Introduction

Clinical signs of photodamage from intrinsic and environmental aging include decreased skin elasticity and firmness, fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. Growth factors, cytokines, and other agents play a crucial role in reversing these signs of aging by helping to rebuild the extracellular matrix.

Aim

To determine whether a uniquely formulated and physiologically balanced topical treatment serum containing multiple growth factors, cytokines, peptides, antioxidants and depigmenting agents could improve the visible signs of facial photodamage.

Patient Profile

Females, aged 32–55 years (having a Fitzpatrick skin phototype of I–IV) with mild to severe, fine and coarse wrinkles in the periocular area

Methods

• Open-label, single-center study
• 37 female subjects
• Subjects were instructed to apply topical treatment serum to the entire face twice daily for 3 months in conjunction with a basic skincare regimen (cleanser and light moisturiser)

• Clinical evaluations of photodamage were performed at baseline and months 1, 2 and 3
• Cutometer measurements, and subject self-assessment questionnaires were also conducted during the study
• Tolerability of the medication was assessed at all visits. A 4-point scale (where 0=none,1=mild, 2=moderate and 3=severe) was used to assess objective irritation (erythema, edema and scaling) & subjective irritation (burning/stinging, itching and tingling).

Results

• Clinical evaluations showed statistically significant reductions ( p <0.0001) in mean clinical assessment scores for fine and coarse periocular wrinkles

• Significant reductions in fine wrinkles were observed after one month (12%) of product use, with further improvement noted after three months (30%) of continued application. (Figure 1)
• Coarse wrinkles exhibited an even more pronounced improvement, with reduction observed after one month (20%) that increased with continued use over three months (42%). (Figure 1)

Figure 1 : Reductions in periocular wrinkles at months 1 & 3 compared with baseline

Statistically significant ( p< 0.0001) improvements in mean clinical assessment scores for skin textural roughness was observed.

Figure 2: Mean reductions in textural roughness at months 1, 2 and 3 compared with baseline.

• A significant decrease in uneven skin tone was observed starting at month one, with ongoing improvements noted in both months two and three (p < 0.02).Also, there was a significant increase in skin radiance beginning in month one, with continued enhancements through month three (p < 0.02)
• Skin elasticity was quantitatively evaluated by measuring extensibility and resiliency with a cutometer. The cutometer readings indicated a significant decrease in skin extensibility (p < 0.03) alongside a notable increase in resiliency (p < 0.03) at both months one and three.
• Self-Assessment Questionnaires
  • At the end of the treatment, over 81% of subjects reported that the treatment serum effectively improved the appearance and texture of their facial skin.
  • 97% of participants rated their overall satisfaction with the serum as excellent or good after three months

• Subjects perceived significant improvements in their facial skin after 1 month of treatment, with increasing improvements reported at month 3 (all p< 0.05). Mean scores for self-assessed skin condition parameters
• The treatment serum was well-tolerated with no treatment-related adverse events reported. Mean scores for edema, scaling, burning/stinging, itching, and tingling remained below mild throughout the study, averaging 0.07 on a 0–4 scale.

Conclusion

• This clinical study showed that the treatment serum containing combination of physiologically balanced growth factors and antioxidants resulted in rapid and statistically significant enhancements in the signs and symptoms of skin aging.
• It effectively improved the appearance of fine and coarse wrinkles, as well as skin texture, tone, and elasticity.

Reference

Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2010; 12: 14–20