Preliminary randomized controlled trial of antiaging effects of l-ascorbic acid applied in combination with no-needle and microneedle mesotherapy

Background The epidermis is keratinized stratified squamous epithelium covered by hydro-lipid barrier. Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant which protects skin from oxidative damage and rejuvenates photo-aged skin. There are different options of improving active substance penetration through the stratum corneum of the epidermis. One of them is noneedle mesotherapy which is a non-invasive rejuvenation technique involving electric pulses, electroporation, and ultrasounds. The use of these physicals factors results in deeper penetration of active ingredients. The other one is micro-needle mesotherapy which is nonsurgical therapy, which could cause the controlled inflammation. Micro channels are formed by needles during the skin puncture, that facilitate penetration of the active ingredients. Aims The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of L-ascorbic acid applied in combination with no-needle and micro-needle mesotherapy in anti-aging therapy. Materials and Methods This study involved 17 healthy volunteers, 2.5 ml of serum containing 20% L-ascorbic acid with hydrate from strawberries was used topically in every of 4 treatments. No-needle mesotherapy was applied on the left half of the face while microneedle mesotherapy in combination with the same serum was performed on the right half of face. Results In vivo studies confirmed the effectiveness of both methods. Conclusion The impact of active substance on skin firmness and elasticity as well as the degree of hydration and skin tone was more efficient after micro-needle mesotherapy.