A recent study published in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery reveals that topical treatments containing Human Platelet Extract (HPE) and Vitamin C offer comparable improvements in reducing age spots and photoaging on hands. This research opens avenues for future studies exploring combination therapies.
A new clinical trial highlights the comparable effectiveness of topical treatments containing Human Platelet Extract (HPE) or Vitamin C in addressing age spots on hands caused by photoaging. The findings were recently published in the journal Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery under the title “A Comparative Study of Two Topical Treatments for Photoaging of the Hands.”
A Promising Solution for Aging Hands
Age spots, also known as liver spots or solar lentigines, are a common cosmetic concern resulting from prolonged sun exposure. While treatments for facial photoaging, such as chemical peels, injectables, and laser therapies, are well-established, solutions for hands and other exposed areas have received relatively less attention.
Recent advancements have brought HPE-based products into the spotlight, particularly those leveraging platelet-derived exosomes. These products, derived from specially processed human platelets, improve overall skin appearance. Similarly, topical products containing Vitamin C and other antioxidants have shown efficacy in reducing visible signs of aging on facial skin.
HPE And Vitamin C: A Direct Comparison
To compare the effectiveness of HPE and Vitamin C in treating hand photoaging, Dr. Saraya Wyles and her team conducted a clinical trial involving 60 participants with an average age of 52.5 years. All participants exhibited moderate photoaging symptoms on the backs of their hands. Each participant followed a standardized skincare routine, applying HPE on the right hand and Vitamin C on the left hand twice daily for 12 to 26 weeks.
Using digital imaging and other assessment tools, researchers measured various markers of photoaging. At 12 weeks, both treatments demonstrated comparable improvements in reducing age spots, wrinkles, and enhancing skin brightness and tone uniformity. By week 26, the area of age spots was reduced by approximately 23% with HPE and 26% with Vitamin C, with no statistically significant difference between the two.
The Superior Choice
Despite the similar rejuvenating effects, Vitamin C poses challenges such as increased photosensitivity, disrupted skin pH, and stability concerns. HPE, on the other hand, offers a gentler, more reliable alternative. As Dr. Wyles noted, “HPE not only delivers significant results but is also more skin-friendly and consistent.”
Future Directions
The researchers advocate for further studies to explore the synergistic effects of combining HPE and Vitamin C or integrating them with other therapies. Such investigations could pave the way for optimal hand anti-aging treatments.
In summary, the study underscores the efficacy of HPE and Vitamin C in treating hand photoaging, while highlighting HPE’s advantages in terms of stability and safety. These findings present a new, effective option for individuals seeking to maintain youthful hands naturally and safely.
