Introduction
There is growing interest in skincare products designed for men. This pilot study evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of a comprehensive antioxidant product in men.
Methods
This 12‐week study evaluated improvements from baseline in erythema, lines/wrinkles, skin tone, texture, brightness, dryness/flaking and pores (6‐point scale), global improvements (5‐point scale), and sebum levels following daily application in males with mild to moderate photodamaged skin. Subject self‐assessments and adverse events (AEs) were captured.
Results
Twenty‐two subjects completed the study. Early mean percent improvements from baseline were demonstrated in all categories at week 4 with visible improvements in skin tone (29%; p = .0001) and pores (28%; p < .0001). Reductions in skin surface sebum levels (forehead region) from baseline were demonstrated at 8 (p < .0001) and 12 (p < .0003) weeks. Ninety‐six percent of subjects reported overall visible improvement of their skin and that the study product calmed/soothed skin, reducing redness and irritation after shaving. One subject reported mild dryness.
Conclusion
Once daily application of a comprehensive topical antioxidant designed for men led to significant improvements in skin appearance, substantial reductions in skin surface sebum levels, and was well tolerated with a high level of subject satisfaction over 12 weeks.
"Vitamin D" is the term commonly used to denote the lipid-soluble hormone critical for calcium homeostasis and skeletal maintenance. A precursor to the active compound is found in many plants and animal tissues and can be absorbed from the gut; it can also be derived from cell membranes in the epidermis during ultraviolet B irradiation. This compound is then hydroxylated sequentially in the liver and kidney to produce the active hormone 1,25(OH)(2)D that binds its nuclear receptor to modulate gene expression. Recently, vitamin D hydroxylases and the nuclear receptor have been identified in many tissues, suggesting previously unrecognized roles for vitamin D. Some epidemiologic studies have also correlated low levels of the inactive storage form 25(OH)D with an increased incidence or prevalence of a variety of diseases, suggesting that large oral supplements and/or increased ultraviolet (UV) exposure might therefore improve individual health. However, randomized, prospective controlled trials comparing vitamin D supplements with placebo have not supported this belief. Moreover, current evidence supports the conclusion that protection from UV radiation does not compromise vitamin D status or lead to iatrogenic disease. In contrast, high vitamin D levels appear to incur a risk of kidney stones and other adverse effects. In the case of true vitamin D deficiency, supplements are a more reliable and quantifiable source of the vitamin than UV exposure.
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