Clinical Trial of Alpha and Beta Defensin Skin Care Regimen for Improvement of Periocular Wrinkles

Defensins recruit leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 6 positive (Lgr6+) stem cells which ultimately regenerate new basal stem cells, healthy keratinocytes, and nascent hair follicles. Thus, defensins are an exciting, novel therapy for the reversal of skin aging.

This is a multicenter, prospective, open-label clinical trial. Twenty healthy subjects, aged 45-80, with Fitzpatrick skin types II-IV were enrolled in the study. A skin care regimen containing alpha-defensin 5 and beta-defensin 3 were applied to the face twice daily for 12 weeks. This skin care regimen contains a greater percentage of defensins than that already studied.7 All participants underwent imaging at baseline, day 30, day 60, and day 90. Primary endpoints included investigator scoring on the Fitzpatrick-Goldman wrinkle scale and percent improvement in periorbital wrinkles, laxity, pigmentation, erythema, texture, and radiance. Secondary endpoints were investigator Global Aesthetic Improvement Score (GAIS), subject GAIS, and investigator assessment of tolerability. A final subject questionnaire was completed on day 90.  Results: Based on the Fitzpatrick-Goldman wrinkle scale, a statistically significant improvement was noted in both wrinkling and elastosis from baseline to day 90. 30% of subjects were rated as much improved and 50% of subjects were rated as improved on the physician GAIS at the 90 day follow up. Improvements were noted in all aspects of skin quality including wrinkles, laxity, dyschromia, erythema, texture, and radiance.  Conclusion: The enhanced formula containing increased concentrations of alpha-defensin 5 and beta-defensin 3 is a safe and efficacious topical therapy for the treatment of periorbital rhytids.

Hartman N, Loyal J, Taub A, et al. Clinical trial of alpha and beta defensin skin care regimen for improvement of periocular wrinkles. J Drugs Dermatol. 2023;22(9):874-880. doi:10.36849/JDD.7184.