The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether a topical face cream containing the peptide Acetyl Hexapeptide-37 improves skin hydration and strengthens the skin barrier compared to a placebo cream in healthy adult participants. The study uses a split-face design, in which one side of the face is treated with the peptide cream and the other side with a placebo (a cream without the active ingredient). The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does the peptide cream improve skin hydration and reduce transepidermal water loss compared to placebo? * Does the peptide cream affect skin erythema or cause irritation? * How do participants rate the comfort and tolerability of the peptide cream? Researchers will compare the treated and placebo sides of the face to assess differences in skin barrier function and tolerability. Participants will: * Attend a baseline visit for assessment of facial skin parameters, including hydration, transepidermal water loss, and erythema * Apply the peptide cream to one side of the face and the placebo cream to the other side once daily for 4 weeks * Attend weekly follow-up visits for non-invasive skin measurements * Record any skin sensations (e.g., stinging, tightness) or adverse effects throughout the study
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
30
Topical emollient cream containing Acetyl Hexapeptide-37 as the active ingredient, applied once daily to one side of the face for 4 weeks.
Topical emollient cream identical in composition to the investigational product but without Acetyl Hexapeptide-37, applied once daily to the contralateral side of the face for 4 weeks.
University of Split School of Medicine
Split, Croatia
RECRUITINGChange in Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL)
Transepidermal water loss will be measured using a Tewameter probe to assess skin barrier function.
Time frame: Baseline and Weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4
Change in Skin Hydration
Skin hydration of the stratum corneum will be measured using a Corneometer probe.
Time frame: Baseline and Weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4
Change in Skin Erythema
Skin erythema will be measured using a Mexameter® probe.
Time frame: Baseline and Weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4
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