The Effects of Life Line Facial Cream/Periobitum Serum and Micro-Needling of Photodamaged Skin: A Split-Face Randomized Study

Abstract

Background: Human growth factors serve as secretomes that regulate skin cell proliferation/differentiation and production of extracellular elements of the matrix and treat photo-aging. Microneedling of skin can also improve aging skin by facilitating normal wound healing of the temporary dermal conduits for therapeutic and cosmetic benefits. Objectives: This open, randomized split-face and single-center controlled study evaluated the safety and efficacy of the application of a cosmeceutical formulation, which incorporated growth factors derived from cultured pluripotential stem cells of unfertilized human ovum, in the treatment of photo-damaged facial skin. The use of micro-needling to stem cell-treated skin was evaluated for additional benefit. Material and Methods: Ten subjects in Group 1 with mild-to-moderate photo-damaged skin received the growth factor emulsion to one side of the face and serum to the eyelids/periorbitum and placebo on the contralateral side for twelve (12) weeks. Ten subjects in a separate Group 2 with similar photo-damaged skin received the same growth factor emulsions and serum to both sides of the face and eyelids/periorbitum, but only one side was treated with four micro-needling procedures four weeks apart. Subjects in Group 1 were assessed at baseline, 6 weeks and 12 weeks with the Canfield VISIA Investigator System and standardized 2D photography. Subjects in Group 2 were similarly assessed with the addition of the DermaLab Cortex System. Data analysis compared the p-values with the alpha level for statistical difference. Results: Group 1 subjects demonstrated a beneficial effect by VISIA Analysis on reduction of pigmented spots, UV-light damage with more effective effacement of wrinkles and textural changes after three months compared with that observed on the placebo side. Group 2 subjects demonstrated more improvement by VISIA Analysis in reduction of pigmentations, UV-light damage, porphyrin spots, and wrinkles with more textural smoothness with combined treatments than with cosmeceutical application alone. Cortex Analysis of skin, receiving combined treatments, demonstrated marked improvements in skin elasticity and hydration observed after cosmeceutical application alone. Conclusions: The used growth factor-containing creams and serum have a salutary effect on photodamaged skin whose effects may be further enhanced with the addition of micro-needling without introduction of side-effects or complications. Further investigations with a larger cohort of subjects for longer treatment periods will be needed to confirm and extend these initial findings.