Long-Term Efficacy and Tolerability of a Daily Serum for Rejuvenation and Prejuvenation of Facial Skin

September 2023 | Volume 22 | Issue 9 | 917 | Copyright © September 2023


Published online August 22, 2023

Lauryn Reid BAa, Melanie D. Palm MD MBAb, Tatiana Kononov BS MBAc, Alisar S. Zahr PhDc

aFlorida State University, College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL
bArt of Skin MD, Solana Beach, CA
cRevision Skincare, Irving, TX

Abstract
Onjectives: To evaluate the long-term efficacy and tolerance of an anti-aging daily serum (AADS) when used twice-daily over 12 weeks by women with moderate skin fatigue and overall photodamage. The treatment targeted rejuvenation and prejuvenation of the facial skin.
Method: This was an institutional review board (IRB)-approved, randomized, single-center, double-blinded, vehicle-controlled (VC) study involving healthy subjects. Seventy female subjects were recruited aged 30 to 60 years old, Fitzpatrick skin types I to VI, with moderate overall photodamage, facial skin dullness, and skin firmness. Subjects underwent a 1-week washout period with a skincare regimen consisting of a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Subjects were randomized to apply the AADS or VC to their face including upper eyelid, twice-daily for 12 weeks. Long-term efficacy and tolerance, self-assessment questionnaire, and VISIA® clinical photography were performed at baseline, weeks 4, 8, and 12. 
Results: Statistically significant improvements in live, clinically graded efficacy parameters were demonstrated at post-baseline timepoints. Facial skin firmness, radiance, and roughness showed the most significant improvements at week 12. Analysis between treatments, in both live and photo-graded parameters, demonstrated merit of the AADS. VISIA® analysis further substantiated the efficacy of the AADS vs the VC. The AADS was well tolerated by clinical scoring and rating by subjects. 
Conclusion: The AADS is effective in improving skin fatigue and overall photodamage after 12 weeks of twice-daily application compared with the VC. The AADS is a possible skincare solution for patients seeking a serum with skin rejuvenation and prejuvenation benefits.

Citation: Reid L, Palm MD, Kononov T, et al. Long-term efficacy and tolerability of a daily serum for rejuvenation and prejuvenation of facial skin. J Drugs Dermatol. 2023;22(9):917-924. doi:10.36849/JDD.7393

INTRODUCTION

The concept of skin rejuvenation is a helpful construct used in cosmetic dermatology in order to restore healthy, more youthful-appearing skin. However, the primary limitation of skin rejuvenation is that it seeks to improve skin health after damage has already occurred. Depending on the severity of the existing damage, skin rejuvenation can be challenging, and optimal results vary across a broad patient population. In 2019, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery reported a 60% and 78% increase in neuromodulators and fillers, respectively, since 2012.1 Interestingly, patients 39 years and younger made up 24% of those who had minimally invasive dermatologic cosmetic procedures in 2019.2 The American Academy of Facial and Reconstructive Surgery documented that Millennials desire prejuvenation, and begin noninvasive cosmetic treatment sooner to prevent, rather than correct, signs of aging.3

Prejuvenation, a term used to describe the prevention of youthful skin aging, was first coined and defined by Dr. Arndt in 2013.3 The foundation of prejuvenation is addressing skin changes early, thereby preventing the progression of fine lines and wrinkles, skin pigmentation, laxity, and roughness that is often seen in intrinsically and extrinsically aged skin. Non-surgical techniques, such as laser and light therapy, injectable fillers, neuromodulators, and microneedling, offer patients solutions for prejuvenation as well as skin rejuvenation.3,4 Prejunvenation is gaining popularity, and the number of young patients considering starting non-surgical techniques and skincare regimens for prejuvenation has steadily increased.3-5 

The foundation of initial prejuvenation efforts begins with a skincare regimen including sunscreen, blends of antioxidants, such as vitamin C, and retinoids.5 One of the core components of skincare prejuvenation is the routine use of highly efficacious antioxidant serums. Serums may effectively address facial skin aging caused by intrinsic and extrinsic factors that manifest on skin examination and evaluation as facial wrinkles, fine lines, skin pigmentation, and uneven skin tone. Serums are vehicles composed of concentrated active ingredients including but not limited to antioxidants, peptides, and botanical extracts. The degree of penetration of actives depends largely on the molecular size as well as vehicle chemistry, with most serums