Novel Vitamin C and E and Green Tea Polyphenols Combination Serum Improves Photoaged Facial Skin

September 2021 | Volume 20 | Issue 9 | Original Article | 996 | Copyright © September 2021


Published online August 31, 2021

Jared Jagdeo MD MS,a,b Alana Kurtti BS,a,c Steve Hernandez BS,d Nicole Akers BA,d R. Scott Peterson PhDd

aDermatology Service, VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, Brooklyn, NY
bDepartment of Dermatology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY
cRutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ
dTopix Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Amityville, NY

Abstract
Background: Skin aging is a multifactorial process induced by intrinsic factors such as metabolic processes and senescence as well as environmental factors, including smoking, air pollution, and solar radiation. UV-induced production of reactive oxygen species induces skin photoaging. Antioxidants, including vitamin C and E and green tea polyphenols represent a promising strategy for the aesthetic improvement of clinical features associated with aging.
Objective: To assess the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of a novel vitamin C and E and green tea polyphenols (CE-GTP) combination serum on photoaged facial skin.
Methods: 31 healthy females aged 43 to 65 years (mean age, 57.9) participated in this single-center, 12-week clinical trial. Subjects applied CE-GTP serum twice daily for the duration of the study. Clinical grading of efficacy parameters, safety and tolerability evaluations, ultrasound measurements, and self-assessment questionnaires were conducted at several study milestones.
Results: Statistically significant improvements were observed in all clinically graded efficacy parameters. Highlights include reduction in fine lines around the eye area and facial wrinkles and enhanced skin smoothness and radiance. Ultrasound measurements showed a statistically significant increase in skin density at week 12 compared with baseline, indicating thickening of the epidermal and dermal tissue, associated with youthful, healthier skin. Subjects self-reported numerous improvements, including reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, improved skin tone and texture, diminished look of dark spots, and improved skin elasticity.
Conclusion: Novel CE-GTP serum is safe and effective, as shown by statistically significant improvements in multiple aesthetically important objective, subjective, and patient reported outcomes.

J Drugs Dermatol. 2021;20(9):996-1003. doi:10.36849/JDD.5818

INTRODUCTION

Skin aging is a multifactorial process induced by intrinsic factors such as metabolic processes and senescence as well as environmental factors, including smoking, air pollution, and solar radiation, including visible light and infrared light exposure.1 There are several mechanisms by which UV-radiation induces photoaging, including direct DNA damage, cell surface receptor-initiated signaling, mitochondrial damage, and increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS).2 These molecular changes have undesirable aesthetic consequences, including erythema, edema, sunburn, skin laxity, and reduced integrity of the skin.3

The cosmeceutical industry has increasingly focused on strategies to combat oxidative stress-mediated photoaging. While numerous antioxidant-based antiaging products are on the market, demand exists for innovative, effective, naturally derived cosmeceuticals.4 According to market research, the cosmeceutical industry is adapting to these consumer demands as the global natural skincare products market was valued at $10.84 billion in 2019, with facial care having the largest market, and is forecast to grow by $3.2 billion during 2020-2024.5,6

Green tea polyphenols (GTPs) are naturally occurring compounds that have significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.7,8 They are a potent source of exogenous antioxidants that have been proven to reduce endogenous ROS and RNS, and thereby diminish and reverse the impact of photoaging. In vitro experiments demonstrated that GTPs inhibit the upregulation of H202-generated free radicals in human skin fibroblasts.7 Green tea derivatives also appear to enhance the regenerative capabilities of skin as aged keratinocytes can be stimulated by GTPs to renew cell division in aging skin.9,10 Based on the strength of laboratory studies, animal studies, and clinical trials, the use of green tea-derived polyphenols is highly attractive to dermatologists and patients for aesthetic and antiaging purposes.

Vitamin C and E are natural antioxidants that have been clinically proven to provide photoprotection and antiaging