Comparison of clinical improvements in photoaging of a topical system containing stabilized retinol and a zinc-copper galvanic couple versus a series of professional chemical peels

Improving the signs of facial photoaging continues to be a primary dermatologic concern for many patients. Dermatologists can perform procedures such as chemically peeling the skin to visibly reduce the appearance of photodamaged skin. Superficial glycolic acid peels have been shown to improve skin texture, fine wrinkling, and hyperpigmentation. Still, some patients prefer to achieve these types of results by using daily topical skin care products. Retinol has been shown in many studies to be an effective topical treatment for fighting the visible signs of facial photodamage. Similarly, recent reports have highlighted the antiaging benefits of a proprietary zinc-copper galvanic couple. An 8-week, double-blind, randomized study was completed to compare the effects of daily topical usage of this novel topical two-step system to a series of glycolic acid peels to assess clinical benefits on photo-aged skin. In each cell, healthy female subjects, ages 35 to 60, exhibiting photodamage on the face, with moderate scores for two of the following four skin parameters: fine lines/wrinkles, mottled hyperpigmentation, tactile surface roughness, and lack of clarity were enrolled. Subjects using the topical two-step system applied the test products to their full-face once per day in the evening for 8 weeks (n = 33). In the second cell, a board-certified dermatologist administered a series of 3 glycolic acid peels, one peel every three weeks over a period of 8 weeks (n = 30). Dermatologist evaluation of the topical two-step system indicated significant improvements (P <.05) in facial skin texture and clarity after one week of use. Significant improvements (P <.05) in the appearance of mottled pigmentation, skin tone, fine lines, wrinkles, overall photodamage and overall skin appearance by the 4-week time point. By the conclusion of the 8-week clinical evaluation, the topical two-step system demonstrated significant differences in numerous clinical parameters when compared to the skin benefits observed by the professionally administered series of three chemical peels. In conclusion, this clinical study demonstrated that a regimen consisting of stabilized retinol and a zinc-copper galvanic couple was effective in improving the overall signs of facial photodamage including improvements skin texture, clarity, fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, and tone, while providing patients an effective alternative to chemical peels.