The effect of human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cell media containing serum on recovery after laser treatment: A double-blinded, randomized, split-face controlled study

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Ablative CO2 fractional laser (AFL) is a common cosmetic procedure to improve skin laxity. However, due to prolonged downtime and the risk of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, laser-assisted delivery of active ingredients as post-laser treatment has gained interest in past years. Among various active ingredients, human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCBMSCs) can be a promising agent promoting skin regeneration.

AIMS:

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of a human cord blood cell-conditioned media containing serum and cream on patients who underwent AFL treatment. A randomized, investigator-blinded, prospective, split-face comparison study was conducted.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Twenty-three patients who underwent AFL on both cheeks applied a human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cell (hUCBMSC)-conditioned media containing cream with or without stem cell containing serum application. As a primary outcome measure, we evaluated the total area of microcrusts and post-treatment erythema using digital photographs. Additionally, skin biophysical parameters (corneometer, TEWL) and global improvement scores for skin texture were assessed.

RESULTS:

The area of total microcrusts was reduced in the study group which applied both serum and cream. The global improvement score of the post-treatment erythema was significantly reduced. Investigator-assessed global improvement scores were higher in the combination treatment group. Additionally, there was no adverse event, which was associated with the use of either hUCBMSCs containing serum or cream.

CONCLUSION:

The application of human cord blood cell containing serum and cream resulted in accelerated wound healing and reduced post-treatment erythema, which effectively reduced recovery time after ablative laser treatment.