.
Study Site: Independent Testing Laboratory, Texas

The objective of the study was to evaluate the anti-aging effects of a gluconolactone containing product regimen on women with moderate photodamage.

Thirty women (aged 30-60, Fitzpatrick type I, II, III, IV) having moderate photodamage participated in this twelve week, product use study to assess the effects of a gluconolactone system in the improvement of the signs of photoaging. Each subject applied the blinded test products as follows: mild cleanser, daytime moisturizer with SPF 15 and 4% gluconolactone (pH 3.9), nighttime moisturizer with 15% gluconolactone (pH 3.3). The cleanse and moisturize regimen was used twice daily in the morning and evening. Efficacy assessments were performed at each study visit corresponding to weeks 0, 6, and 12 and included:

• clinical grading for firmness, sallowness, fine lines, wrinkles, tactile roughness, mottled hyperpigmentation, clarity, and pore size using analog grading scales
• clinical grading of objective irritation (erythema, edema, scaling) and inquiries regarding subjective irritation (itching, stinging, burning, tightness, 
  tingling)
• self assessment via a questionnaire
• pinch recoil as a measure of firmness

All parameters were analyzed in comparison to baseline scores. Statistically significant (p<0.05) improvements in the signs of photoaging were achieved at weeks 6 and 12 (refer to graph below). There was a statistically significant decrease (p<0.05) in both erythema at weeks 6 and 12, and dryness at week 12. There were no other changes in irritation parameters. Self assessment parameters were in agreement with the clinical findings.

Pinch recoil is a measure of the time it takes for the skin to recover (recoil) after mechanical distortion (pinching). Statistically significant improvement was observed for this parameter at weeks 6 and 12 (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The test products exhibited significant improvements in all of the signs of photoaging while being very gentle to the skin. Pinch recoil and self assessment further confirmed the benefits of PHAs for increased firmness, moisturization, and overall improvement in skin condition.