A Randomized Split-Face Double-Blind Control Trial of Efficacy of Lycopene From 5%Tomato Extract Cream on Periorbital Wrinkle Treatment

Abstract

Introduction: Periorbital wrinkle is one of the dermal aging signs and the majority of people feel insecure by its effects on cosmetic appearance. Nowadays, there are many treatments for periorbital wrinkles. Vitamin A derivatives have been used for a long time and have been found to be effective in reducing the formation of periorbital wrinkles.  However, its high concentration can cause various side effects. As a potential alternative, lycopene from tomato extract is likely to have significant effects in reducing the production of matrix metalloproteinases-1 (MMP-1), an enzyme functions in collagen degradation. The researcher conducted this study to prove that lycopene can be an effective treatment for the reduction of periorbital wrinkles.

Objective: To study the efficacy of lycopene from 5% tomato extract cream for the treatment of periorbital wrinkle reduction by comparing to placebo.

Materials and methods: Twenty participants (men and women of age 30-60 years old) with periorbital wrinkles were enrolled. 5% tomato extract cream and placebo were randomly applied in a split-face design (right and left sides), once daily in the evening for 8 weeks with follow-up every 4 week. The researcher assessed wrinkles by Rao-Goldman 5-point visual scoring scale and measurement of wrinkle by Visioscan at baseline, 4^th week, 8^th week of the study. The assessment of side effects was done on 4^th week, 8^th week by the researcher and participants.

Result: Twenty participants completed the 8-week period study. By using Rao-Goldman 5-point visual scoring scale and Visioscan measurement, the result revealed that wrinkles from periorbital and under eye areas which were applied with lycopene from 5% tomato extract cream were significantly reduced/ improved on 8^th week compared to cream base (p = 0.003, p < 0.001 by Rao-Goldman 5-point visual scoring scale) (p = 0.002, p = 0.005 by Visioscan). Efficacy of lycopene from 5% tomato extract cream for the reduction of periorbital wrinkles(measured by Visioscan) has significant statistical difference in the 4^th and 8^th week (p < 0.001) when compared to the baseline. There is no significant difference of side effects from 5% tomato extract cream and cream base.

Conclusion: Lycopene from 5% tomato extract cream is proven to be effective as a treatment of periorbital wrinkles reduction, and there is not any significant statistical difference in the side effects compared to placebo.