Targeting Multiple Hallmarks of Skin Aging: Preclinical and Clinical Efficacy of a Novel Growth Factor-Based Skin Care Serum

Abstract

Introduction The aging process involves numerous biological mechanisms that have been characterized and proposed as the “hallmarks of aging.” Targeting the processes and pathways related to these hallmarks of aging that cause and promote skin aging could provide anti-aging benefits. A novel topical growth factor-based skin care serum (A+) was developed using human fibroblast conditioned media. This study aimed to assess the effects of A+ on four hallmarks of aging and its clinical efficacy in skin rejuvenation in subjects with moderate to severe overall facial photodamage. Methods Preclinical studies included immunohistochemistry in human ex vivo skin, and gene expression analysis in human 3D skin models. A 24-week, vehicle placebo-controlled study, including FaceQ patient-reported outcomes and skin biopsy analysis, was performed to assess clinical efficacy and tolerability. Results Treatment with A+ resulted in reduced expression of cell senescence biomarker H2A.J and upregulation of genes associated with proteasome, autophagy, stemness, and intercellular communication. Clinical assessments showed A+ provided significantly greater reductions in sagging, coarse lines/wrinkles, fine lines/wrinkles, overall photodamage, and overall hyperpigmentation compared with placebo. Subjects felt they appeared younger-looking, reporting a median decrease in self-perceived age of 6 years after 12 weeks of use. Decreased levels of H2A.J and increased expression of key dermal extracellular matrix and epidermal barrier components, including collagen and elastin, were observed in skin biopsy samples. Conclusion The present study shows for the first time the potential effects of a topical growth factor-based cosmeceutical on cellular processes related to four hallmarks of aging (cellular senescence, loss of proteostasis, stem cell exhaustion, and altered intercellular communication) to help delay the aging process and restore aged skin. A+ targets the biological mechanisms underlying the aging process itself and stimulates skin regeneration, resulting in rapid and significant clinical improvements.

Macrocystis pyrifera ferment‐containing creams for optimizing facial skin rejuvenation

“…They also conducted a 24‐week placebo‐controlled, cross‐over study to assess the serum's tolerability and efficacy. A subset of subjects also gave patient‐reported outcomes and underwent skin biopsies 8 . Those using the serum showed a significant decrease in coarse and fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, photodamage, and sagging compared to the placebo group.…”

“…Those using the serum showed a significant decrease in coarse and fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, photodamage, and sagging compared to the placebo group. After 12 weeks of use, subjects reported looking younger (median of 6 years) 8 . Histological examination of facial skin biopsy samples revealed decreased H2A.J expression, more collagen, more elastic fibers, and increased epidermal biomarkers 8 …”

“…After 12 weeks of use, subjects reported looking younger (median of 6 years) 8 . Histological examination of facial skin biopsy samples revealed decreased H2A.J expression, more collagen, more elastic fibers, and increased epidermal biomarkers 8 …”

“…A subset of subjects also gave patient-reported outcomes and underwent skin biopsies. 8 Those using the serum showed a significant decrease in…”

Fibroblast‐derived growth factors and exosomes as cosmeceuticals

“…In addition, similar improvements were also achieved by topical hypoxic FB secretome in post-menopausal females. 29,30…”