A clinical study of topical Pyratine 6 for improving the appearance of photodamaged skin.

OBJECTIVE Pyratine 6 has been shown to have antiaging effects in human skin cells. The purpose of this study is to determine the cosmetic efficacy and tolerance of topical Pyratine 6 (0.10%) over 12 weeks for improving the baseline clinical signs and symptoms of photodamaged facial skin. METHODS A single-arm longitudinal study with observations at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks was conducted. Forty healthy women with mild to moderate signs of photodamaged facial skin applied Pyratine 6 twice daily for 12 weeks. Efficacy and safety were evaluated by clinical observations, digital photography, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin capacitance, and silicon replicas at each time point. RESULTS Topical Pyratine 6 achieved significant improvement from baseline in roughness and skin moisture content after 2 weeks. After 4 weeks, significant improvement in fine wrinkles, mottled hyperpigmentation, and TEWL were observed. Improvements in most parameters were maintained throughout the remaining weeks of the study. For most silicon replica parameters, changes were consistent with increased skin smoothing. Facial erythema was reduced at 2 weeks and further reduced at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Adverse effects were minimal and transient. CONCLUSIONS Treatment with Pyratine 6 over 12 weeks improves roughness and skin moisturization in 2 weeks compared to baseline and mottled hyperpigmentation and fine wrinkles in 4 weeks compared to baseline. Reduction in facial erythema occurs as early as 2 weeks. Adverse effects are minimal and transient.