Cutaneous Delivery of Cosmeceutical Peptides Enhanced by Picosecond- and Nanosecond-Domain Nd:YAG Lasers with Quick Recovery of the Skin Barrier Function: Comparison with Microsecond-Domain Ablative Lasers

Abstract

Picosecond or nanosecond-domain non-ablative lasers generate faster photothermal effects and cause less injury than microsecond lasers. In this study, we investigated the enhancing effect of 1064 nm picosecond- and nanosecond-domain neodymium (Nd):yttrium–aluminum–garnet (YAG) lasers on the cutaneous delivery of cosmeceutical peptides. Microsecond-domain fractional ablative CO2 and fully ablative erbium (Er):YAG lasers were also used for comparison. In the Franz diffusion cell study, pig or mouse skin was treated with a laser before exposure to palmitoyl tripeptide (PT)-1, PT-38, and copper tripeptide (CT)-1 at a concentration of 150 μM. Psoriasiform, atopic dermatitis (AD)-like, and photoaged skins were also developed as permeation barriers. The non-ablative laser elicited the ultrastructural disruption of the stratum corneum and epidermal vacuolation. All laser modalities significantly increased the skin permeation of peptides in vitro. The non-ablative laser chiefly enhanced peptide delivery to the receptor compartment, whereas the ablative laser mainly increased the intracutaneous peptide deposition. The picosecond- and nanosecond-domain Nd:YAG lasers elevated the amount of PT-1 in the receptor up to 40- and 22-fold compared with untreated skin, respectively. Laser treatment promoted peptide delivery in barrier-deficient and inflamed skins, although this enhancement effect was less than that observed in healthy skin. Fluorescence microscopy indicated the capability of the non-ablative laser to deliver peptides to deeper skin strata. The ablative laser confined the peptide distribution in the epidermis. Confocal microscopy showed that peptides penetrated the skin along the microdots created by the fractional Nd:YAG and CO2 lasers. The skin barrier function determined by transepidermal water loss suggested quick recovery when using a nanosecond-domain laser (within 4 h). A longer period was needed for the skin treated with the fully ablative Er:YAG laser (76–84 h). Nanosecond non-ablative laser-facilitated peptide delivery may become an efficient and safe approach for cosmeceutical applications.

Melanin-dependent tissue interactions induced by a 755-nm picosecond-domain laser: complementary visualization by optical imaging and histology

“…While this superficial epidermal absorption in darker skin types may prevent dermal hemorrhaging, [ 12 ] targeted disruption of the uppermost layer may prove beneficial in a drug delivery context. In a recent in vitro drug delivery study, the use of a picosecond-domain Nd:YAG laser permitted enhanced permeation of topically applied peptides [ 5 ]. In both medium- and dark-pigmented porcine skin, three passes resulted in clearly visible changes in the stratum corneum and epidermis indicative of a targeted disruption of the skin barrier function that may explain the mechanism behind non-ablative PSL drug delivery.…”

“…While initially introduced as a faster and more tolerable method for tattoo removal, PSL have since undergone a broadening of their clinical indications, including pigmentary disorders, scar revision, and photorejuvenation [ 1 ]. Recently, the use of PSL has also been investigated in the context of laser-assisted drug delivery [ 5 ], a technique that conventionally relies on fractional ablation of the skin’s surface to improve cutaneous delivery [ 6 ].…”

Application of integrated skincare in medical aesthetics: A literature review

“…Most laser modalities increase the permeability and depth of penetration of medicines, peptides and other molecules [71][72][73] to improve their efficacy. Cavitation caused by the photomechanical action may increase the penetration of active molecules and improve the delivery of topically applied combined antioxidant formulations.…”