Clinical efficacy and safety of nano-microneedle-assisted phenylethyl resorcinol for the treatment of infraorbital dark circles.

BACKGROUND

Infraorbital dark circles (DC) are defined as a symptom that presents darkness under infraorbital eyelids. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of nano-microneedle-assisted phenylethyl resorcinol (PR) for the treatment of infraorbital dark circles.

METHODS

Twenty female participants were randomized to two groups. In the experimental group (group E), participants received topical PR gel under the left orbit once a day and topical plus nano-microneedle-assisted PR gel under the right orbit twice a week. In the control group (group C), participants were treated with gel without PR. Melanin index (MI) and erythema index (EI) were measured before the session (T0), 4 and 8 weeks during the treatment session (T4, T8), and 1 and 2 months after the last session (T12, T16). The global assessment was performed by a blinded dermatologist.

RESULTS

The mean value of MI in group E was significantly lower than the baseline at T8 (P < .05), and the right side decreased more significantly than the left side (P < .05). However, there was no difference of MI before and after treatment in group C (P > .05). There was no big difference of the mean EI between the two sides (P > .05). The treatment was well tolerated, and no serious adverse effects were reported.

CONCLUSION

PR combined with nano-microneedle could be an effective and safe method for infraorbital DC.