Use of formulations for sensitive skin improves the visible signs of aging, including wrinkle size and elasticity

Abstract

Background: Sensitive skin affects an increasingly large proportion of the population and is less tolerant to frequent and prolonged use of cosmetics. This study investigates the antiaging effects of a skin care system developed for use on sensitive skin. Methods: A total of 30 healthy Caucasian females, aged 32-72, were enrolled in this double-blind randomized placebo-controlled split-face study. A routine consisting of twice daily topical applications of the test cleanser and test moisturizer or placebo or positive control products was followed for 28 days, with parameters measured at baseline and at 7-day intervals. Objective skin assessments for hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin surface topography, elasticity and safety assessment were conducted. Results: Wrinkle surface, length and depth significantly improved by 34.8±4.7% (P<0.001), 19.0±3.2% (P<0.05) and 24.3±3.5% (P<0.05), respectively, after 28 days of skin care treatment with the test cleanser and test moisturizer. R2 (gross elasticity), R5 (net elasticity) and R7 (biological elasticity) significantly increased by 32.8±6.5% (P<0.001), 47.3±8.6% (P<0.001) and 50.6±5.1% (P<0.001), respectively, while R6 (viscoelastic portion) significantly decreased by 33.4±4.6% (P<0.001) after 28 days. Skin hydration was also found to increase significantly after 28 days by 42.2±8.5% (P<0.01), but there was no change in TEWL. No adverse events were reported. Conclusions: A novel skin care routine developed for use on sensitive skin significantly improves the signs of aging including hydration, wrinkle size and elasticity without significant adverse effects.

Keywords: avenanthramides; elasticity; hydration; nicotinamide; vitamin E; wrinkles.

Figure 1

CONSORT flow chart illustrating the flow of subjects through the study.

Figure 2

Skin deformation curve obtained with a cutometer depicting the immediate deformation or skin extensibility (Ue), delayed distension (Uv), final deformation (Uf), immediate retraction (Ur), total recovery (Ua) and residual deformation at the end of the measuring cycle (R).

Figure 3

Mean percentage change in hydration scores over time (days) as determined by corneometer for facial skin of subjects following a skin care routine for 28 days using (●) placebo, n=30 subjects (■) positive control, n=15 subjects and (△) test cleanser/moisturizer, n=15 subjects. Results are presented as mean ± SEM. †P<0.01 versus placebo.

Figure 4

Mean percentage change in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) scores over time (days) as determined by tewameter for facial skin of subjects following a skin care routine for 28 days using (●) placebo, n=30 subjects (■) positive control, n=15 subjects and (△) test cleanser/moisturizer, n=15 subjects. Results are presented as mean ± SEM.

Figure 5

The mean percentage reduction in wrinkle surface, wrinkle length and wrinkle depth as determined by photonumerical grading using the Visioline RD of the crow’s feet area for facial skin of subjects following a skin care routine for 14 or 28 days using (■) placebo, n=30 subjects () positive control, n=15 subjects and () test cleanser/moisturizer, n=15 subjects. Results are presented as mean ± SEM. *P<0.001 versus placebo, †P<0.01 versus placebo, #P<0.05 versus placebo.

Figure 6

Photographs of (A) 72-year-old, (B) 51-year-old, (C) 59-year old and (D) 41-year-old women who applied the placebo cleanser/moisturizer to the left side of the face (LHS) and the test cleanser/moisturizer to the right side of the face for 28 days. Fine wrinkles are decreased and the skin is smoother on the RHS compared to the LHS.

Figure 7

Mean percentage increase in skin elasticity parameters R2 (gross elasticity), R5 (net elasticity), R6 (viscoelastic portion) and R7 (biological elasticity) versus time (days) as determined by cutometer for facial skin of volunteers following a skin care routine for 28 days using (●) placebo, n=30 subjects (■) positive control, n=15 subjects and (Δ) test cleanser/moisturizer, n=15 subjects. Results are presented as mean ± SEM. *P<0.001 versus placebo, †P<0.01 versus placebo.