The effectiveness of imiquimod 5% cream as an anti‐wrinkle treatment: A pilot study

Abstract

Summary Background Imiquimod 5% cream is currently approved to treat several dermatologic conditions including actinic keratoses (AK), superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC), and genital warts. However, there are numerous studies published on the alternative off‐label uses of imiquimod cream. Photoaging of facial skin is an important use for topical skin treatments, yet few studies have evaluated the effect of imiquimod cream for this dermatological condition. Methods This was a prospective, noncomparative pilot study. We included 15 healthy subjects; out of them, 11 subjects completed the study. The subjects were instructed to apply imiquimod 5% cream to the periorbital area on three nonconsecutive days per week for eight consecutive weeks. Photographs were obtained at baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment. Improvement in overall periorbital skin appearance was assessed by an independent investigator who compared the baseline and post‐treatment clinical photographs. In addition, post‐treatment self‐assessment was completed by the subjects using a 5‐point Likert scale. Results Eleven of the 15 subjects completed the 8‐week regimen. Eight participants (72.7%) noticed at least a fair improvement in periorbital skin changes based on the self‐assessed 5‐point Likert scale. Quartile score was also assessed by the investigator which indicated that seven subjects (63.6%) had at least 26% improvement. Based on Fitzpatrick wrinkle‐scoring system, there was a significant reduction in the subjects' wrinkle severity following treatment (6.8 [mean] ± 1.7 [SD] vs 4.6 ± 2.5 [P < 0.005]). Conclusions Imiquimod 5% cream may be a safe alternative anti‐aging treatment. Larger scale studies are needed to confirm these results.

Anti-aging Effects of Tirbanibulin 1% Ointment: A Real-Life Experience

“…A study conducted by Metcalf et al demonstrated a significant increase in papillary dermal fibroplasia with an associated reduction in solar elastosis and restoration of normal epidermal thickness after IMI cream treatment [ 37 ]. Finally, a prospective non-comparative pilot study demonstrated the anti-aging effect of IMI 5% cream in 72.7% of patients who applied the treatment on the periorbital skin, based on the self-assessed 5-point Likert scale [ 38 ].…”

Imiquimod does not elicit inflammatory responses in the skin of the naked mole rat (Heterocephalus glaber)

“…Imiquimod (IMQ) is a toll-like receptor (TLR) 7 and 8 agonist used topically to treat external genital and perianal warts caused by human papilloma virus, actinic keratosis and superficial basal cell carcinomas and potential to treat many other skin disorders [18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26]. Through activation of its receptors, IMQ application, even on a short-term basis, triggers inflammatory skin reactions that closely resemble those seen in psoriasis [27][28][29][30].…”

Imiquimod does not elicit inflammatory responses in the skin of the naked mole rat (Heterocephalus glaber)

“…Imiquimod (IMQ) is a toll-like receptor (TLR) 7 and 8 agonist used topically to treat external genital and peri-anal warts caused by human papilloma virus, actinic keratosis and super cial basal cell carcinomas and potential to treat many other skin disorders [18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26]. Through activation of its receptors, IMQ application, even on a short-term basis, triggers in ammatory skin reactions that closely resemble those seen in psoriasis [27][28][29][30].…”