Evaluating long-term efficacy and patient-specific factors in combination treatments for photoaging

Summary: Abstract Body: Photoaging, manifested as wrinkles, loss of elasticity, uneven pigmentation, and rough skin texture, is primarily driven by environmental factors, notably ultraviolet (UV) sun exposure. Despite advancements in treatment options, gaps remain in understanding the most efficacious therapeutic approaches. This study evaluates the long-term efficacy of combination treatments using topical retinoids, antioxidants, and chemical peels to mitigate photoaging's effects. Topical retinoids were found to enhance collagen synthesis, accelerate epidermal turnover, and reduce pigmentary changes by inhibiting tyrosinase activity, leading to improvements in skin texture, fine lines, and pigmentation over prolonged use. Antioxidants play a crucial role in neutralizing reactive oxygen species, reducing oxidative damage, and complementing the reparative actions of retinoids by stabilizing free radicals and enhancing photoprotection, thus maintaining skin integrity. Chemical peels containing glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and trichloroacetic acid resurfaced the skin, improved texture, and reduced hyperpigmentation by promoting controlled exfoliation and stimulating dermal remodelling. The synergistic effects of combining topical retinoids, antioxidants, and chemical peels offer a robust, multifaceted approach to managing photoaging. Personalized treatment plans that consider individual patient profiles are essential for optimizing outcomes and effectively addressing photoaging in clinical practice. Further research is warranted to establish standardized protocols that accommodate the diverse needs of patients. Alyssa Wu¹, Elizabeth Laughlin², Nirmit Shah⁴, Saghar Zekri³, Parmin Rahimpoor-Marnani⁵, Joy Xu⁶ 1. Biochemistry, Western University Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, London, ON, Canada. 2. Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Parker, CO, United States. 3. University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. 4. The University of Melbourne Melbourne Medical School, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. 5. York University, Toronto, ON, Canada. 6. University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States. UV Biology/Injury and Non-melanoma Cancers