A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial Evaluating an Oral Anti-aging Skin Care Supplement for Treating Photodamaged Skin.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate an anti-aging skin care supplement on the appearance of photodamaged skin. DESIGN: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Following a one-month washout period, subjects received two anti-aging skin care formula tablets (total daily dose: marine complex 210mg, vitamin C 54mg, zinc 4mg) or placebo daily for 16 weeks. Subjects were restricted from products/procedures that may affect the condition/appearance of skin, including direct facial sun or tanning bed exposure. PARTICIPANTS utilized a standardized facial cleanser and SPF15 moisturizer. SETTING: Single study center (Texas, United States; June-November 2007). PARTICIPANTS: Healthy women aged 35 to 60 years (mean, 50 years), Fitzpatrick skin type I-IV, modified Glogau type II-III. MEASUREMENTS: Subjects were assessed at Weeks 6, 12, and 16 on clinical grading (0-10 VAS), bioinstrumentation, digital photography, and self-assessments. Analysis of variance with treatment in the model was used for between-group comparisons (alpha P≤0.05). RESULTS: Eighty-two anti-aging skin care formula subjects and 70 placebo subjects completed the study. Significant differences in change from baseline to Week 16 scores were observed for clinical grading of overall facial appearance (0.26; P<0.0001), radiant complexion (0.59; P<0.0001), periocular wrinkles (0.08; P<0.05), visual (0.56; P<0.0001) and tactile (0.48; P<0.0001) roughness, and mottled hyperpigmentation (0.15; P<0.001) favoring the subjects in the anti-aging skin care supplement group. Ultrasound skin density (Week 16) was significantly reduced for placebo versus anti-aging skin care supplement group (-1.4% vs. 0%; P<0.01). Other outcomes were not significant. Mild gastrointestinal symptoms possibly related to the anti-aging skin care supplement (n=1) and placebo (n=2) were observed. CONCLUSION: Women with photodamaged skin receiving anti-aging skin care supplement showed significant improvements in the appearance of facial photodamage. TRIAL REGISTRY: Not applicable. Study precedes FDAAA 801 clinical trial registration and results submission requirements.

A placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of Imedeen(®) Time Perfection(®) for improving the appearance of photodamaged skin.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of Imedeen Time Perfection for improving the appearance and condition of photoaged skin in healthy women. METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial enrolled healthy women, 35-60 years of age, with Fitzpatrick I-III and Glogau II-III skin types and mild-to-moderate facial fine lines/wrinkles. The eligible subjects were randomized to receive two tablets daily of either Imedeen Time Perfection (Imedeen) or a matching placebo for 12 weeks. Efficacy assessments included investigator rating of 16 photoaging parameters (ie, global facial appearance and 15 individual facial parameters and the average of all parameters), instrumentation (ie, ultrasound dermal density, moisture level of the stratum corneum, transepidermal water loss, cutometry), and subjects' self-assessment. Differences in the mean change from baseline to week 12 values on these outcomes were compared between Imedeen and placebo using analysis of variance or a paired t-test. RESULTS: Seventy-four subjects with primarily Fitzpatrick skin type III (78%-79%) and Glogau type III (53%-58%) completed the study (Imedeen: n=36; placebo: n=38). The mean difference in change from baseline to week 12 for global facial assessment significantly favored Imedeen over placebo (-0.52; P=0.0017). Additionally, the mean differences in the average of all facial photoaging parameters (-0.29), mottled hyperpigmentation (-0.25), tactile laxity (-0.24), dullness (-0.47), and tactile roughness (-0.62) significantly favored Imedeen over placebo (P≤0.05). Significantly greater increases in ultrasound dermal density (+11% vs +1%; P≤0.05) and stratum corneum moisturization (+30% vs +6%; P≤0.05) were also observed for Imedeen than for placebo. There were no significant differences on other instrumental outcomes. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that Imedeen Time Perfection can positively affect the appearance of photoaged skin, moisturization, and skin density over 12 weeks of treatment.

Development and Clinical Assessment of a Comprehensive Product for Pigmentation Control in Multiple Ethnic Populations.

