The Impact of an AGE-Inhibiting Moisturizer on Procedure Effectiveness

The accumulation of endogenous advanced glycation end products (AGEs) has been shown to degrade the integrity of the extracellular matrix in the dermis, resulting in signs of aging. Resurfacing procedures are a first-line treatment option. Post-procedure skin care is integral in achieving optimal results with minimal downtime. This single-site, randomized, split-face, double-blind, controlled study investigated the efficacy and tolerance of an AGE inhibitory moisturizer on facial appearance on a diverse panel of 42 female subjects, including Fitzpatrick skin types I through VI, following either radiofrequency microneedling or a glycolic acid peel after twice daily application for 10 weeks. Investigator clinical efficacy was assessed using the modified Griffiths scale at baseline and weeks 1, 2, 4, and 8. Before and after images were captured with VISIA Imaging (Canfield Scientific) at the same timepoints as efficacy assessments. Objective and subjective tolerance assessments were conducted during the study. At pre-treatment, participants applied either the AGE inhibitory moisturizer or the bland moisturizer to one-half of the face in conjunction with cleanser and sunscreen for 14 days. At baseline, based on Fitzpatrick skin type, participants received either a single session of full-face ultrasound radiofrequency microneedling (RFMN) or a glycolic acid peel. For participants with Fitzpatrick skin type III-VI who were treated with a glycolic acid peel, the AGE inhibitory moisturizer-treated side of the face compared to the control-treated side of the face resulted in a greater statistically significant improvement at week 8 in 5 attributes: skin clarity, evenness of skin tone, fine lines, elasticity, and overall appearance (all P<0.05). Furthermore, the following 10 attributes were statistically significantly improved compared to baseline (overall facial appearance, wrinkles, fine lines, elasticity, laxity, firmness, evenness, radiance, clarity, and hyperpigmentation). For participants with Fitzpatrick skin type I-II who were treated with RFMN, the AGE inhibitory moisturizer-treated side of the face resulted in a greater statistically significant improvement in laxity, clarity, fine lines, elasticity, and overall facial appearance at week 8 versus the control moisturizer-treated side of the face (all P<0.05). The AGE inhibitory moisturizer is an effective and well-tolerated option for women of all skin tones to improve the signs of aging following resurfacing procedures.