Tripeptide and hexapeptide topical as adjunct to nonablative fractional resurfacing for photodamage: A randomized split-face trial.

Abstract

Topical adjuncts have been investigated to improve clinical outcomes associated with laser resurfacing for photodamage and cutaneous aging. One such product is a tripeptide/hexapeptide serum, which has been shown to increase dermal collagen and elastin as well as improve postprocedural recovery following treatments. A randomized, blinded, split-face, comparative trial was performed to assess the utility of a tripeptide/hexapeptide serum as a peri-procedural adjunct to nonablative fractional laser resurfacing. A total of 20 subjects were enrolled. Each hemiface was randomized to either tripeptide/hexapeptide serum or bland moisturizer for twice daily application starting 14days prior to first laser treatment and continuing until 60days after. All subjects received 2 treatments to entire face approximately 1month apart with 1927nm thulium nonablative fractional laser. Clinical measures and immediate postprocedural recovery were assessed. For each hemiface, scores improved for all measures, including global photodamage, lentigines, pores, radiance, texture, and tone at 30 and 60days. The tripeptide/hexapeptide serum had greater improvements for all measures at both time points, except for radiance at 60days, which was equal. In cases where clinical ratings differed between sides, tripeptide/hexapeptide serum more frequently had the superior outcome. Overall, subjects were satisfied with tripeptide/hexapeptide serum. No significant adverse events were observed. Addition of tripeptide/hexapeptide serum as a peri-procedural adjunct to nonablative fractional laser resurfacing improved various clinical measures of photodamage and cutaneous aging and the immediate postprocedural recovery. The tripeptide/hexapeptide serum was demonstrated to be safe, well-tolerated, and well-liked by subjects.