Enhancing Skin Uptake of Topical Antioxidants With 1,440-nm Nonablative Fractional Diode Laser Pretreatment.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Energy-based devices, such as nonablative lasers, are a promising method to enhance the delivery and absorption of topically applied molecules. OBJECTIVE: To characterize ex vivo uptake of common antioxidant topicals after pretreatment with a nonablative laser wavelength. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using donor human skin tissue, uptake of 3 topical antioxidants was analyzed (C E Ferulic with 15% l-ascorbic acid [15% vitamin C serum], Phloretin CF with ferulic acid [10% vitamin C serum], and Phyto+ [botanical serum]; SkinCeuticals, Dallas, TX; 2010 formulations) after pretreatment with a 1,440-nm nonablative fractional diode laser. RESULTS: Pretreatment with the 1,440-nm laser enhanced uptake of 15% and 10% vitamin C serums by approximately 10 and 21 times, respectively, compared to controls. Laser pretreatment also enhanced uptake of botanical serum by approximately 6 times relative to controls. Permeation of vitamin C and botanical serums was also enhanced through laser pretreatment. CONCLUSION: Nonablative laser pretreatment increased uptake and permeation of topical antioxidants. Optimizing treatment requires consideration of the device and treatment parameters as well as the properties of the topical formulation.