EGF is a polypeptide that promotes cell differentiation and collagen production while decreasing melanin production. This study is designed to study its effectiveness in improving the texture and appearance of facial skin after daily topical application. We hypothesized that EGF would improve facial skin hydration, elasticity, pigmentation, and wrinkles.
All patients gave written informed consent for epidermal growth factor serum application on the face. The pilot study enrolls thirty patients compared to pre and post-serum used to evaluate facial skin hydration, transepidermal water loss, elasticity, pigmentation, and wrinkles measured by corneometer, tewameter, cutometer, visioscan, and mexameter respectively on day 0, then 8, 12, and 16 weeks. The study evaluates subject satisfaction and side effects after serum application as secondary outcomes.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
28
Apply facial twice daily.
Institute of Dermatology
Bangkok, Thailand
Facial Skin Hydration
Facial skin hydration was measured using a Corneometer, which provides readings in arbitrary units (a.u.). Measurements were taken at baseline (Day 0), Week 8, Week 12, and Week 16 under standardized environmental and procedural conditions to ensure reliability and accuracy. Higher values indicate better skin hydration, while lower values indicate increased dryness.
Time frame: 4 months (Baseline, Week 8, Week 12, Week 16)
Transepidermal Water Loss
measured by tewameter on day 0, then at 8, 12, and 16 weeks.
Time frame: 4 months
Facial Skin Elasticity (R2 Parameter Via Cutometer)
Skin elasticity was assessed using a Cutometer with the R2 parameter (Ua/Uf), which measures gross elasticity. R2 values range from 0 to 1.0, with higher values indicating better skin elasticity. Measurements were collected under standardized conditions at Baseline (Day 0), Week 8, Week 12, and Week 16.
Time frame: Baseline, Week 8, Week 12, Week 16
Facial Skin Wrinkles
Visioscan measurements were taken at baseline, then at 8, 12, and 16 weeks by using a 4-grade percentage wrinkle improvement scale.
Time frame: 4 months
Facial Melanin Index
Facial pigmentation was assessed using the Mexameter, which measures melanin content via light absorption and reflection. The device reports values on a scale from 0 to 999, where higher values represent greater melanin concentration. Measurements were collected at standardized facial sites at Baseline, Week 8, Week 12, and Week 16. Higher scores indicate worse pigmentation.
Time frame: 4 months
Overall Facial Skin Appearance (Photo Evaluation Using SGAIS)
Facial skin appearance was evaluated using the Subject Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (SGAIS), a 5-point scale where higher scores indicate greater improvement. Scores were assigned by two board-certified dermatologists who assessed photographs taken by the Visia-CR imaging system at Baseline, Week 8, Week 12, and Week 16. SGAIS scoring definition: 1 = Worse, 2 = Mild improvement (\<25%), 3 = Moderate (25-49%), 4 = Much improved (50-74%), 5 = Very much improved (≥75%).
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Time frame: 4 months
Subject Satisfaction in Improving Skin Hydration, Elasticity, Wrinkles, and Pigmentation
Using a quartile grading system, (0 = unsatisfied), (1 = slightly satisfied), (2 = satisfied), and (3 = very satisfied)
Time frame: 4 months
Adverse Events
Adverse events were systematically monitored at 2, 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks post-treatment initiation.
Time frame: 4 months