MCLEAN, Va.According to results from a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, the addition of polyphenolic antioxidants to an intense pulsed light (IPL) regimen improved the clinical, biochemical and histological changes seen following IPL treatment alone (2009;8(4):254-59). A total of 30 female volunteers, ages 34 to 52, with skin phototypes 13 were randomly assigned into three groups: group A (n=10) received three full-face IPL treatments spaced three weeks apart; group B (n=10) underwent six-weekly full-face treatments of a pneumatically applied topical polyphenolic antioxidant solution; and group C (n=10) received the combination of the three full-face IPL treatments and the six full-face topical antioxidant applications.

Compared to group A, group C demonstrated significantly greater epidermal and papillary dermal thickness, decreased lipid peroxide concentration, increased skin moisture content and increased polyphenolic antioxidants levels (P<0.05). There was qualitative improvement in hydration, texture and pore size. Compared to group B, group C demonstrated significantly greater papillary dermal thickness (P < 0.05); and qualitative improvement in reduction of fine lines, reduction of hyperpigmentation and skin dullness. Group B and group C had equivalent polyphenolic antioxidant levels, lipid peroxide concentration and epidermal thickness. These data support the use of multimodal therapy to create synergy and to optimize clinical outcomes in nonablative facial skin rejuvenation.