Electrolyzed Water Device Reduces Acne by 41% in Clinical Trial
- Authors
- Alpesh Desai, Cynthia J. Tam, Kinnari Bhakta, Tejas Desai, Rashmi Sarkar, Neil B. Desai
- Journal
- Cosmetic Dermatology
- Year
- 2004
- Study Type
- Human
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- United States
- Health Condition
- Acne Vulgaris
- Body System
- Integumentary System
TL;DR
A hand-held device that sprays a special water solution on the skin significantly reduced acne in a study, with most patients preferring it over traditional treatments.
Key Finding
Electrolyzed oxidized water delivered via the Charme™ system reduced total acne lesions by 41% on treated skin versus 18% on untreated skin, with particularly strong effects on inflammatory lesions (76% reduction in papules).
Summary
This study tested a handheld device called the Charme™ system that creates electrolyzed oxidized water (water that has been electrically treated to create reactive oxygen compounds) and applies it to skin to treat acne. In an 8-week study with 25 people who had mild to moderate acne, the treated side of the face showed a 41% reduction in total acne lesions compared to only 18% on the untreated side, with particularly strong results against inflammatory acne (pimples with redness and swelling). Most patients tolerated the treatment well, with only minor temporary side effects like itching or redness that went away within two weeks.
Practical Takeaway
This small pilot study suggests electrolyzed oxidized water may be effective for inflammatory acne, though the study only tested one side of the face in 25 people over 8 weeks. The treatment appeared to work through antimicrobial effects rather than addressing non-inflammatory acne (blackheads and whiteheads). While results are promising and side effects were minimal, larger and longer studies would be needed to confirm effectiveness compared to standard acne treatments.
Abstract (excerpt)
The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and the tolerability of the Charme™ system, a hand-held device that electrolyzes a water-based sodium chloride solution and delivers electrolyzed oxidized water (EOW) to the skin, in the treatment of mild to moderate acne. A total of 31…