Current practices and perceived effectiveness of polynucleotides for treatment of facial erythema by cosmetic physicians

Abstract

BackgroundPolynucleotides (PN) are increasingly used for the treatment of facial erythema in the Republic of Korea. However, there are limited pre‐clinical and clinical data on the efficacy of polynucleotides for facial erythema. In this study, we investigated the current practice and perceived effectiveness of polynucleotide treatment for facial erythema among cosmetic physicians.MethodsBy conducting a survey among clinicians who use PN in clinical practice, we explored the current practices and assessed the perceived effectiveness of polynucleotides in treating facial erythema.ResultsA total of 557 physicians who used polynucleotides for facial erythema participated in the survey. Polynucleotides were used by 84.4%, 66.4%, and 47.4% of physicians for facial erythema caused by inflammatory facial dermatosis, repeated laser/microneedle radiofrequency, and steroid overuse, respectively. Among those users, 88.1%, 90%, and 83.7% respectively in those same categories answered that polynucleotides were “highly effective” or “effective.” Furthermore, they agreed that polynucleotides have the following properties: wound healing/regeneration (95.8%), protection of skin barrier (92.2%), hydration (90.5%), vascular stabilization (81.0%), and anti‐inflammation (79.5%).ConclusionOur findings showed that cosmetic physicians in the Republic of Korea have used PN as a part of combination treatment for facial erythema resulting from inflammatory facial dermatosis and repeated laser/ microneedle radiofrequency, rather than from steroid overuse. Also, most clinicians agreed that PN was effective for treatment of facial erythema. Given the lack of pre‐clinical and clinical trial evidence, the empirical responses of practicing physicians provide useful information to guide clinical practice and further research.

High‐resolution 3‐D scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of DOTTM polynucleotides (PN): Unique scaffold characteristics and potential applications in biomedicine

“…25 On the other hand, PN are longer chains of nucleotides which have finding it "effective" or "highly effective." 29 Important to note that in all of the above studies, (1) there were no serious adverse events reported (safety) and ( 2) there is no objective data on the mechanism of action. It is hypothesized that due to the similarity of PN and PDRN molecular structure, that PN will have its mechanism of action similar to PDRN.…”

Skin boosters: Definitions and varied classifications

“…conducted a survey involving 557 Korean physicians, revealing that a significant majority of doctors employed PN to address various facial erythema issues. More than 80% of the surveyed physicians considered PN treatment as “effective” or “highly effective.” 33 Crucially, across the aforementioned studies, two key points stand out: First, there were no documented instances of serious adverse events, underscoring the safety profile of the treatment. Second, while the mechanism of action remains uncertain, it is postulated that owing to the molecular similarity between PN and PDRN, PN may operate through a mechanism akin to that of PDRN.…”

Multispectral near‐infrared spectroscopy study evaluating the effect of razor design on shaving‐induced erythema

“…8 Facial erythema emerges as a result of the dilation of blood vessels in the skin, leading to an increase in blood flow. While transient facial erythema is a normal reaction to emotions, exercise, or exposure to heat, shaving-induced erythema is specifically triggered by inflammation, 4 vasodilation, and changes in vascular structure which result in the abnormal increase of hemoglobin in the papillary dermis. 5 In this study, NIRS was used to detect shaving-induced erythema, providing insights into the potential of oxygen saturation as a marker for shaving-induced erythema.…”

“…3 Facial erythema can be lasting for months, influencing the quality of life, self-confidence, and self-esteem of those experiencing it. 4 While there are devices that can be used to detect and quantify erythema (e.g., chromameter, high-frequency ultrasound, and laser speckle contrast imaging), commonly used erythema assessment tools lack objectivity. 5 For example, traditional examinations of the effects of shaving on skin are based on consumer self-assessment, typically performed immediately following the shaving process.…”

“…Moreover, the excessive removal of immature corneocytes from the stratum corneum can impair the skin barrier, inciting inflammation and hyperproliferation of keratinocytes 3 . Facial erythema can be lasting for months, influencing the quality of life, self‐confidence, and self‐esteem of those experiencing it 4 …”