An Innovative Cream Improves Signs and Symptoms of Dermatoporosis in Patients Aged 65 and Over.

Abstract

Background: There is increasing recognition of dermatoporosis - a condition of chronic cutaneous fragility of aging skin seen primarily in older adults. Dermatoporosis can be characterized by white pseudo scars, purpura/bruising, skin thinning, and loss of volume. This study evaluated a novel cream with microdoses of mandelic acid and Centella asiatica that was formulated to target physiologic processes involved in dermatoporosis.

Methods: A 12-week, proof-of-concept study of participants aged 65 years and older (n=54) with sensitive skin and dermatoporosis managed with twice-daily application of the cream on both forearms and 1 leg (randomly selected, with the other leg serving as control). Key assessments included transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin thickness measurement by ultrasound, clinical scoring for dryness and roughness, a participant questionnaire, and standard safety assessments.

Results: Twice-daily use of the novel cream resulted in an ongoing consistent positive increase in skin thickness of 5% (P<0.05), with improvements primarily in the dermis and epidermis but also notable in the subdermal layer. Significant improvements in hydration were observed starting from Day 7 and observed through Day 84 (or end of study) (P<0.05). Changes in TEWL showed a 20% improvement in barrier function that also was apparent early (Day 7) and sustained through the study (40% improvement at day 84, P<0.05). The cream demonstrated excellent safety with no adverse reactions and no worsening in tolerability parameters.

Conclusions: This cream, containing microdoses of mandelic acid and Centella asiatica, safely and effectively improved skin thickness, firmness, and resiliency, and had high acceptability with study participants. J Drugs Dermatol. 2025;24(4):352-356. doi:10.36849/JDD.8947.