Skin aging is recognized as a complex process influenced by intrinsic (genetically determined) and extrinsic (environmental factors like UV exposure, pollution, and lifestyle) factors. These processes lead to significant structural and functional changes in the skin, including reduced elasticity, loss of hydration, and the formation of wrinkles. Specifically, aging impacts the dermis, causing a decrease in collagen and fragmented elastin, which contributes to sagging, while reduced hyaluronic acid leads to dryness and lack of plumpness. The quest for effective anti-aging solutions has driven considerable dermatological research, with topical formulations being highly valued for their non-invasive application and ability to target specific signs of aging.
A promising target for combating age-related changes is Progerin. Progerin is a mutated form of the lamin A protein primarily associated with accelerated aging conditions like Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS). Crucially, Progerin accumulates in smaller quantities in normal aging skin and is linked to age-related changes in skin structure and function, suggesting it serves as a biomarker and potential trigger for the aging process. Recognizing this link, researchers developed therapeutic approaches, including an inhibitor drug designed to promote Progerin degradation, which has previously shown success in alleviating skin thinning in an HGPS mouse model. Based on this mechanistic understanding, the present study investigated the efficacy of a novel topical formulation, a skin serum containing a Progerin inhibitor, as a comprehensive anti-skin aging reagent.
Methods
A 4-week clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a skin serum containing a 1% Progerin inhibitor along with common skincare ingredients. Twenty-one female participants aged 30 to 50 who exhibited visible eye wrinkles completed the trial. Participants used the test product once daily in the evening, applying it gently to the required areas. Objective assessments of key parameters—including crow’s feet wrinkle reduction, facial lifting, skin hydration, elasticity, density, and tone brightness—were measured before use, and again at 2 and 4 weeks. The evaluation used specialized imaging and measuring devices such as the Antera 3D CS, Corneometer CM825, Cutometer MPA580, Skin Scanner DUB-USB, and VISIA CR.
Key Findings
The results demonstrated significant improvements across all evaluated skin aging parameters after 4 weeks of use.
• Wrinkle Reduction: Participants showed a 5.631% reduction in crow’s feet wrinkles (p < 0.05).
• Facial Lifting: There was a 3.234% improvement in facial lifting (p < 0.05).
• Skin Hydration: Skin hydration significantly increased by 18.435% (p < 0.05).
• Skin Elasticity: Elasticity was enhanced by 8.563% (p < 0.05).
• Skin Density: A substantial increase of 23.583% in skin density was observed after 4 weeks (p < 0.025). This was deemed the most notable finding.
• Skin Tone Brightness: Participants exhibited a 3.424% improvement in skin tone brightness (p < 0.05).
• Safety and Satisfaction: The product was well-tolerated, with no adverse reactions reported, and participant surveys confirmed high levels of satisfaction across performance and usability criteria.
The findings support the Progerin inhibitor’s significant potential as a comprehensive anti-skin aging ingredient and a supplemental component for improving skin resilience and promoting regeneration. Furthermore, because environmental factors like UV radiation are known to induce Progerin expression, this inhibitor shows promise as a candidate for inclusion in formulations designed to counteract UV-induced skin damage. Future implications involve conducting further research and extensive clinical trials of treatments longer than four weeks to broaden the inhibitor’s application within advanced dermatological solutions for aging and environmental issues.
Link to the study: https://tinyurl.com/4kkefke2
