Homocysteic Acid Biostimulator for Photoaged Facial Skin

This study evaluated whether a chemical skin biostimulator containing ammonium trichloroacetate, homocysteic acid, phytic acid and citric acid can improve signs of photoaged skin in women with mature skin. Twenty-five women received four treatment sessions two weeks apart, followed by a home-care skincare regimen. Skin firmness, wrinkles, skin texture, hydration, sebum production and, in participants with hyperpigmentation, skin tone uniformity were measured before treatment and at 2 and 12 weeks after the treatment series to determine whether the biostimulator produces lasting improvement in photoaged skin without the downtime associated with traditional chemical peels.

Inclusion Criteria: * Female, Fitzpatrick skin phototype II * Age 39-69 years * Clinical signs of facial photoaging * Some participants had hyperpigmentation (melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Ongoing hormone therapy * Systemic corticosteroid use within 3 months prior to inclusion * Topical retinoid use within 1 month, or oral retinoid use within 6 months, prior to treatment * Chemical peel procedures within 1 month prior to treatment * Use of arbutin and/or hydroquinone within 3 months prior to treatment * Laser-based treatments within 3 months prior to treatment * Active inflammatory dermatoses * Autoimmune diseases * Renal impairment