Evaluating Procedure Pairing of a Post-Procedure Cream Versus a Comparator in Patients Treated With Fractional Ablative CO2 Laser for Facial Rejuvenation

This randomized, single-center, double-blinded, split-face, controlled clinical trial was conducted to investigate the tolerability, safety, and efficacy of a post-procedure cream when used immediately after fractional ablative CO2 laser treatment and for 14 days post-procedure with three times daily application in healthy female subjects aged 35 to 65 with moderate to severe global facial overall photodamage (score of 4 to 9 out of the 10-point Modified Griffiths' scale). The ability of the post-procedure cream to soothe skin and improve patient downtime post-procedure was investigated by evaluating tolerability parameters (erythema, edema, dryness, burning, itching, stinging) and pain over the course of the study. Furthermore, this clinical trial compared the active post-procedure cream to a comparator anhydrous formulation often paired with skin rejuvenation procedures.

A 14-day washout period was required of all subjects prior to CO2 laser treatment. Tolerability (investigator: erythema, edema, dryness; subject: burning, itching, stinging) and safety were assessed through grading at screening, pre-procedure, post-procedure, post-procedure/post-product application, and days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 post-procedure. Pain evaluations were completed by subjects using the 11-point Wong Baker Faces® Pain Rating scale post-procedure, post-procedure/post-product application, and days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 post-procedure.

In addition, efficacy evaluation using the Modified Griffiths' scale was performed at screening, pre-procedure, and days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 post-procedure. Self-assessment questionnaires were completed by subjects post-procedure/post-product application and days 1, 3, and 14 post-procedure. Clinical photography was completed at all timepoints (screening to day 14 post-procedure).

A total of 22 subjects completed study participation.

Inclusion criteria

• Healthy female subjects 35-65 years of age
• Fitzpatrick Skin Type I to III
• Any race or ethnicity
• Moderate to Severe Overall Photodamage (global face) (score of 4 to 9 out of the 10-point Modified Griffiths' scale, where 0 = none and 9 = severe)
• No known medical conditions that, in the Investigator's opinion, may interfere with study participation.
• Willing to discontinue all active topical facial products and only use the assigned test products for the duration of the study.
• Female subjects of childbearing potential must be willing to use a form of birth control during the study.

Exclusion criteria

• Nursing, pregnant, or planning a pregnancy during this study.
• Having undergone a chemical peel, microdermabrasion, hydro dermabrasion or anti-aging facial within 1 month; non-ablative laser (including IPL) or non-ablative fractional laser resurfacing of the face within 6 months; ablative laser resurfacing of the face within 12 months.
• Not willing to discontinue active topical facial products for 14 days prior to the Baseline Visit