Clinical and dermoscopic evaluation of red light emitting diodes with beta-carotene versus red light emitting diodes alone in treatment of photoaging

Abstract

Objectives: Red light-emitting diodes (LEDs) alter the extracellular matrix and increase fibroblast growth factor which increases the number of fibroblasts. Carotenoids have singlet oxygen quenching properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate combined effect of red light with oral beta-carotene in treating photo-damaged skin. Material and Methods: Enrolled subjects were randomized into two groups, A and B. Group A received two sessions/week for 4 weeks of red light therapy and oral beta-carotene 30 mg/day for 12 weeks and Group B received two sessions/week for 4 weeks of red light therapy alone. Before and after clinical as well as dermoscopic photographs were evaluated. Dermoscopic photoaging scale (DPAS), Physician Global Assessment, and Patient Global Assessment was done at baseline, at end of therapy at 4 weeks and at 12 weeks. Results: The mean DPAS of Group A before the treatment was 22.76 which decreased to 10.08 at the end of follow-up period (12 weeks) and was 19.80 in Group B before the treatment which decreased to 10.84. There was 28.25% reduction in DPAS in Group A at 4 weeks whereas it was 16.18% in Group B. Group A showed 56.12% reduction at week 12, while Group B showed 44.78% reduction. There was statistically significant difference in mean percentage reduction in DPAS between the two groups when compared (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Red LED therapy with oral beta-carotene is a better approach for treating photoaging than Red LED therapy alone.