Evaluating the Effects of Laser Treatments on Visible Changes in the Photoaging Process of the Skin Using Specialized...

Background/Objectives: The skin is the largest organ of the human body and is exposed to the aging process (not only chronological aging, but also photoaging). One of the methods used to correct visible skin changes due to photoaging is lasers. The aim of this study was to objectively evaluate the effect of Q-switched laser treatments on visible changes in the photoaging process among women using specialized measuring devices-ultrasound and Courage & Khazaka. Methods: The study included 36 women with visible signs of photoaged skin. The women were given a series of three treatments with a Fotona QX MAX fractional head laser. Both before and after the treatment, the women were examined for selected skin parameters with the help of specialized measuring devices such as Courage & Khazaka and skin ultrasound. Skin firmness and elasticity, the degree of hydration, TEWL and HL TOTAL levels, and MEP and HEP skin echogenicity were taken into account. The obtained results were tabulated and statistically analyzed. Results: Statistically significant differences were noted for parameters representing skin elasticity R2 [p = 0.0210] and R7 [p = 0.0302], TEWL [p = 0.0152] and HL TOTAL [p = 0.0367] on the forehead, and HL TOTAL [p = 0.0450] on the cheek. In addition, statistically significant differences were observed in the MEP/TP parameter on the forehead and cheek [p = 0.0236, 0.0475, respectively] and HEP/TP in the forehead area [p = 0.0367]. Conclusions: Q-switched laser treatments have a positive effect on the condition of women's skin. Therapy with this laser reduces the visible changes in the photoaging process in the face.