Clinical Evaluation of a Multi-Modal Facial Serum That Addresses Hyaluronic Acid Levels in Skin.

BACKGROUND Hyaluronic acid (HA), the major glycosaminoglycan present in the human skin, is a key contributor to water retention and mechanical support in skin. The level, size, and functionality of cutaneous HA are known to diminish with age. Topical treatments designed to increase the HA content of skin have been met with limited success. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the tolerance and efficacy of a multi-modal facial serum containing HA, Proxylane (C-Xyloside), purple rice extract, and dipotassium glycyrrhizate in addressing HA levels in skin. METHODS A 12-week, single center, clinical study was conducted on 59 women with mild to moderate photodamage. Clinical grading to assess the efficacy and tolerability was conducted on the face at baseline and at weeks 4, 8, and 12. Bioinstrumentation measurements were taken, including corneometer, tewameter, ultrasound, and standardized digital imaging. A randomized subset of 20 subjects from the study population had 3 mm punch biopsies collected for quantitative RT-PCR analysis from 2 sites on the face at baseline and week 12. Additionally, a 4-week, single center, clinical study was conducted on the photodamaged forearms of 12 subjects. At both baseline and week 4, a 4 mm punch biopsy was obtained from the subjects' randomized forearms. Biopsy samples were subjected to immunohistochemical staining and analysis of HA content. RESULTS Statistically-significant improvements in all facial skin attributes (weeks 4, 8, and 12), stratum corneum hydration (week 12), and transepidermal water loss (week 12) were observed. Tolerability was excellent, with no increases in irritation parameters noted. A significant increase of HA content in skin after 4 weeks of treatment was observed. By PCR analysis, there was a significant increase in hyaluronan synthase 2, as well as a significant increase in collagen type 1a1 after 12 weeks of application. CONCLUSION The findings suggest that this novel topical facial serum is capable of stimulating HA and skin extracellular matrix components, as well as improving skin hydration and skin quality in women with mild to moderate photodamage. J Drugs Dermatol. 2017;16(9):884-890..