Histometric assessment of the age-related skin response to 2-hydroxy-5-octanoyl benzoic acid.

Only a handful of topical products have been shown to limit or improve age-related skin damage. 2-Hydroxy-5-octanoyl benzoic acid, also designated beta-lipohydroxyacid (beta-LHA), is among the active molecules claiming such effects. The present randomized placebo-controlled double-blind study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of beta-LHA in young and older women. Both groups responded to the beta-LHA-containing formulation, although to different degrees according to age and the biologic parameter considered. Topically applied 1% beta-LHA formulation was associated with several changes, the most conspicuous ones being epidermal thickening and dendrocytic hyperplasia. The constellation of biologic modifications remained within physiological limits, close to the characteristics of young skin. It is inferred that topical beta-LHA can cause a significant improvement in some epidermal and dermal manifestations of ageing.