A Novel Approach to Enhancing the Quality and Appearance of Photoaged Skin

Background: Moisturizers create the illusion of smooth, soft skin by placing a temporary film over the skin surface or by imparting a transient hydration benefit that does not clinically improve the quality or appearance of skin. Objective: The objective of this 8-week study was to assess the clinically relevant effects of a 3-step facial treatment program to improve the multiple qualities of photoaged skin. Methods: Thirty-five female subjects were evaluated at baseline and after 2, 4, and 8 weeks. Measures included investigator and subject assessments and noninvasive measures of skin hydration, elasticity, sebum, and exfoliation. Results: This novel approach resulted in significant objective, subjective, and bio-instrumental improvements in the appearance and quality of photoaged skin. At the end of the study, the investigator efficacy assessments demonstrated significant reduction in roughness, sebum, redness, and dirt with improvement in skin dryness, moisturization, clarity, smoothness, softness, radiance, and overall appearance without use of a moisturizer. The treatment products were well-tolerated. Conclusion: Use of this novel approach safely and effectively improved multiple clinical endpoints of photoaged skin through cleansing, aggressive exfoliation, and sebum reduction in the absence of a traditional moisturizer. J Drugs Dermatol. 2019;18(1):28-31.