A Subjective and Objective Assessment of Combined Methods of Applying Chemical Peels and Microneedling in Antiaging Treatments.

Combined methods of applying chemical peels and antioxidants could be an option for skin rejuvenation with no down-time. The penetration of active substances can be enhanced by microneedle mesotherapy. The study was conducted on a group of 20 female volunteers, aged 40-65 years. All volunteers received a series of eight treatments performed every seven days. The whole face was first treated with azelaic acid; following this, the right side received a 40% solution of vitamin C and the left side 10% vitamin C with microneedling. Hydration and skin elasticity were markedly improved, with better results observed on the microneedling side. Melanin and erythema index decreased. No significant side effects were seen. The combination of active ingredients and delivery techniques have great potential to enhance the effectiveness of cosmetic preparations, probably by multidirectional ways of action. In our study, we demonstrated that both 20% azelaic acid + 40% vitamin C treatment and 20% azelaic acid + 10% vitamin C + microneedle mesotherapy efficiently improved the assessed parameters of aging skin. However, the use of microneedling mesotherapy as a means of direct delivery of active compound to the dermis enhanced the effectiveness of the studied preparation.

The Anti-Acne Effect of Near-Infrared Low-Level Laser Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris is a skin problem affecting many people of different ages. Phototherapy is one of the acne treatment options. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of near-infrared low-level laser therapy on acne lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The prospective study involved a total number of 27 women, aged 18 to 45 years, with mild to severe acne. All the participants underwent a series of six treatments with the use of a 785 nm low-level laser with the power density 80mW/cm2, performed every two weeks. The analysis of the effectiveness of the performed procedures was based on sebumetric examination, photographic documentation and assessment of the change in the number of acne lesions. RESULTS: Significant improvements in acne lesions (assessed as non-inflammatory and inflammatory lesion counts) and a significant decrease in skin sebum excretion were observed after the treatment. No adverse effects were reported. CONCLUSION: A series of six treatments using a near-infrared low-level laser represents a safe and effective non-invasive therapy option for acne vulgaris.

Preliminary randomized controlled trial of antiaging effects of l-ascorbic acid applied in combination with no-needle and microneedle mesotherapy.

BACKGROUND: The epidermis is keratinized stratified squamous epithelium covered by hydro-lipid barrier. Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant which protects skin from oxidative damage and rejuvenates photo-aged skin. There are different options of improving active substance penetration through the stratum corneum of the epidermis. One of them is noneedle mesotherapy which is a non-invasive rejuvenation technique involving electric pulses, electroporation, and ultrasounds. The use of these physicals factors results in deeper penetration of active ingredients. The other one is micro-needle mesotherapy which is nonsurgical therapy, which could cause the controlled inflammation. Micro channels are formed by needles during the skin puncture, that facilitate penetration of the active ingredients. AIMS: The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of L-ascorbic acid applied in combination with no-needle and micro-needle mesotherapy in anti-aging therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study involved 17 healthy volunteers, 2.5 ml of serum containing 20% L-ascorbic acid with hydrate from strawberries was used topically in every of 4 treatments. No-needle mesotherapy was applied on the left half of the face while microneedle mesotherapy in combination with the same serum was performed on the right half of face. RESULTS: In vivo studies confirmed the effectiveness of both methods. CONCLUSION: The impact of active substance on skin firmness and elasticity as well as the degree of hydration and skin tone was more efficient after micro-needle mesotherapy.

An evaluation of the antiaging properties of strawberry hydrolysate treatment enriched with L-ascorbic acid applied with microneedle mesotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Mature skin is characterized by a loss of elasticity, hyperpigmentation, and dehydration. L-ascorbic acid stimulates the synthesis of collagen type I, inhibits melanogenesis, and helps to maintain correct skin hydration. Combining microneedle mesotherapy with the application of preparations rich in vitamin C results in better therapeutic effects due to the improved absorption of active substances. The study evaluates the effectiveness of the application of strawberry hydrolysate enriched with L-ascorbic acid using microneedle mesotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen volunteers aged 45-70 years underwent a series of four microneedle mesotherapy treatments with vitamin C serum, performed every 10 days. The 20% L-ascorbic acid solution (pH = 3.5) was prepared immediately before application. After the treatment, the participants gave a subjective assessment of the effectiveness. Cutometer® was used to measure skin elasticity and firmness, Corneometer® to measure skin hydration, and Mexameter® skin tone. RESULTS: The results of the survey showed improvements in skin hydration and elasticity. In vivo studies confirmed the effectiveness of serum and the impact of the active substance on skin firmness and elasticity, the degree of hydration and skin tone. CONCLUSION: Microneedling with vitamin C improves skin tone, hydratation and firmness, and decreases the visibility of hyperpigmentation.

Variable pulsed light treatment of melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation - a pilot study.

Hyperpigmentation disorders are a serious aesthetic problem. Various therapies are applied to remove these lesions. The variable pulsed light (VPL) is similar to intense pulsed light (IPL), but instead of one flash of light, energy is provided in a few small and rapid micro-flashes. The aim of the study is a mexametric evaluation of results of the treatment of hyperpigmentation with the application of the VPL device as well as the patient's opinion on this kind of treatment. The therapy with the VPL was administered twice within a period of three weeks. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment procedure, we carried out the mexametric measurements three times. Eighteen women with hyperpigmentation disorders were included in the study. The lesions were lightened in thirteen patients. Three patients demonstrated more intensive hyperpigmentation. Twelve patients assessed the effects of the therapy as good and excellent. In the patients, in whom the initial mexametric results confirmed the strongest changes, the effect of the VPL therapy appeared to be the greatest. The obtained results allow claiming that the VPL method is effective for treating hyperpigmentation. The level of the patients' satisfaction after the therapy is equally important.