15998 Effects of a topical cosmetic growth factor serum in postmenopausal subjects with moderate to severe facial photodamage

Abstract

Menopause, defined by the cessation of menses, is associated with hormonal alterations including decreased estrogen production. Because the skin contains numerous estrogen receptors, these hormonal changes can significantly affect the skin, including diminished collagen levels, turnover and synthesis. Visible manifestations of menopause-related skin changes may include dryness, lines/wrinkles and sagging. Limited studies have been conducted using topical cosmetic products on the postmenopausal patient population. Recently, a novel topical growth factor serum (test product) derived from neonatal human fibroblasts cultured under hypoxic conditions was clinically-proven to improve the appearance of moderate to severe facial photodamage. To explore the effects of the test product in postmenopausal subjects, a 12-week clinical study was conducted. 15 postmenopausal female subjects aged 46-65 years with Fitzpatrick skin types I-III and presenting with moderate to severe facial photodamage, completed the study. Subjects applied the test product twice daily, morning and evening for 12 weeks. Visits occurred at baseline, week 6 and week 12 and included investigator assessments, questionnaires and standardized photography. Significant improvements in investigator assessments for overall photodamage, skin tone evenness, perioral fine lines/wrinkles, periocular and cheeks coarse lines/wrinkles and tactile roughness were observed at all follow-up visits (all P ≤ .02; paired t test). At week 12, significant improvements were also observed for periocular, forehead and cheeks fine lines/wrinkles and perioral coarse lines/wrinkles (all P ≤ .04; paired t test). Study results suggest that the test product may help improve the appearance of facial skin quality in postmenopausal subjects. However additional studies in this unique population are needed.