Topical growth factors and home-based microneedling for facial skin rejuvenation.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cosmeceutical products are an important therapeutic option for facial rejuvenation. Of these, topical application of growth factors has been shown to increase dermal collagen synthesis, improve skin texture, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Limited data exist for the use of growth factors in combination with microneedling. OBJECTIVE: This prospective, single-center, uncontrolled study evaluated the efficacy of topical growth factor treatment in conjunction with transdermal delivery of growth factors via home-based microneedling for facial skin rejuvenation. PATIENTS/METHODS: Eleven healthy female individuals aged 33-61 years, with mild-moderate facial wrinkling were included in the study. Over 3 months, participants received twice-daily application of a topical recombinant human growth factor preparation (SkinGenuity® Regenerative and Reparative Serums) along with twice-weekly transdermal delivery of growth factors using a home-based microneedling (0.2 mm) device. Objective skin analysis (VISIA® ) and a subjective patient-reported outcome (FACE-Q® ) assessment measuring satisfaction with appearance were performed at baseline and after 3 months. RESULTS: Objective skin analysis showed a significant improvement in skin texture (17.6%, p < 0.001), wrinkles (17.3%, p < 0.001), red areas (12.4%, p =0.004), and brown spots (6.0%, p =0.03) at 3 months follow-up. FACE-Q scales showed a significant improvement from baseline, including satisfaction with skin, facial appearance, nasolabial folds, cheeks, and lower face/jawline (all p ≤ 0.02). Numerical improvement in adverse effects related to skin was also observed (p = 0.07). No serious adverse effects were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Three months of twice-daily topical growth factor treatment in conjunction with transdermal delivery of growth factors via microneedling improved skin analysis parameters and participant-reported outcome measures, indicative of facial skin rejuvenation.