Clinical efficacy of dissolvable microneedles armed with anti‐melanogenic compounds to counter hyperpigmentation

Abstract

Background Hyperpigmentation is a complex physiological process associated with alterations of skin color due to melanin overproduction and distribution. Both intrinsic and extrinsic factors influence discoloration with the involvement of multiple pathways in cooperative manners. Restoring natural skin color requires a multi‐targeted approach. Latest advances in anti‐melanogenic compounds and microneedle delivery system have presented opportunities for tackling hyperpigmentationsuccessfully. Aims This work was aimed at assessing the dermal tolerability and efficacy of hyaluronic acid‐based microneedle patches loaded with anti‐melanogenic actives for improvements of skin discoloration. Patients/Methods The test products consist of hyaluronic acid with niacinamide, ascorbic acid 2‐glucoside, tranexamic acid, resveratrol, 4‐n‐butyl‐resorcinol, and Halidrys siliquosa extract. In a monocentric 12 weeks clinical trial, the HA‐MNs patches were applied to the affected areas of the faces on subjects with hyperpigmented skin. The color properties of the skin were analyzed spectrophotometrically. Results The products were tolerated remarkably; none of the subjects informed any primary or cumulative skin responses. Evaluation of color related measurable skin properties provided insight into the general effectiveness: The individual topology measurements showed 51.4% noticeable improvements in hyperpigmented zones, which were also in good agreement with the personal impressions of the subjects determined by questionnaires before and after the treatments. Conclusions The concentrated blends of actives in microneedle patches act in a multi‐targeted manner, and they could be worked in a complementary fashion for the improvement of skin color and appearance. The study has established the overall convenience of the HA‐MNs with the formulation of anti‐melogenic compounds against skin discoloration.

Microneedles in Drug Delivery: Progress and Challenges

“…Most commercialised MN patches are composed of hyaluronic acid (HA), which dissolves into the skin after administration. MNs made of HA can moisturise skin tissue and deliver actives for skin improvement via their dissolution [5,6].…”

Dissolving microneedles for effective and painless intradermal drug delivery in various skin conditions: A systematic review

“…In the article of Avcil et al 26 the ‘ L*a*b* color space ’‐parameter was used for recording changes in pigmentation. In short, an increase in L * indicates that the skin is more luminescent.…”

“…One article was excluded due to the focus on traditional microneedling. Eventually, 17 15,16,[19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33] articles were included in this systematic review.…”

“…Two 26,27 out of 17 articles had a case series design and the quality was thus scored using the Chambers criteria. Both articles had a 'yes' to all eight questions and the quality was thus deemed 'good' (Table 4).…”

Hyaluronic Acid Dissolving Microneedles and Nonablative Fractional Laser for Infraorbital Wrinkles: A Prospective, Randomized, Split‐Face Study

“…Microscopic mechanical stretching of fllers and damage caused by microneedle penetration stimulate the production of more hyaluronic acid and collagen synthesis in particular [17,18]. On these foundations, the addition of more components like ascorbic acid or niacinamide brings broader skin texture and color improvement for HA-DMNs [19,20]. Shorter intervals of observation are needed to further compare treatment velocities between HA-DMNs and NAFL.…”