Neck Cream Reduces Signs of Aging in 2 Clinical Trials

To assess the effectiveness of a topical neck cream at reducing signs of aging, researchers conducted 2 clinical trials and found the cream reduced lines and wrinkles, crepiness, and other signs of aging.¹ The cream was formulated specifically to target neck aging and contained retinol, tripeptide concentrate, and glaucine as the active ingredients.

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In the first study, 50 women aged 40 to 60 years completed the 16-week trial from September 2019 to January 2020. It used non-invasive assessments to determine efficacy. The second study assessed the results in 11 women aged 55 to 75 years who completed the study over 12 weeks by focusing on biomarker changes through skin biopsy analysis. All participants showed mild to moderate signs of aging on the neck at baseline.

In both groups, participants applied the cream from jawline to décolletage once a day for the first week and then twice daily for the remainder of the study.

Clinical evaluations of aging signs of the neck were done at baseline, and again at weeks 4, 8, 12, and 16. Specifications included assessments of fine lines and wrinkles, visual crepiness, visual and tactile smoothness, firmness, elasticity, lifting, and skin tone evenness. Safety and tolerability were also monitored at office visits.

Center view and side view photographs were taken at each visit. Ultrasound imaging was performed on each participant’s submental area just below the jawline. Three images were taken and the average was used for statistical comparisons. Participants also completed self-assessment questionnaires.

In the second study, biopsies of the neck were taken from the left side of the neck at baseline and from the right side of the neck at week 12. “Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed, as was immunohistochemistry for pro-collagen, collagen IV, elastin, fibrillin, lumican, and decorin.”¹

Signs of aging improved significantly, with more than 80% of participants showing improvement. The percentage mean change ranged from approximately 15% for lines and wrinkles, firmness, elasticity, and lifting, to approximately 30% for crepiness and smoothness.

Approximately 30% of participants developed some irritation and application instructions for the cream were modified, resulting in the participant finishing the study. Most irritation was mild, however, the increase in erythema, dryness and scaling, itching, and peeling was statistically significant.

Participants’ responses were favorable on the questionnaire taken at baseline and at each visit. Analysis of the ultrasound showed significant reduction (approximately 10%) in adipose tissue and thickness. The biopsy samples taken at baseline and week 12 showed a statistically significant increase in the expression of elastin (81%) and lumican (72%). Pro-collagen and fibrillin also showed some improvement.

Overall, the cream worked well on reducing signs of aging on the neck.

Reference

1. Sullivan K, Law RM, Lain E, et al. Evaluation of a retinol containing topical treatment to improve signs of neck aging. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2023; 00:1-10. doi:10.1111/jocd.15904