An Innovative Cream Improves Signs and Symptoms of Dermatoporosis in Patients Aged 65 and Over

There is increasing recognition of dermatoporosis - a condition of chronic cutaneous fragility of aging skin seen primarily in older adults. Dermatoporosis can be characterized by white pseudo scars, purpura/bruising, skin thinning, and loss of volume. This study evaluated a novel cream with microdoses of mandelic acid and Centella asiatica that was formulated to target physiologic processes involved in dermatoporosis.

A 12-week, proof-of-concept study of participants aged 65 years and older (n=54) with sensitive skin and dermatoporosis managed with twice-daily application of the cream on both forearms and 1 leg (randomly selected, with the other leg serving as control). Key assessments included transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin thickness measurement by ultrasound, clinical scoring for dryness and roughness, a participant questionnaire, and standard safety assessments.

Twice-daily use of the novel cream resulted in an ongoing consistent positive increase in skin thickness of 5% (P<0.05), with improvements primarily in the dermis and epidermis but also notable in the subdermal layer. Significant improvements in hydration were observed starting from Day 7 and observed through Day 84 (or end of study) (P<0.05). Changes in TEWL showed a 20% improvement in barrier function that also was apparent early (Day 7) and sustained through the study (40% improvement at day 84, P<0.05). The cream demonstrated excellent safety with no adverse reactions and no worsening in tolerability parameters.

This cream, containing microdoses of mandelic acid and Centella asiatica, safely and effectively improved skin thickness, firmness, and resiliency, and had high acceptability with study participants. J Drugs Dermatol. 2025;24(4):352-356. doi:10.36849/JDD.8947.