Preliminary evaluation of a comprehensive skincare regimen for enhancing skin health following advanced optimal pulse technology (AOPT) treatment.

Background: Maintaining skin barrier integrity and promoting resilience following aesthetic dermatological treatments are critical for effective recovery and sustained skin health.

Aim: To evaluate the post-treatment efficacy of a skincare regimen containing active ingredients, including rhodophyceae extract, ergothioneine, and L-carnosine, designed to enhance skin barrier function and facilitate recovery after advanced optimal pulse technology (AOPT) treatment.

Methods: In March 2023, a study was conducted in Shanghai, targeting healthy Chinese female adults aged 20-60 with Fitzpatrick skin types II-IV. The selected participants embarked on a controlled skincare routine after receiving AOPT treatments, followed by a daily skincare regimen. The efficacy of this regimen was rigorously evaluated through clinical and instrumental assessments, including the use of the Vapometer for measuring transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and the Cutometer for assessing skin elasticity and self-assessments.

Results: Thirty-five female Chinese participants aged 20-60 were recruited to assess the efficacy of the skincare regime, with a completion rate of 92.9%. Over 4 weeks, the skincare regimen significantly reduced TEWL by 24.09% (p < 0.05), improved skin elasticity with increases of 7.91% in Total Recovery Percentage (Q1) and 8.96% in Gross Elasticity (R2), and decreased redness by 23.08%, dryness by 79.31%, and desquamation by 75.00% (p < 0.05). Participants also reported reductions in stinging, itching, and burning sensations, alongside improvements in skin plumpness, smoothness, radiance, firmness, and tone evenness. Aesthetic enhancements included reductions in fine lines, wrinkles, cheek pores, and facial sagging (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: The findings indicate that this targeted skincare regimen effectively enhances post-AOPT skin recovery by improving barrier function, hydration, and elasticity. While these results demonstrate the regimen's benefits, future studies incorporating control groups are warranted to further validate its efficacy.