INTRODUCTION
Proper lifestyle, nutrition, exercise, and supplementation are crtitical for anti-aging in general, and specifically for anti-aging of the skin. Supplementation for healthy skin should include ingestion of micronutrients and omega-3 fatty acids for example, but should also include the topical application of nutrients that are both 1) needed by aging skin, and 2) absorbed by and available to the layers of the skin.
Evidence of aging skin appears in the facial and periorbital area and includes wrinkles, discoloration, eyelid bags, circles around the eye, and a sagging look. In the periorbital area, cheek descent and hollow tear trough, prolapse of orbital fat, skin laxity and sun damage, and eyelid fluid are the primary causes for the formation of lower eyelid bags.1Tear trough depression is characterized by loss of subcutaneous fat with thinning of the skin over the orbital rim ligaments combined with cheek descent. Orbital fat prolapse is recognized by the characteristic shape of the orbital fat compartments. Additionally, loss of skin elasticity is a critical feature of facial and eyelid aging, leading to facial wrinkles including Crow’s feet, color and texture changes, and festoon formation. Eyelid fluid accumulation occurs with systemic edema or local edema such as that caused by facial allergy. Dark circles under the eyelid are another cosmetic concern for many individuals, and are primarily caused by a combination of melanocytosis or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.2Thinning of infraorbital skin and excessive vascularity making the subcutaneous blood vessels more visible is believed to be the second common primary cause of dark circles.2 Previous studies indicate that topical application of growth factors is able to diminish the effects associated with aging skin (3). The present study investigated a novel skin serum that contained a proprietary mixture of human growth factors, antioxidants, and cytokines for facial skin rejuvenation, including periorbital rejuvenation. The mixture of factors is obtained through a proprietary biotechnology process using cultured progenitor cells. Facial skin, particularly eyelid skin is the thinnest in the body, of a fragile nature, and important to visual function making the area particularly difficult to treat.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Subjects Males and females between 30 to 78 years of age of good general health not nursing or pregnant with demonstrable fine or deep wrinkles in the face, including around both eyes, at least barely visible dark areas, and at least slightly coarse and grainy lower eyelids. Subjects with any active or any history of skin disease affecting the face area or under the eyes were not included. In addition, subjects were asked to stop their current regime of using any products that may enhance skin condition and aid in reduction of wrinkles. Make-up and sunscreens were permitted. Subjects, who have undergone cosmetic surgery affecting facial skin within 6 months, were also excluded from the study.
Treatment regimen
A & G Active Serum was applied in mornings and evenings to the facial skin, including the peri-orbital skin area over a period of six weeks (42 days). Subjects were asked to document each application of A&G Active Serum.
Evaluation at baseline and after 6 weeks
Subjects were evaluated by:
1- Clinical assessment:
Clinical photography under standardized conditions. Where available, the VISIA-CR imaging system (Canfield Scientific, Inc., Fairfield, NJ) was used Clinical assessment of skin quality, including the peri-orbital skin using 1- to 10-point visual scoring system given in Table 1
2- Self-assessment:
Quality of facial skin, including the peri-orbital skin by subject using questionnaire given (see attached)
RESULTS
Of the 81 subjects enrolled, 79 subjects averaged 52 ± 9 years of age (between 30 to 78 years) completed the study. Two subjects dropped out of the study for product unrelated reasons. Results were tabulated using scores generated by the clinical evaluations and subject questionnaire. All results showed a statistical significant of p= 0.05. All subjects (100%) reported to have tolerated the skin serum well, and 100% of subjects liked the way the skin serum felt, while 98% would continue its regular use after the six weeks study period. Improvement is shown as difference between the averaged score before (baseline) and the averaged score after treatment expressed in percentages of the averaged baseline score and includes all 79 subjects completing the study.
In conjunction with this study, we performed a comparison study, comparing A&G Active Serum to other products of similar properties or claim similar properties. This study served two purposes; 1) to show how effective A&G Active Serum compared to other products in the market, and 2) be used as a negative control for the study in addition to using a placebo. In addition, subjects were asked to evaluate the A&G Active Serum in terms of quantity per bottle, quality of serum, fragrance, re-order and overall satisfaction.
CONCLUSIONS
The present study demonstrated that a skin serum (A & G Active Serum) containing a proprietary mixture of human growth factors and cytokines combined with antioxidant factors is safe and efficacious for facial skin rejuvenation in cases of mild to moderate
skin aging. The serum’s efficacy, excellent tolerability, including the delicate periorbital skin area, and ease of use and pleasant sensory properties of the product explain why a large majority (98%) would continue regular use of A&G Active Serum.
Acknowledgement
We would like to thank Ethan Min ( Benev Inc.) and Nick Rogers (Allure MD) for their contribution to this work and support.
REFERENCES
[1] Goldberg R.A. et al., Plast Reconstr Surg 2005; 115: 1395-1402.
[2] Epstein J.S., Arch Facial Plast Surg 1999; 1: 303-307.
[3] Al-Qahtani, A. and Maguire, G. 2007: A&G Skin Solutions, Inc. White Paper
[4]Gold M.H., Goldman M.P. and Biron J., J Drugs Dermatol 2007, 6:1018.
[5] Manaloto R.M.P. and Alster T.S., Dermatol Surg 1999; 25: 1-9.
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