Abstract
BACKGROUND: Photorejuvenation is commonly employed to improve skin appearance but frequently leads to transient irritation and temporary impairment of skin barrier function. Incorporating platinum (Pt)-liposome technology along with soothing ingredients such as panthenol, dipotassium glycyrrhizate, madecassoside, and Portulaca oleracea extract is expected to offer enhanced reparative and anti-inflammatory effects, helping to alleviate post-procedural skin sensitivity and restore barrier integrity. AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a Pt-liposome-based facial mask in promoting skin recovery and soothing irritation post-photorejuvenation. Furthermore, the study assessed potential synergistic benefits from combining Pt-liposomes with established soothing agents. PATIENTS/METHODS: We initially assessed the reparative effects of Pt-liposomes using a 3D epidermal skin model and normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK), evaluating parameters such as stratum corneum thickness, cholesterol content, ceramide chain length, and inflammatory responses (IL-8 mRNA expression) following lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. A randomized, split-face clinical trial involving 30 subjects who underwent photorejuvenation treatment was then conducted. Each participant applied the Pt-liposome-infused facial mask to one side of the face and a control product on the other side. Skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and erythema, tightness, dryness, and scaliness were assessed using objective instrumentation and subjective evaluations at baseline and various intervals up to 14 days post-treatment. RESULTS: In vitro testing showed that Pt-liposomes significantly increased stratum corneum thickness, cholesterol levels, and ceramide chain length (p < 0.01). Pt-liposomes also reduced histamine-induced calcium influx in NHEK cells (p < 0.01). In LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells, combined treatment with Pt-liposomes and soothing agents resulted in a greater reduction in IL-8 mRNA expression compared to either component alone (p < 0.01). Clinical measurements indicated that the application of the Pt-liposome-based facial mask significantly increased skin hydration and reduced TEWL compared to control (p < 0.001) from Day 1 to Day 14. Subjective and dermatological evaluations showed statistically significant improvements in erythema, tightness, dryness, and scaliness on the treated side at all measured time points. No adverse reactions were reported. CONCLUSION: The Pt-liposome-infused facial mask can effectively promote skin barrier repair, alleviate irritation, and enhance hydration following photorejuvenation. Its synergistic combination with soothing ingredients provides rapid relief from irritation and sustained therapeutic benefits, supporting its potential as a safe and effective option for post-procedural skincare.