BACKGROUND: Pigmentary changes in people of different ethnic origins are controlled by slight variations in key biological pathways leading to different outcomes from the same treatment. It is important to develop and test products for desired outcomes in varying ethnic populations. OBJECTIVES: To develop a comprehensive product (LYT2) that affects all major biological pathways controlling pigmentation and test for clinical efficacy and safety in different ethnic populations. METHODS: A thorough analysis of biological pathways was used to identify ingredient combinations for LYT2 that provided optimal melanin reduction in a 3-D skin model. Expression of four key genes for melanogenesis, TYR, TYRP-1, DCT, and MITF was analyzed by qPCR. Clinical study was conducted to compare the efficacy and tolerability of LYT2 against 4% hydroquinone (HQ). RESULTS: Average melanin suppression by LYT2 in 7 independent experiments was 45%. All four key genes show significant down- regulation of expression. LYT2 provided statistically significant reductions in mean overall hyperpigmentation grades as early as week 2 compared to baseline, with continued significant improvements through week 12 in all ethnic groups tested. CONCLUSION: We have successfully combined management of 6 categories of pathways related to melanogenesis: melanocyte activation, melanosome development, melanin production, melanin distribution, keratinocyte turnover, and barrier function to create a comprehensive HQ-free product. The outcome clearly shows greater pigmentation control with LYT2 compared to other HQ-free products in skin tissue models and earlier control in clinical studies compared to 4% HQ. Clinical study shows pigmentation control benefits of LYT2 in people of Caucasian, Hispanic, and African ethnic origins. J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(12):1562-1570.

Assessment of the safety and efficacy of topical copper chlorophyllin in women with photodamaged facial skin.

BACKGROUND: Chronic exposure to the sun causes the skin to prematurely age. Photodamaged skin is characterized by progressive damage to the dermal extracellular matrix with loss of collagen and degradation of elastin. Clinical manifestations of such photoaged or photodamaged skin include wrinkles and irregular pigmentation. Various cosmetic treatments including topical retinoids, growth factors, and skin lighteners have shown some benefit. Salts of copper chlorophyllin complex are semi-synthetic naturally derived compounds with anti-oxidant and wound healing activity that has not been previously tested in photodamaged skin. OBJECTIVES: This single-center pilot study was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of a liposomal dispersion of topically applied sodium copper chlorophyllin complex in women with mild-moderate fine lines and wrinkles in the periocular areas and facial solar lentigenes over a course of 8 weeks. METHODS: Subjects were supplied with the test product, a topical gel containing chlorophyllin complex salts (0.066%), with directions to apply a pea-sized amount to the periocular areas, cheeks and nose every morning and evening. Clinical assessments were performed at screening/baseline and at week 8. Standardized digital photographs were taken and self-assessment questionnaires were conducted. RESULTS: Ten subjects completed the 8-week study. All clinical efficacy parameters showed statistically significant improvements over baseline at week 8. The study product was well tolerated. Subject questionnaires showed the test product was highly rated. CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot study, a topical formulation containing a liposomal dispersion of sodium copper chlorophyllin complex was shown to be clinically effective and well tolerated for the treatment of mild-moderate photodamage and solar lentigenes when used for 8 weeks.

Evaluation of a hydroquinone-free skin brightening product using in vitro inhibition of melanogenesis and clinical reduction of ultraviolet-induced hyperpigmentation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Skin lightening preparations are used by people all over the world for a diverse range of dermatologic indications. Hydroquinone (HQ) is the gold standard and remains the only prescription product available in the United States for the treatment of generalized facial hyperpigmentation. Irritation and the risk of exogenous ochronosis are the main adverse effects for concern. Therefore, there has been a constant search for new treatment alternatives. Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in pigmentation has resulted in the development of a series of formulations that utilize a multimodal treatment approach. These proprietary formulas combine skin lightening agents that act via different mechanisms of action. The actives included 4-ethoxybenzaldehyde (anti-inflammatory and prostaglandin E2 suppressor), licorice extract (tyrosinase inhibitor), tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (antioxidant), niacinamide (melanosome transport inhibitor), ethyl linoleate (tyrosinase inhibitor; enhances turnover of epidermis), hexylresorcinol (tyrosinase inhibitor), and retinol (tyrosinase transcription inhibitor; enhances turnover of epidermis). METHODS: Select formulations were tested in several studies using the MelanoDerm™ Skin Model (MatTek Corporation, Ashland, MA) to assess the ability of the product to reduce melanin production and distribution. A single-center, double-blind comparison clinical study of 18 subjects was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the product in reducing ultraviolet-induced hyperpigmentation. Test sites were irradiated with 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 minimal erythema doses. After 5 days, to allow for pigmentation development, the product or 4% HQ cream was applied to the respective test sites, once daily for 4 weeks. Chroma Meter measurements (L* brightness) and standardized digital photographs were taken of the test sites twice a week. RESULTS: The test product resulted in greater reduction in melanin as measured by melanin content and histological staining compared with the positive control in the MelanoDerm Skin Model. The product also demonstrated statistically significant reductions in pigmentation compared with baseline (all P ≤.0001) at the end of the clinical study, and produced greater increases in L*, compared with 4% HQ. Results from these studies indicate that a product designed to affect multiple pathways of melanogenesis and melanin distribution may provide an additional treatment option beyond HQ for hyperpigmentation.

Clinical efficacy and safety of a multimodality skin brightener composition compared with 4% hydroquinone.

