An evaluation of the benefits of a topical treatment in the improvement of photodamaged hands with age spots, freckles, and/or discolorations

Abstract

Background: Photoaging of the hands is common due to frequent exposure to environmental factors.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a topically applied cream formulated with an alpha-hydroxy acid, depigmenting agents, and antioxidants to improve the appearance of characteristics associated with photodamaged hands.

Methods: This was a single-site, open-label study of a proprietary topical treatment (Vivité Vibrance Décolleté, Allergan, Inc.) in adult female subjects with moderate-to-severe photoaging of the hands. The treatment was administered to the hands twice daily over an 8-week period. Treatment efficacy was assessed at baseline and weeks 4 and 8 using the Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) score based on the percentage coverage and color depth of photodamaged areas. The severity of age spots, freckles, and hand skin discoloration were also assessed; digital and ultraviolet photography of the hands was performed. Subject-reported assessments of treatment efficacy were evaluated using a questionnaire administered at week 8. Statistical significance was defined with an α set at P≤.05.

Results: Thirty-five subjects were enrolled with a mean age of 55.6 years; 33 subjects completed the study. The IGA of the appearance of hand photodamage improved from a mean (standard deviation) score of 5.0 (0.8) at baseline to 3.1 (1.5) and 2.6 (1.3) at weeks 4 and 8, respectively (1=mild; 9=severe). Based on expert-grader evaluation, subjects demonstrated statistically significant improvements from baseline in IGA at weeks 4 and 8 in age spots and freckling at weeks 4 and 8, (P<.0003) and in skin discolorations at week 8 (P<.05). The majority of subjects reported that they perceived improvements in each of the 9 parameters associated with skin appearance. No adverse events were reported.

Conclusions: The appearance of age-related hand pigmentation characteristics were significantly improved at 4 and 8 weeks of treatment. Subjects reported post-treatment improvements in other characteristics associated with healthy skin.