A recent study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® indicates that topical treatments containing human platelet extract (HPE) and vitamin C offer comparable benefits for addressing photoaging, commonly known as age spots, on the hands. The research highlights a potential over-the-counter solution for a cosmetic concern often overshadowed by facial treatments.
Direct Comparison of HPE and Vitamin C
The clinical trial, led by Dr. Saraya Wyles from the Mayo Clinic Department of Dermatology, directly compared the efficacy of HPE and vitamin C in treating photoaging. The study enrolled 60 participants with an average age of 52.5 years, all exhibiting moderate photoaging on the back of their hands. Participants followed a standardized skincare routine, applying HPE to one hand and vitamin C to the other twice daily. Photoaging was assessed through digital imaging and other measures over a period of 12 to 26 weeks.
Similar Efficacy in Skin Rejuvenation
The results indicated that topical HPE was non-inferior to vitamin C in improving photoaging parameters. After 12 weeks, both treatments demonstrated similar reductions in brown spots and wrinkles, along with improvements in skin luminosity and color evenness. By the 26-week mark, the fractional area of brown spots had decreased by approximately 23% with HPE and 26% with vitamin C. These outcomes mirrored those observed in previous clinical trials involving intense pulsed light therapy, a well-established treatment for photoaging.
Dr. Wyles noted, "While both human platelet extract, or platelet exosomes, and vitamin C may have similar rejuvenating effects, topical vitamin C can increase photosensitivity, disrupt skin's pH balance, and have stability issues, making HPE a more reliable and skin-friendly alternative."
The researchers suggest that future studies should explore the potential synergistic effects of combining both topical therapies or using them in conjunction with other treatments to maximize skin rejuvenation outcomes.