There are numerous common skin disorders involving hyperpigmentation, including solar lentigines, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma, freckles, and dyschromia from photoaging. While these conditions are of an aesthetic nature, there is great interest in newer, safer, and more effective treatment modalities. Topical hydroquinone (HQ) has been the gold standard of skin lighteners for many years. However, regulatory authorities around the world are now questioning its safety. A randomized, double-blind, half-face study was conducted in females with moderate to severe facial hyperpigmentation to assess the efficacy and tolerability of 3 new skin brightener formulations containing SMA-432, a prostaglandin E2 inhibitor, compared with 4% HQ. Each subject was assigned 2 of the 4 test materials and was instructed to apply the product on the assigned side of the face twice daily for 12 weeks. Evaluation visits were conducted at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. At each visit, subjects were evaluated by a blinded investigator for clinical efficacy and tolerability using grading scales. Standardized digital photography and Chroma Meter assessments were also taken. Self-assessment questionnaires were completed at weeks 4, 8, and 12. Sixty-eight Caucasian subjects (136 half faces) completed the study. All test materials significantly reduced Overall Hyperpigmentation and improved the Investigator's Global Hyperpigmentation Improvement rating at weeks 4, 8, and 12 compared with baseline. SMA-432 exhibited a dose-dependent improvement in hyperpigmentation. There were no major tolerability issues with any of the test materials. Self-assessments were generally favorable for all test materials. At the completion of the trial, subjects rated one of the tested multimodality brightener compositions as the most favorable product and 4% HQ as the least favorable. This study demonstrated that the new non-HQ-containing skin brightener formulations were as effective and equally well tolerated as the gold standard, 4% HQ, in females with facial hyperpigmentation.

Clinical efficacy and safety of a multimodality skin brightener composition compared with 4% hydroquinone.

There are numerous common skin disorders involving hyperpigmentation, including solar lentigines, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma, freckles, and dyschromia from photoaging. While these conditions are of an aesthetic nature, there is great interest in newer, safer, and more effective treatment modalities. Topical hydroquinone (HQ) has been the gold standard of skin lighteners for many years. However, regulatory authorities around the world are now questioning its safety. A randomized, double-blind, half-face study was conducted in females having moderate to severe facial hyperpigmentation to assess the efficacy and tolerability of 3 new skin brightener formulations containing SMA-432, a prostaglandin E2 inhibitor, compared with 4% HQ. Each subject was assigned 2 of the 4 test materials and was instructed to apply the product on the assigned side of the face twice daily for 12 weeks. Evaluation visits were conducted at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. At each visit, subjects were evaluated by a blinded investigator for clinical efficacy and tolerability using grading scales. Standardized digital photography and Chroma Meter assessments were also taken. Self-assessment questionnaires were completed at weeks 4, 8, and 12. Sixty-eight Caucasian subjects (136 half faces) completed the study. All test materials significantly reduced overall hyperpigmentation and improved the Investigator's Global Hyperpigmentation Improvement rating at weeks 4, 8, and 12 compared with baseline. SMA-432 exhibited a dose-dependent improvement in hyperpigmentation. There were no major tolerability issues with any of the test materials. Self-assessments were generally favorable for all test materials. At the completion of the trial, subjects rated one of the tested multimodality brightener compositions as the most favorable product and 4% HQ as the least favorable. This study demonstrated that the new non-HQ-containing skin brightener formulations were as effective and equally well tolerated as the gold standard, 4% HQ, in females with facial hyperpigmentation.

A polyhydroxy acid skin care regimen provides antiaging effects comparable to an alpha-hydroxyacid regimen.

There have been numerous clinical studies conducted to evaluate the beneficial effects of the polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) in skincare. Although there is significant evidence that PHAs provide antiaging effects to skin, a direct comparison between alpha-hydroxyacids (AHAs) and PHAs for these effects has not been conducted. This 12-week clinical study evaluated gluconolactone-containing products (PHAs) in comparison with glycolic acid-containing products (AHAs). Clinical grading of photoaging, as well as objective and subjective irritation, was conducted on the face at baseline and after 6 and 12 weeks of product use. Pinch recoil, silicone replicas of the crow's-feet area, and self-assessment of product efficacy and tolerance were also collected. Both regimens showed significant antiaging benefits to skin as measured by silicone replicas, clinical grading, and pinch recoil for skin resiliency. There were only 2 statistically significant (P < .05) differences between the regimens in antiaging benefits: (1) sallowness showed greater improvement with AHA use at week 12 only (AHA, 17. 1%; PHA, 12.4%), and (2) pinch recoil showed greater improvement with AHA use at week 12 only (AHA, 13.5%; PHA, 10.2%). Irritation grading and subject self-assessment showed that the PHA regimen was better tolerated than the AHA regimen. Stinging and burning were significantly worse for subjects in the AHA treatment group at both week 6 and 12, and degree of sensitivity was rated worse for the AHA regimen as well. The present study shows the enhanced mildness of PHAs and their equivalence in providing antiaging benefits compared with an AHA regimen.