Efficacy and Safety of Topical Dexpanthenol-Containing Spray and Cream in the Recovery of the Skin Integrity Compared with Petroleum Jelly after Dermatologic Aesthetic Procedures

Abstract

Moisturizers are commonly prescribed after laser and chemical peel aesthetic procedures, but the evidence regarding their efficacy and safety of such use is scarce. We conducted four single-blind, three-week, controlled studies to evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical Dexpanthenol-containing products (Bepantol® spray and Bepantol® cream) using petroleum jelly as a positive control. Skin recovery was assessed after four aesthetic procedures: (1) non-ablative facial laser resurfacing, (2) laser depilation on the external genital and inguinal regions, (3) chemical peel on the external genital and inguinal regions, and (4) ablative facial laser resurfacing. Efficacy was assessed through transepidermal water loss (TEWL) combined with clinical assessment of the skin by the investigators and the participants. In studies (1) and (4), the erythema intensity was evaluated by measuring dermal temperature with a thermal imaging camera. Safety was assessed through adverse event reporting and acceptability through a questionnaire. Dexpanthenol-containing products significantly decreased TEWL and dermal temperature, therefore maintaining skin integrity, promoting its recovery, and reducing erythema. No statistical differences with the positive control were observed. In addition, Dexpanthenol-containing products were well appreciated by the participants from a sensory perspective. These findings suggest that these Dexpanthenol-containing products are adequate for post-procedural care in aesthetic dermatology.

How to Promote Skin Repair? In-Depth Look at Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Strategies

“…Formulations containing dexpanthenol contribute to smoothing and hydrating injured skin, after tattooing procedures, therefore reinforcing the ability to maintain the skin barrier integrity [139]. Furthermore, in comparison with petrolatum jelly, topical dexpanthenol promotes skin hydration without the formation of acneiform lesions, often developed due to the occlusiveness provided by formulations with petrolatum derivatives [140]. It was also confirmed that these long-lasting skin-moisturizing effects (over 24 hours), as well as a relocation of the water molecules into deeper layers of the SC [141], do not negatively impact the cutaneous microflora viability [142].…”

Use of Dexpanthenol for Atopic Dermatitis—Benefits and Recommendations Based on Current Evidence

“…Other formulations with dexpanthenol were tested in healthy adult women who underwent non-ablative laser resurfacing, laser depilation, or chemical peel [ 96 ]. The tested formulations maintained skin integrity, promoted recovery of damaged skin, and reduced erythema, and were associated with significantly decreased TEWL and dermal temperature.…”

Skin Sensory Assessors Highly Agree on the Appraisal of Skin Smoothness and Elasticity but Fairly on Softness and Moisturization

“…They were presented in Japanese and English. These attributes are typically used in the sensory evaluation of skin [13,[24][25][26], except for the two types of softness.…”

“…Currently, cosmetic manufacturers and research institutes that perform efficacy evaluations of cosmetics train professional assessors based on these or similar guidelines [10][11][12][13][14][15][16]. For example, Addor et al [13] evaluated the effect of moisturizing products by instrumental measurements and trained panelists. However, there is limited published information on the reliability of sensory evaluations.…”