Topical Treatment With Liposomal Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin Complex in Subjects With Facial Redness and Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea: Case Studies

Complaints associated with facial redness and rosacea are commonly encountered in clinical practice. Rosacea is a chronic relapsing, inflammatory condition of the skin that typically involves the face in middle-aged and older adults.^1-3 This inflammatory skin disorder, which presents as multiple subtypes, is characterized by transient (or sometimes persistent) central facial erythema, visible blood vessels, and often papules and pustules.^4-5 While the etiology of rosacea is not fully understood, most current therapies are targeting the inflammatory cascade.⁶ Despite having both oral and topical medications approved by the FDA, lack of satisfactory outcomes from treatment continues to pose a major challenge.

Sodium copper chlorophyllin complex (CHLcu) has shown antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties in vitro.^7-10 In addition, pilot clinical trials have shown benefits including anti-acne, anti-redness, and pore reduction.^{11, 12} The objective of these case studies was to assess the performance of a topical gel formulation containing a liposomal suspension of sodium copper chlorophyllin complex in treating the symptoms associated with facial redness and rosacea. A combination of standard digital photography and Beau Visage skin imaging (Astron Clinica, Cambridge, UK), which utilizes the principles of SIAscopy, were employed in assessing treatment effects.

Patient presented with a combination of acne and erythematotelangiectatic rosacea and was started on a topical gel formulation containing CHLcu at 0.01% BID. After 2 months of treatment, the skin appeared smoother with decreased redness and visible reduction in pore size (Figure 1).

Patient had a diagnosis of rosacea and was receiving oral minocycline 100 mg daily without major change in her condition. She was started on a topical gel formulation containing CHLcu at 0.025% BID. After four weeks of treatment, her Colorimeter (KonicaMinolta CR10 Colorimeter, Tokyo, Japan) a+ readings in the right malar region decreased from 19.3 to 13 (Figure 2).

Patient had facial redness associated with erythematotelangiectatic rosacea and was treated with oral minocycline 50 mg BID without change. She was started on a topical gel formulation containing CHLcu at 0.025% BID. Colorimeter a* readings were as follows:

A decrease in facial redness and smoother skin was observed after 5 weeks of treatment (Figure 3).