Background: Extracellular matrix (ECM) components promote the development of skin wounds by providing biological scaffolds and regenerative microenvironments.
Aims: To evaluate the beneficial effects of human dermal fibroblast-derived ECM after fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing in Asians.
Patients/methods: In this double-blind, randomized, vehicle-controlled, split-face study, 15 participants with features of facial skin aging were treated with a single session of fractional carbon dioxide laser, followed by the application of either ECM (ECM group) or placebo (control group). In vivo skin parameters were measured at baseline and after 4 and 12 weeks of treatment using the Antera 3D®, Cutometer® MPA580, Dermascan®, and Tewameter®.
Results: A total of 14 participants (mean age 45.1 ± 9.7 years) completed the study. The change in melanin level was significantly lower in the ECM group than in the control group at week 12 (p < 0.05). Transient increase in erythema level was observed at week 4 in the control group, and the change in the erythema level was greater in the control group than in the ECM group (p = 0.014). Though the ECM group showed improvements in the dermal density, texture, transepidermal water loss, marionette lines (volume, maximum depth, and average depth), and nasolabial folds (volume, maximum depth, and length), no significant differences were found between the two groups. Treatment-related adverse events were not reported.
Conclusions: We suggest that human dermal fibroblast-derived ECM may be used as adjunctive therapy after fractional carbon dioxide resurfacing to prevent postinflammatory hyperpigmentation in Asians.
Keywords: extracellular matrix; fractional carbon dioxide laser; inflammation; marionette lines; postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.
© 2023 The Authors. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.