Is topical vitamin C an effective post-fraxel laser regimen for Asians?

The Fraxel laser has been a useful method for skin resurfacing. According to recent reports, vitamin C has beneficial effects for the skin. However, there is a paucity of data about the effect of vitamin C associated with the Fraxel laser. This study aimed to assess the effect of topical vitamin C as a post-Fraxel regimen. The study involved 44 Koreans, who wished to improve their facial skin aesthetics. All the patients were treated by Fraxel laser twice, with a 4-week interval between treatments. Beginning on day 1, the treatment group used a topical vitamin C agent as a post-Fraxel regimen for 12 weeks. The control group was told not to apply any topical agents. At every visit (0, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after the first Fraxel), colorimetric status, stratum corneum hydration, skin surface lipids, skin pH, and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were measured. The parameters showing significant differences were TEWL and pH. Stratum corneum hydration, skin surface lipids, and colorimetric status showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups. Topical vitamin C application reduces the injury of the skin's surface barrier after Fraxel laser and promotes restoration of skin pH. However, there is a limit with increasing skin lightness or decreasing skin redness. Level of Evidence II: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.