# Assessment of the Impact of a Cosmetic Product with Sheep Colostrum on Acne Skin
###### Abstract  
Colostrum, the first secretion of mammalian breasts after giving birth, contains a wealth of components believed to have a beneficial effect on human skin, including lactoferrin, immunoglobulin (Ig)A, beta-carotene, fat-soluble vitamins, and zinc. The present study examines the effect of a cosmetic preparation containing 15% lyophilis of sheep colostrum on acne skin. A group of 27 volunteers with mild or moderate acne applied the cream twice a day for eight weeks. Before and after using the cream, the level of skin hydration, sebum level, and TEWL were measured using a standardized Courage-Khazaka Multi Probe Adapter. The participants also completed a survey rating the effects of using the cosmetic preparation. Regular application of the cream with sheep colostrum resulted in an objective improvement in hydration and TEWL and a reduction in sebum; this is extremely desirable for acne-prone skin. Three-quarters of the participants reported that the tested cream reduced acne lesions (blackheads, papules, pustules, and erythema) by around 40%. Moreover, the cosmetic preparation improved hydration by 40% and reduced seborrhea by 29% in 82% of subjects and kept the skin in good condition in 90%. As the cream improves the hydrobarrier and overall condition of the skin, it could serve as an addition to local acne treatment, e.g., with retinoids.  
acne; sheep colostrum; skin; hydration; sebum; TEWL +
Footnote †: journal: Medical  
Colostrum is the first milk produced by humans and other mammals immediately after giving birth. It is rich in various bioactive components, including several growth factors involved in skin regeneration and repair [9; 10]. It also contains lactoferrin, which may have an important role in acne treatment because of its antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties [11]. Proline-rich polypeptides (PRPs) from colostrum modulate the immune system and have been shown to improve skin barrier function [12]. The author of the patent reports that in patients (n = 12) with seborrheic acne who used the cream with 30% equine colostrum, the skin lesions completely disappeared, and their skin recovered entirely [13]. The authors of another invention claim that their antiacne ingredient, a product of bovine colostrum fermentation, has an effect related to its antibacterial activity [14].  
The composition of sheep colostrum, particularly in the immediate postpartum period, is markedly richer than that of cow colostrum, with significantly higher concentrations of fat (13.0% vs. 5.1%), protein (11.8% vs. 7.1%), and total solids (28.9% vs. 15.6%). The lactose content in sheep colostrum is slightly lower than in bovine colostrum (3.3% vs. 3.6%), and the amount of minerals is comparable (0.9%) in both types of colostrum [15]. Notably, sheep colostrum contains the highest levels of IgG and IgA when compared to bovine and caprine colostrum, which can play role in regulating the immune response [11; 12]. Lysozyme, another component of sheep colostrum, is effective in breaking down the cell walls of acne-causing bacteria. Given that the lysozyme content in sheep's milk is significantly higher than in bovine and caprine mills, it can be inferred that sheep colostrum's lysozyme levels are even more pronounced. Also, lactoperoxidase acts as a natural antibacterial agent as an element of non-specific cellular immunity [11]. Sheep colostrum is also significantly richer in EGF (epidermal growth factor) than bovine colostrum; its topical application was earlier described in acne lesions, as well as in the treatment of scars [16; 17].  
Hence, the aim of the present study was to assess the effects of a cosmetic cream containing 15% sheep colostrum lyophilisate on acne skin.