Validation of improved texture and elasticity measurement techniques using benchmark cosmetic and dermatological anti-aging treatments

Abstract

Objective surface texture and elasticity techniques have been previously identified for sensitive measurement of improvement in photodamaged skin condition. The objective of this study was to compare a range of topical cosmetic and dermatological treatments using a variety of objective measurement techniques.Improvement in skin condition was monitored in healthy female subjects, ages 35-65, in this multi-cell, topical and dermatological treatment study. Treatment cells included both monadic and split-face treatment regimes, and treatment was continued for up to 25 weeks. Measurements included surface texture with the PRIMOS Optical Profiler, digital facial scanning, 2D digital imaging and analysis, and elasticity with Ballistometry and the BTC-2000 instrument. In a previous report, 3D facial scanning (macro scale) and PRIMOS (micro scale) provided increased sensitivity for measurement of relevant cosmetic anti-aging benefits associated with anti-aging creams compared to vehicle controls, with improvements detected as early as four weeks. The differences between treatments were modest but statistically significant. Longer-term treatment changes of cosmetic anti-aging prototypes over vehicle controls, for example improvement in the volume of facial creasing/sagging, were measurable as early as eleven weeks. Similarly, elasticity measures have been used to characterize changes in elasticity with aging and photodamage, and to monitor recovery in elasticity with wound healing.The changes measured with cosmetic anti-aging treatments support the improvement to surface texture and elasticity seen in shorter duration trials (8-12 weeks), with continued improvement in skin condition over a longer duration of treatment (up to 25 weeks). Significant improvement in surface texture and elasticity compared to baseline condition was achieved for all treatments, with significant differences between treatments. This investigation validated advanced 2D and 3D facial imaging and elasticity measures against a range of improvement by cosmetic and advanced dermatological treatments. Objective surface texture and elasticity techniques have been previously identified for sensitive measurement of improvement in photodamaged skin condition. The objective of this study was to compare a range of topical cosmetic and dermatological treatments using a variety of objective measurement techniques. Improvement in skin condition was monitored in healthy female subjects, ages 35-65, in this multi-cell, topical and dermatological treatment study. Treatment cells included both monadic and split-face treatment regimes, and treatment was continued for up to 25 weeks. Measurements included surface texture with the PRIMOS Optical Profiler, digital facial scanning, 2D digital imaging and analysis, and elasticity with Ballistometry and the BTC-2000 instrument. In a previous report, 3D facial scanning (macro scale) and PRIMOS (micro scale) provided increased sensitivity for measurement of relevant cosmetic anti-aging benefits associated with anti-aging creams compared to vehicle controls, with improvements detected as early as four weeks. The differences between treatments were modest but statistically significant. Longer-term treatment changes of cosmetic anti-aging prototypes over vehicle controls, for example improvement in the volume of facial creasing/sagging, were measurable as early as eleven weeks. Similarly, elasticity measures have been used to characterize changes in elasticity with aging and photodamage, and to monitor recovery in elasticity with wound healing. The changes measured with cosmetic anti-aging treatments support the improvement to surface texture and elasticity seen in shorter duration trials (8-12 weeks), with continued improvement in skin condition over a longer duration of treatment (up to 25 weeks). Significant improvement in surface texture and elasticity compared to baseline condition was achieved for all treatments, with significant differences between treatments. This investigation validated advanced 2D and 3D facial imaging and elasticity measures against a range of improvement by cosmetic and advanced dermatological treatments.