INTRODUCTION
Aging of the facial skin is predominantly controlled by both intrinsic factors, such as age-dependent degradation of skin structure, and extrinsic factors such as environmental stressors.1 Intrinsic and extrinsic aging of the facial skin can be visibly observed through outward signs such as fine lines, wrinkles, reduction in radiance, increase in redness, visual and tactile roughness, decrease in firmness, and visible pigmentation.1,2
The dermal-epidermal junction (DEJ), also known as the basement membrane, is a highly specialized structure located at the interface between cells and connective tissue.1,2 This junction is primarily composed of proteins including collagen IV, collagen VII, Laminin 5, fibronectin, and integrin.1,2 Intrinsic and extrinsic aging lead to a breakdown of the DEJ, a reduction in the rare proteins, a flattened appearance with reduced surface area and shortened rete ridges, loss of structural integrity, impaired communication between tissues, impaired skin adhesion, and increased skin fragility.1,2 Thus, the skin functions sub-optimally. Due to these findings, it can be concluded that the DEJ is a structure worthy of investigation and treatment.1,2 Previous reports have also shown that the facial skin is thicker in comparison to that of the periorbital area, which displays some of the body’s first signs of aging.2 As aging progresses, eyelid hooding, crepiness of the periorbital area, and crow’s feet occur.1-3 Therefore, a cosmeceutical treatment specific to the periorbital region must be formulated in such a way that not only addresses the DEJ, but also accounts for its structural difference to that of the global face.
While there is a multitude of literature centered on the deterioration of the DEJ, there still exists a need for cosmeceutical products that stabilize the junction by stimulating the synthesis of proteins at the DEJ. Previously, two cosmeceutical products
The dermal-epidermal junction (DEJ), also known as the basement membrane, is a highly specialized structure located at the interface between cells and connective tissue.1,2 This junction is primarily composed of proteins including collagen IV, collagen VII, Laminin 5, fibronectin, and integrin.1,2 Intrinsic and extrinsic aging lead to a breakdown of the DEJ, a reduction in the rare proteins, a flattened appearance with reduced surface area and shortened rete ridges, loss of structural integrity, impaired communication between tissues, impaired skin adhesion, and increased skin fragility.1,2 Thus, the skin functions sub-optimally. Due to these findings, it can be concluded that the DEJ is a structure worthy of investigation and treatment.1,2 Previous reports have also shown that the facial skin is thicker in comparison to that of the periorbital area, which displays some of the body’s first signs of aging.2 As aging progresses, eyelid hooding, crepiness of the periorbital area, and crow’s feet occur.1-3 Therefore, a cosmeceutical treatment specific to the periorbital region must be formulated in such a way that not only addresses the DEJ, but also accounts for its structural difference to that of the global face.
While there is a multitude of literature centered on the deterioration of the DEJ, there still exists a need for cosmeceutical products that stabilize the junction by stimulating the synthesis of proteins at the DEJ. Previously, two cosmeceutical products
