsolay uses BPO's antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties to provide rapid and sustained relief.
So how is this different from other rosacea treatments? Epsolay's efficacy is all thanks to that gradual method the cream uses to administer BPO to the skin. It's the first FDA-approved rosacea treatment that uses a microencapsulated form of BPO, which allows for even the most sensitive skin to use this known drying agent without further dehydration.
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"The addition of a benzoyl peroxide product for rosacea treatment expands our options," says Jeanette Graf, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. "While Benzoyl peroxide is a very effective antibacterial agent, very often these products can be drying. The addition of benzoyl peroxide in a microencapsulated form will be well tolerated by dry rosacea-prone skin."
"Unlike ordinary BPO [creams], which can be irritating, Epsolay cream gradually releases BPO onto the skin, making it suitable and well-tolerated for the sensitive skin of rosacea patients," adds Dr. Lain. "This reduces rosacea severity with excellent tolerability."
Epsolay's main benefit is the reduction of bumps and blemishes that are common with rosacea. According to Dr. Lain, clinical trials show that Epsolay reduced these symptoms by almost 44 percent in two weeks, and by nearly 70 percent in 12 weeks. He adds that 50 percent of people with rosacea experienced clear or close to clear skin in 12 weeks (and some even achieved this as early as two weeks).
Usually, choosing the right rosacea treatment depends on the type and severity of symptoms of a patient may have. These include other topical creams and antibiotics, oral medication, laser treatments, and even surgery for extreme cases. But Dr. Lain says that oftentimes, these options come with some downsides, and it can take a while to notice if your skin is getting better or not. The other benefits that set Epsolay apart from its predecessors are its minimal side effects and quicker results.
"[Its] patented technology encapsulates BPO at the core of a shell structure made from layers of silicon dioxide," adds Dr. Lain, explaining how the cream mitigates side effects. "The shell creates a barrier between the medication and skin. Silica encapsulation is designed to gradually release BPO over time, allowing for an efficacious yet tolerable relief of the bumps and blemishes of rosacea."
Generally, no. Dr. Lain says that Epsolay has shown to be well-tolerated in adults for up to 52 weeks in clinical trials. But as with anything you put on your skin, you'll want to be aware of a few things.
First, if you already know that you are sensitive to BPO or have experienced an allergic reaction to it, Dr. Graf advises not using Epsolay, since BPO is its main ingredient. She also says that if you're already using a tretinoin topical cream, you should not combine it with this cream as it will lead to more sensitivity.
Second, you'll want to limit the amount of time you spend under the sun while using the cream to avoid further irritation. BPO is also known to make the skin dry, so she advises moisturizing the skin often as you incorporate this cream into your routine.
If you're pregnant or currently breastfeeding, Dr. Lain recommends seeing a dermatologist before using this product. While he says that BPO is not expected to result in fetal exposure or show up in breast milk, animal reproductive studies have not been conducted with the cream and the systemic exposure is unknown. He adds that Epsolay isn't indicated for children and has not been studied on them. In short: ask your dermatologist to be extra safe if you have any questions about this cream.
The use of the cream is pretty straightforward. According to the approved Epsolay label provided to Allure by the FDA, instructions recommend spreading a thin layer all over your face using a pea-sized drop of formula once a day on clean, dry skin. You'll want to avoid contact with your eyes, lips, and mouth, as well as avoid application on any cuts, abrasions, eczema, or sunburnt skin.
Dr. Laid adds that the cream is intended to be used with other products meant for sensitive skin, like Cetaphil, and can be used either in the morning or before you go to sleep. For best results, he says it's important to use it regularly to maintain improvement.
Epsolay is prescription only and will be available by mid-2022, so stay tuned for this game-changing rosacea treatment. If you experience this skin condition and have found that other treatment methods aren't for you, this might be what you've been waiting for.
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