The effects of a multigrowth factor-containing cream on recovery after laser treatment: a double-blinded, randomized, split-face controlled study

Application of integrated skincare in medical aesthetics: A literature review

Integrated skincare combines clinically proven skincare products with professional medical aesthetics to provide a comprehensive solution for beauty pursuers. Studies have demonstrated that a combination of medical aesthetic procedures and maintenance therapies is more effective than either treatment alone. This review outlines the current applications of integrated skincare, including different regimens of energy-based aesthetic devices and active ingredients in cosmeceuticals or chemical peels. Additionally, the benefits and limitations of integrated skincare are discussed. Lastly, this review highlights the potential for improved satisfaction and long-term maintenance of the desired outcomes through appropriate integrated skincare procedures.

The role of epidermal growth factor-containing topical products on recovery and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation prevention after laser surgeries: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a common complication after laser surgeries. Recent studies applied epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the lasered area after laser surgery to decrease the incidence of PIH with controversial results. Therefore, a comprehensive literature review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to investigate the issue.

METHODS

Two reviewers independently searched the literatures, extracted, and analyzed the data. A total of seven RCTs involving 169 patients were included to evaluate the efficacy of EGF on recovery and PIH prevention after laser surgery.

RESULTS

The results show that the incidence of PIH in the EGF group was relatively lower than that in the control group, although the difference was not statistically significant (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.33 ~ 1.25, p = 0.19). However, the EGF groups had a significant decrease in melanin index (MI) scores at the 1st month after the laser surgery when compared to the control groups (SMD -1.57, 95% CI -2.83 ~ -0.31, p = 0.01). In addition, the patients on the EGF side rated significantly higher satisfactory scores (SMD 0.49, 95% CI 0.22 ~ 0.76, p = 0.0004). There was no significant difference as regard to changes in MI at the 2nd week and 2nd month, erythema index (EI), and trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) at days 3 and 7 after laser therapy, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The current meta-analysis found a limited temporary inhibitory effect of EGF-containing topical products on PIH with no significant effect on reducing post-laser erythema or promoting epidermal barrier repair. More studies are needed in the future due to the small sample size and marked intergroup heterogeneities.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after carbon dioxide laser: review of prevention and risk factors

The CO2 laser has been widely utilized in dermatology; its expanding clinical applications include the management of neoplastic lesions, benign growths, cosmetic conditions, and reactive disorders. The laser's popularity is mainly due to the high precision and short recovery time this technology provides. However, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) has been one of the challenging adverse effects of the CO2 laser. Therefore, several modalities have been studied for the prevention of PIH following CO2 laser treatment. This review aims to analyze the incidence of PIH after CO2 laser therapy, identify its risk factors, and assess the efficacy of the examined treatment modalities in preventing PIH. Pubmed and Embase databases were searched for this study, and relative clinical trials were included in the review. Descriptive findings - including age, gender, skin type, types of intervention, and incidence of PIH - were reported. When appropriate, the incidence of PIH was compared across each possible individual factor, such as skin type, gender, and type of intervention. A total of 211 articles were identified, and 14 relevant articles were included in this review. Seventy percent of the subjects were females (n=219), and 30% were males (n=94), with a mean age of 30 years (SD=7.8). The most common skin types were type IV (59%) followed by type III (25%). In total, eight studies investigated the prevention of PIH. The incidence of PIH after CO2 laser significantly varies between studies and differs based on the type of intervention. The studies indicate that the use of Clobetasol propionate 0.05% and fusidic acid cream appeared to effectively reduce PIH, recording an incidence rate of 39% and 53.3%, respectively. The Fitzpatrick-skinphenotype did not appear to influence the risk of PIH. There is a lack of high-powered clinical studies analyzing the incidence of PIH after CO2 laser treatment and the associated risk factors. PIH occurrence may be related to inflammation resulting from thermal damage by the CO2 laser. Consequently, the use of postoperative topical medications with anti-inflammatory properties might reduce its incidence. The use of ultra-potent topical corticosteroids and topical fusidic acid appeared to reduce PIH, possibly reducing postoperative inflammation effectively. Similarly, platelet-containing plasma may be beneficial in reducing CO2 side effects, including PIH. However, more studies are needed to further establish the influence of skin type on PIH and investigate modalities to reduce PIH occurrence after CO2 laser use.

