Background: Mussel adhesive protein (MAP) is extracted from the mycelial glands of marine mussels. It has anti-inflammatory properties and may relieve skin itching and other symptoms.
Aims: Based on the anti-inflammatory effect of MAP, this study was designed to treat sensitive skin (SS) using MAP delivered by skin microneedling.
Patients/methods: Twenty-three Chinese female patients with SS were enrolled. Treatments were delivered three times at one-month intervals. Symptom improvement and recurrence rates, treatment safety, and patient satisfaction levels were evaluated.
Results: After one course of treatment, 20 patients had a Symptom Score Reducing Index (SSRI) of >20%, with an effectiveness rate of 87%. At the end of treatment, all patients had an SSRI of >20%, and the effectiveness rate was 100%. Dryness, tightness, desquamation, flushing, burning, itching, and tingling improved. After treatment, the Clinical Erythema Assessment and Lesion Severity Index of Facial Telangiectasia scores were significantly decreased. Clinical photographs following treatment revealed improved erythema reaction and decreased capillary density. During treatment, the patients experienced mild pain and erythema and swelling reaction without exudation. Complications, such as pigmentation changes or scarring, were absent. Additionally, there were no cases of recurrence, and patient satisfaction levels were high.
Conclusion: MAP combined with microneedling can help treat SS, showing satisfactory safety outcomes and high patient satisfaction.
Keywords: microneedling; mussel adhesive protein; sensitive skin.
© 2023 The Authors. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.