Objectives: To explore efficacy of protein extracts from medium of Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) via microneedles on Asian skin in a double-blind, split-face, randomized, control study.
Methods: Thirty volunteers received the treatment, left-side and right-side of their face were randomly assigned to test side and control side. The protein extracts from medium of ADSCs were applied via microneedles into the test side and ultrapure water was applied into the control side. The only person who knew what was being used by each subject on each side of the face was the therapist. Clinical evaluation including instrument test and self-questionnaire was performed by independent observers before and after the treatment, which lasted for 3 months.
Results: All subjects completed the study. Compared to ultrapure water, the protein extracts from medium of ADSCs showed a statistically significant improvement for melanin index, skin brightness, gloss, skin roughness, elasticity, and wrinkles (p < 0.05). More than 70% of the participants described that all wrinkles, firmness, elasticity, hydration, whitening, and radiance were strongly improved in the test side.
Conclusions: Protein extracts from medium of ADSCs presented anti-aging and whitening efficacy via microneedles on Asian skin without skin adverse side.
Keywords: Protein extracts from medium of ADSCs; anti-aging; microneedles; whitening.