Efficacy and safety of silymarin containing antioxidant serum as an adjuvant treatment of mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris: A prospective, open-label pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Silymarin is the active component of milk thistle, which has antioxidant properties by scavenging free radicals and potential comedolytic properties. AIMS: This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of 0.5% silymarin-loaded antioxidant serum (SAS) used to treat mild-to-moderate acne. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective, open-label pilot study was conducted. We enrolled 22 Korean acne patients who applied the 0.5% SAS on the whole face twice daily while continuing the current anti-acne medications. Grade of acne severity, individual lesion counts, sebum output levels, skin erythema, and melanin pigmentation were assessed. RESULTS: After a 4-week application, the modified Global Acne Grading Score (mGAGS), Global Evaluation Acne (GEA) scale, and the acne lesion counts were significantly decreased. Sebum secretion, skin pigmentation, and erythema were also reduced during the study period, yet only the melanin pigmentation index reached statistical significance. Subgroup analysis revealed that the patients who took the low-dose oral isotretinoin during the study period showed more noticeable improvements in skin sebum output and melanin pigmentation. Additionally, no adverse event was associated with using the 0.5% SAS. CONCLUSION: The 0.5% silymarin-containing antioxidant formulation improved acne's clinical severity and related skin biophysical parameters.

Oral Supplementation of Low-Molecular-Weight Collagen Peptides Reduces Skin Wrinkles and Improves Biophysical Properties of Skin: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Study.

Orally administered collagen peptides could contribute to antiaging by replacing the degraded extracellular matrix proteins caused by photoaging. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of low-molecular-weight collagen peptides for treating photoaged and dry skin. In this randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, double-blinded trial, we randomly assigned study participants (n = 100) to either the test product group or placebo group at a 1:1 ratio for 12 weeks. The wrinkle scale score, eye wrinkle volume, roughness parameters, such as the average maximum height of the wrinkle (Rz), arithmetic average within the total measuring length of the wrinkle (Ra), maximum profile valley depth of the wrinkle (Rv), and skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), overall elasticity (R2), and ratio of elastic recovery to total deformation (R7) were evaluated at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Safety assessments with serial blood tests were also conducted. Efficacy assessments of data from 84 participants were conducted as the per-protocol analysis. After 12 weeks, the 10-grade crow's feet photo scale score, eye wrinkle volume, skin roughness parameters (Rz, Ra, and Rv), skin elasticity (R2 and R7), skin hydration, and TEWL were significantly improved in the test product group compared to the placebo group. There were no adverse events or abnormalities according to laboratory analysis associated with using the test material during the study period. This study showed that the oral supplementation of low-molecular-weight collagen peptides could improve the wrinkles, elasticity, hydration, and barrier integrity of photoaged facial skin. This clinical study was registered with the Korean Clinical Research Information Service and International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (No: KCT0006500).

The Effect of Conditioned Media From Human Adipocyte-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Androgenetic Alopecia After Nonablative Fractional Laser Treatment.

BACKGROUND: The conditioned media from adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cells-conditioned media (ADSC-CM) contains cytokines and growth factors that stimulate hair regeneration. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the efficacy and safety of human ADSC-CM treatment on patients who underwent nonablative fractional laser for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients who underwent nonablative fractional laser treatment were topically administered either ADSC-CM or placebo solution. As a primary outcome, phototrichograms were taken to measure changes in hair density at each visit. In addition, global improvement scores (GISs) were compared by clinical digital photographs, which were taken at the initial and final visits, and assessed by 2 independent dermatologists. Finally, the investigator's improvement score was measured by questionnaire response during the final visit. RESULTS: Hair density comparisons during the treatment period revealed that the ADSC-CM group had significantly higher final densities compared with the placebo group. The GIS of the ADSC-CM group was also significantly higher than the placebo group. Finally, no adverse effects associated with the application of ADSC-CM were noted during the study. CONCLUSION: The application of ADSC-CM after nonablative fractional laser treatment accelerated increases in hair density and volume in AGA patients.

Safety of Combined Fractional Microneedle Radiofrequency and CO2 as an Early Intervention for Inflammatory Acne and Scarring Treated With Concomitant Isotretinoin.

BACKGROUND: Fractional microneedle radiofrequency (FMRF) systems are popular options for treating acne scars. However, treatment efficacy when used in combination with traditional ablative fractional laser (AFL) and the safety profile with concomitant use of isotretinoin remain unknown. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of an early intervention combination treatment protocol for inflammatory acne and acne scars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The electronic records of 71 patients with inflammatory acne and acne scars were included in this retrospective observational study. Data were collected for all patients who received combination FMRF and AFL. Within the study group, 43 patients were receiving low-dose isotretinoin or had completed isotretinoin within the past 3 weeks. RESULTS: The mean Scar Global Assessment score significantly decreased after 3 sessions of combination treatment (n = 71). Patients with inflammatory acne showed a significant decrease in the number of inflammatory lesions (n = 30). Patients with concomitant low-dose isotretinoin use reported a further decrease in Scar Global Assessment score (n = 43). There were no reported persistent side effects, including prolonged inflammatory reaction or scarring. CONCLUSION: Combination treatment with FMRF and AFL is an effective and well-tolerated treatment modality for acne scars and inflammatory acne.

Effect of a topical antioxidant serum containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid after Q-switched 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser for treatment of environment-induced skin pigmentation.

BACKGROUND: Extrinsic skin aging caused by atmospheric pollutants is associated with a sustained inflammatory response which is a significant risk factor for lentigines and melasma. AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of topical application of combination formulation of vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid as an adjuvant to Q-switched Nd:YAG (QSNY) lasers treatment in individuals with lentigines and melasma. METHODS: A single blinded, prospective, randomized split-face trial was conducted. Eighteen men and women between 26 and 53 years old were treated with a combination antioxidant serum on one randomized side of their face immediately after QSNY laser and twice daily for 2 weeks. Patients were evaluated using digital photography and spectrometry to assess the melanin index and erythema index. Melasma severity score and global improvement scores also were assessed. RESULTS: The treated side of the face exhibited a significantly greater reduction in the melanin index. There was no significant difference in post-treatment erythema. More clinical improvement was observed on the treated side compared with the untreated side. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that topical application of a combination vitamins C, E, and ferulic acid antioxidant formula may be effective as an adjuvant option in QSNY lasers.