A collagen biostimulator improves photoaging pigmentation

Abstract

Photoaging pigmentation conditions such as senile lentigo and melasma show epidermal melanogenic activity and dermal abnormalities, including collagen degradation. A dermal rejuvenation strategy with skin-lightening therapy directly acting on melanocytes is suggested for photoaging pigmentation. This study investigates whether collagen biostimulation can result in skin lightening of photoaging skin. A split-face clinical trial was conducted, involving 40 subjects with facial melasma and senile lentigo. Subjects received a poly-DL-lactic acid (PDLLA) treatment on one side of their face, whereas the contralateral side received a treatment of normal saline as a control. Assessments were scheduled every month after completing treatments for up to 3 months. Pigmentation was evaluated using the L* value as measured with a chromameter and by investigator global assessment scores (IGA). Subjects reported different outcomes in terms of overall skin quality, including pigmentation, wrinkles and elasticity. Skin biopsies were obtained before the treatment and 4 weeks after completing the treatment. Fontana-Masson, Masson-Trichrome and Verhoeff-van Gieson staining, and fibroblast-specific protein 1 (FSP1) immunostaining were conducted. The PDLLA treatment demonstrated significant improvements in the L* values and IGA scores from 8 weeks after the subject completed their treatments. These improvements were sustained over a 12-week assessment period. The subjects reported substantial reductions in both pigmentation and wrinkle severity and elasticity throughout the assessment period. Fontana-Masson staining showed a marked decrease in pigmentation upon a PDLLA injection compared to the baseline values. Increased immunogenicity of FSP1 and increases in collagen and elastic fibre staining were observed. This study demonstrated remarkable improvements in photoaging pigmentation along with collagen production with a collagen biostimulator. Thus, collagen biostimulators represent a promising therapeutic approach for addressing photoaging signs associated with melasma and senile lentigo. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05913102).