Prospective, Randomized, Comparative Study of the Cutaneous Effects of a Topical Body Treatment Compared to a Bland Moisturizer.

BACKGROUND Over time human skin thins and loses elasticity, and topical treatments attempt to reverse this process. OBJECTIVES Assess the efficacy of TransFORM Body Treatment (TFB) in skin rejuvenation compared to a bland moisturizer on the extensor and volar forearms. METHODS Blinded participants were given two products to apply on the designated forearms with follow-up at 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Measurements included skin thickness, photography, dermatopathology, cutaneous elasticity by two separate devices, and patient reported outcomes. All were compared to baseline. RESULTS Change in roughness: extensor -0.09 mm for bland moisturizer and -0.26 mm for TFB (P = 0.174); volar 0.01mm for bland moisturizer and -0.23 mm for TFB (P = 0.004). Change in recoil velocity: volar -56 degree/s for bland moisturizer and -24 degree/s for TFB (p = 0.61); extensor -95 degree/s for bland moisturizer and -63 degree/s for TFB (p = 0.57). Change in retraction speed: volar -3.25 ms for bland moisturizer and -20.08 ms for TFB (p = 0.33); extensor -2.17 ms for bland moisturizer and -10.83 ms for TFB (p = 0.66). Histology: TFB showed an increase in mucopolysaccharide content, new collagen and increase in elastin fibers in the papillary dermis. Change in Rao-Goldman score: volar -0.17 for bland moisturizer and -0.33 for TFB (p = 0.25); extensor -0.08 for bland moisturizer and -0.17 for TFB (p = 0.36). CONCLUSIONS Histology showed production of new collagen and elastin. Quantification of changes using skin thickness, skin retraction speed and skin recoil velocity showed trends that agree with the visual data.