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Histological Analysis Shows That a Moisturizer Formulated for Dermatoporosis Increases Elastin Content and Improves Skin Elasticity

October 2026 | Volume 25 | Issue 10 | 962 | Copyright © October 2026


Published online September 28, 2026

Glynis Ablon MDa,b, Todd Schlesinger MDc,d, Christine Emesiani PharmDe, Sindhu Garimella MSe, Thu Q. Nguyen PhDe, Alan Widgerow MBBCh MMede, Jean Philippe York PhDe, Matthew Meckfessel PhDe

aDepartment of Dermatology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
bAblon Skin Institute & Research Center, Manhattan Beach, CA
cClinical Research Center of the Carolinas, Charleston, SC
dDepartment of Dermatology, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
eGalderma Laboratories, L.P., Fort Worth, TX

Abstract
Background: Dermatoporosis involves age-related alterations in dermal structure and cellular function, including changes in collagen, elastin, and markers of skin senescence. Changes in skin biomarkers (collagen I, elastin, senescence-associated beta-galactosidase, CD44, and CD47) were assessed following the use of a novel moisturizer, GC (Galderma Laboratories, L.P., Fort Worth, TX), by subjects with mature, aging skin.
Methods: This 12-week multisite study recruited female and male subjects aged 40 to 60 years of all races, ethnicities, and Fitzpatrick skin types. Subjects were required to have a history of fragile skin and dry, crepey skin on the knees. The GC cream was applied to the knee and thigh skin twice daily. A subset of 5 patients underwent 3-mm punch biopsies on the upper knee at baseline and week 12 for immunohistochemistry. Standardized photography of skin appearance and pinch-release tests were conducted at baseline and weeks 4, 8, and 12.
Results: With GC cream use, elastin expression increased from baseline to week 12 (18% to 36%; P<.05) and beta-galactosidase expression trended higher (18% to 24%). Expression of CD44 (91% to 92%), CD47 (81% to 82%), and collagen type I alpha 1 (94% at both timepoints) was stable. Subjects' skin firmness and appearance were visibly improved.
Conclusion: After 12 weeks of twice-daily use of the GC cream, there was a significant increase in elastin expression, which was accompanied by visual improvement in skin elasticity and texture. These data validate clinical histological findings and show how topical intervention can improve overall skin health.

 

INTRODUCTION

Dermatoporosis is an age-related condition characterized by progressive loss of the skin's mechanical strength and structural integrity.1 It first presents as fragile skin with senile purpura, stellate pseudoscars, and skin atrophy, and can progress to skin lacerations, superficial or deep dissecting hematomas, and, in severe cases, skin necrosis.1,2 Functionally, dermatoporosis is characterized by reductions in collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans within the subdermal extracellular matrix, leading to decreased skin thickness and elasticity.3,4 At the cellular level, mitochondrial impairment, reduced autophagic capacity, and accumulation of senescent cells are observed.5

Dermatoporosis predominantly affects sun-exposed skin, and it occurs in up to 37% of individuals aged 65 and older; women are more frequently affected than men.2,6,7 Although prevalence is highest among older adults, skin fragility can be clinically relevant in individuals across a broad age range.2 Additional risk factors include genetic susceptibility, chronic renal failure, anticoagulant use, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor use, and physical inactivity.8

Despite its prevalence, the molecular mechanisms of dermatoporosis are not fully understood, and the biomarkers of dermatoporosis are poorly characterized.9 On this basis,

Keywords: dermatoporosis, skin senescence, collagen type I alpha 1, elastin, beta-galactosidase, Open Access, skin care
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