An open-label trial examining the efficacy and safety of a pre- and postprocedure topical five-product system (Clinique Medical Optimizing Regimen) specifically formulated to complement laser/light-based facial cosmetic procedures

Abstract

Background: Specialized skin care regimens may help to minimize adverse events (AEs) following non-ablative facial procedures. Methods: A 14-week, open-label, three-center study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a topical five-product system (Clinique Medical Optimizing Regimen; Allergan, Inc., Irvine, CA, USA) for minimizing localized AEs during two 6-week procedure cycles with fractionated laser (FL) or intense pulsed light (IPL). The skin care regimen consisted of a 2-week preprocedure phase, a 1-week postprocedure phase, and a 3-week maintenance phase. Investigators and patients rated the presence and severity of erythema, itching, stinging/burning, edema, pain, pruritus, swelling, crusts/erosion, and photodamage. Results: Two days after the FL/IPL treatment (IPL: n = 27; FL: n = 21), most assessments, including erythema, were near baseline values; at 4 weeks postprocedure, all investigator scores were comparable to baseline. Patients missed work or avoided social situations a mean of only 0.8 days. Mean subject ratings for itching, stinging/burning, pain, swelling, and redness for 2 weeks postprocedure were ‘none’ to ‘mild’. Treatment-related AEs (acne, facial rash) occurred in four patients. All investigators stated they would recommend this topical over-the-counter regimen again in conjunction with non-ablative FL/IPL treatments. Conclusions: This topical five-product skin care system was safe and effective in conjunction with non-ablative FL/IPL procedures.

Key Words::

• Adverse events
• erythema
• fractionated laser
• intense pulsed light
• non-ablative
• topical skin care regimen

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank Karen Dougherty, PhD (Health Learning Systems, Parsippany, NJ) for assistance in writing and editing this manuscript.

Disclosure of interest: Vic A. Narurkar, MD, has performed clinical trials for Allergan, Inc., Palomar Medical, and Solta Medical. Dr Narurkar is a consultant for Allergan, Inc. and Solta Medical. Kenneth R. Beer, MD, PA, is a consultant for Allergan, Inc. and Clinique Medical and has been a paid researcher for Allergan, Inc. Dr Beer owns Allergan, Inc. stock from time to time. Joel L. Cohen, MD, has served as a consultant, speaker, and clinical trial participant for Allergan, Inc.