Effect and Safety of Skincare Regimens Containing a Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Complex for Recovery After Ablative Fractional CO Laser: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND

Fractional CO laser is commonly used for various skin issues but often causes side effects like erythema, hyperpigmentation, and prolonged recovery, negatively impacting patients' quality of life.

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluates the effect of hyaluronic acid (HA) dressings with different molecular weights (large: medium: low = 2:2:1) on skin barrier repair after CO fractional laser treatment, providing clinical evidence for post-procedural skincare.

METHODS

In this prospective, randomized, open-label, controlled trial, patients aged 19-45 who underwent CO fractional laser treatment were randomly assigned to either the hyaluronic acid (HA) group (Group A) or the control group (Group B). The primary endpoint was transepidermal water loss (TEWL) at day 14. Secondary endpoints included erythema index (EI), melanin index (MI), skin hydration, semi-quantitative acute inflammatory response scores (erythema, burning sensation, edema), erythema duration, edema duration, pain duration, scab shedding time, and overall patient satisfaction on day 14.

RESULTS

A total of 60 patients were included. On day 14, the TEWL in Group A was significantly lower than in Group B (16.69 vs. 19.79, p = 0.009), and the percentage change in TEWL during the period of the most significant reduction was also greater in Group A than in Group B (-75.10% vs. -70.89%, p = 0.042). The EI in Group A were significantly lower than those in Group B on days 3, 7, and 14 (325.41 vs. 370.83, p = 0.038; 297.77 vs. 338.32, p = 0.041; 287.14 vs. 337.38, p = 0.004). The pain duration in Group A was also significantly shorter than in Group B (0.20 vs. 0.53, p = 0.014). In addition, Group A patients reported higher satisfaction scores on the post-treatment questionnaires.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights hyaluronic acid with varied molecular sizes enhances post-laser recovery by reducing TEWL and erythema, alleviating pain, and promoting healing.