Review of Post-laser-resurfacing Topical Agents for Improved Healing and Cosmesis

Laser resurfacing produces a controlled skin injury, resulting in a wound healing response. This wound healing response allows for collagen remodeling, which improves skin texture and tone. Topical agents are often employed following laser treatments to facilitate recovery. The introduction of newer small-molecule technologies allow for improved recovery and cosmesis.

We sought to perform a critical review of the safety and efficacy of newer small-molecule technologies employed following laser resurfacing.

We performed a PubMed search of the generic name of the following topicals and included literature relevant to laser procedures, with an emphasis on laser resurfacing: thermal spring water, conjugated linolenic acid, vitamin C/vitamin E/ferulic acid serum, tripeptide/hexapeptide technology-containing products, growth factor serum and gel, recombinant human epidermal growth factor ointment and gel, red deer umbilical cord lining mesenchymal stem cell extract cream and serum, silicone-based gel, and microparticulate (1-3, 1-6 beta-glucan) gel.

Our search of the PubMed database yielded 62 results, out of which 17 clinical studies were included in this publication. The majority of aforementioned topicals show promise in terms of improving post-resurfacing recovery or cosmesis.

Clinical data regarding these agents is limited by the number and quality of studies. It is therefore challenging to propose a recommendation supporting any particular topical. We provide our own provider-specific post-laser resurfacing protocols to offer insight regarding new small-molecule technologies.