Human Umbilical Cord-Based Therapeutics: Stem Cells and Blood Derivatives for Female Reproductive Medicine

There are several conditions that lead to female infertility, where traditional or conventional treatments have limited efficacy. In these challenging scenarios, stem cell (SC) therapies have been investigated as alternative treatment strategies. Human umbilical cord (hUC) mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSC), along with their secreted paracrine factors, extracts, and biomolecules, have emerged as promising therapeutic alternatives in regenerative medicine, due to their remarkable potential to promote anti-inflammatory and regenerative processes more efficiently than other autologous treatments. Similarly, hUC blood derivatives, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), or isolated plasma elements, such as growth factors, have also demonstrated potential. This literature review aims to summarize the recent therapeutic advances based on hUC-MSCs, hUC blood, and/or other plasma derivatives (e.g., extracellular vesicles, hUC-PRP, and growth factors) in the context of female reproductive medicine. We present an in-depth analysis of the principal molecules mediating tissue regeneration, compiling the application of these therapies in preclinical and clinical studies, within the context of the human reproductive tract. Despite the recent advances in bioengineering strategies that sustain delivery and amplify the scope of the therapeutic benefits, further clinical trials are required prior to the wide implementation of these alternative therapies in reproductive medicine.

Topical growth factors and home-based microneedling for facial skin rejuvenation

BACKGROUND

Cosmeceutical products are an important therapeutic option for facial rejuvenation. Of these, topical application of growth factors has been shown to increase dermal collagen synthesis, improve skin texture, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Limited data exist for the use of growth factors in combination with microneedling.

OBJECTIVE

This prospective, single-center, uncontrolled study evaluated the efficacy of topical growth factor treatment in conjunction with transdermal delivery of growth factors via home-based microneedling for facial skin rejuvenation.

PATIENTS/METHODS

Eleven healthy female individuals aged 33-61 years, with mild-moderate facial wrinkling were included in the study. Over 3 months, participants received twice-daily application of a topical recombinant human growth factor preparation (SkinGenuity^® Regenerative and Reparative Serums) along with twice-weekly transdermal delivery of growth factors using a home-based microneedling (0.2 mm) device. Objective skin analysis (VISIA^® ) and a subjective patient-reported outcome (FACE-Q^® ) assessment measuring satisfaction with appearance were performed at baseline and after 3 months.

RESULTS

Objective skin analysis showed a significant improvement in skin texture (17.6%, p < 0.001), wrinkles (17.3%, p < 0.001), red areas (12.4%, p =0.004), and brown spots (6.0%, p =0.03) at 3 months follow-up. FACE-Q scales showed a significant improvement from baseline, including satisfaction with skin, facial appearance, nasolabial folds, cheeks, and lower face/jawline (all p ≤ 0.02). Numerical improvement in adverse effects related to skin was also observed (p = 0.07). No serious adverse effects were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Three months of twice-daily topical growth factor treatment in conjunction with transdermal delivery of growth factors via microneedling improved skin analysis parameters and participant-reported outcome measures, indicative of facial skin rejuvenation.

The effect of human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cell media containing serum on recovery after laser treatment: A double-blinded, randomized, split-face controlled study

BACKGROUND

Ablative CO2 fractional laser (AFL) is a common cosmetic procedure to improve skin laxity. However, due to prolonged downtime and the risk of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, laser-assisted delivery of active ingredients as post-laser treatment has gained interest in past years. Among various active ingredients, human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCBMSCs) can be a promising agent promoting skin regeneration.

AIMS

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of a human cord blood cell-conditioned media containing serum and cream on patients who underwent AFL treatment. A randomized, investigator-blinded, prospective, split-face comparison study was conducted.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-three patients who underwent AFL on both cheeks applied a human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cell (hUCBMSC)-conditioned media containing cream with or without stem cell containing serum application. As a primary outcome measure, we evaluated the total area of microcrusts and post-treatment erythema using digital photographs. Additionally, skin biophysical parameters (corneometer, TEWL) and global improvement scores for skin texture were assessed.

RESULTS

The area of total microcrusts was reduced in the study group which applied both serum and cream. The global improvement score of the post-treatment erythema was significantly reduced. Investigator-assessed global improvement scores were higher in the combination treatment group. Additionally, there was no adverse event, which was associated with the use of either hUCBMSCs containing serum or cream.

CONCLUSION

The application of human cord blood cell containing serum and cream resulted in accelerated wound healing and reduced post-treatment erythema, which effectively reduced recovery time after ablative laser treatment.