Klotho Protein as a Topical Therapy for Facial Photoaging Using Combined Delivery Technologies

Klotho, a protein linked to longevity, influences oxidative stress and cellular balance, promoting antiaging effects in the skin. In vitro, Klotho reduced ultraviolet A-induced oxidative DNA damage and increased human telomerase reverse transcriptase and Sirtuin 6, supporting further evaluation. This study evaluates whether the combined use of 3 Klotho products (face serum 25%, eye serum 15%, night cream 10%) produces synergistic improvements in visible photoaging.

This is an open-label, single-arm, 16-week study involving adults aged 25-75 years, with Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV and mild to severe facial photodamage. Participants applied the 3-product regimen. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline to week 16 on a specified clinical photodamage scale. Secondary endpoints included dyschromia, erythema, dryness/scaling, peeling, lines/wrinkles, and atrophy. An exploratory item assessed perceived hydration. Safety data included adverse events and local reactions.

Facial photodamage showed significant improvement at week 16 with an average reduction of 48.0% from baseline (P < 0.001). All participants achieved a clinical response. Improvements were visible by week 4 and continued to improve through week 16. After Holm adjustment, significant improvements were seen in dyschromia (31.2%; P = 0.003), lines/wrinkles (27.3%; P = 0.009), dryness/scaling (61.9%; P < 0.001), and peeling (83.3%; P = 0.024). Erythema and edema decreased but not significantly; atrophy changes were minimal.

The 3-product Klotho regimen was well tolerated and showed early, progressive improvements in photodamage during the 16-week study. Our findings suggest that topical Klotho may benefit multiple aspects of photoaging.