Study: AGE-Inhibitor Cream Improves Skin Tone and Firmness Post-Treatment
Key Takeaways
An AGE-inhibiting moisturizer significantly improved clinical and subjective signs of aging post-resurfacing, according to new research.
Subjects with Fitzpatrick skin types III–VI receiving glycolic peels showed the strongest improvements in pigmentation and tone.
An AGE-inhibiting moisturizer significantly improved post-procedure facial appearance following glycolic acid peels or radiofrequency microneedling, particularly among women with skin of color.
Researchers for the randomized, split-face, double-blind study evaluated the efficacy and tolerance of an advanced glycation end products (AGEs) inhibitor in the form of a moisturizer in 42 women with Fitzpatrick skin types I through VI. Participants applied either the AGE-inhibiting product or a bland control moisturizer to opposite sides of the face following either a single radiofrequency microneedling (RFMN) session or glycolic acid peel. Both groups also used standardized cleanser and sunscreen over the source of the 10-week study. The study team measured efficacy at baseline and at weeks 1, 2, 4, and 8 using the modified Griffiths scale. VISIA imaging (Canfield Scientific) was also used to objectively track skin improvements.
Participants with darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick III–VI) who received glycolic acid peels showed significant improvements on the AGE-treated side in five study attributes by week 8 (skin clarity, evenness of tone, fine lines, elasticity, and overall appearance; allP < 0.05). the researchers also reported improvements in 10 parameters with the AGE product (including wrinkles, laxity, firmness, radiance, and hyperpigmentation). The AGE-treated side demonstrated greater improvements in laxity, clarity, fine lines, elasticity, and overall facial appearance in the RFMN group (Fitzpatrick I-II) vs control (P < 0.05).
"The AGE inhibitory moisturizer is an effective and well-tolerated option for women of all skin tones to improve the signs of aging following resurfacing procedures," the authors wrote.
Draelos Z, et al. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2025;24(9): doi:10.36849/JDD.9201.