title: An open-label trial examining the efficacy and safety of a pre- and postprocedure topical five-product system (Clinique Medical Optimizing Regimen) specifically formulated to complement laser/light-based facial cosmetic procedures.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Specialized skin care regimens may help to minimize adverse events (AEs) following non-ablative facial procedures.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 14-week, open-label, three-center study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a topical five-product system (Clinique Medical Optimizing Regimen; Allergan, Inc., Irvine, CA, USA) for minimizing localized AEs during two 6-week procedure cycles with fractionated laser (FL) or intense pulsed light (IPL). The skin care regimen consisted of a 2-week preprocedure phase, a 1-week postprocedure phase, and a 3-week maintenance phase. Investigators and patients rated the presence and severity of erythema, itching, stinging/burning, edema, pain, pruritus, swelling, crusts/erosion, and photodamage.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two days after the FL/IPL treatment (IPL: n = 27; FL: n = 21), most assessments, including erythema, were near baseline values; at 4 weeks postprocedure, all investigator scores were comparable to baseline. Patients missed work or avoided social situations a mean of only 0.8 days. Mean subject ratings for itching, stinging/burning, pain, swelling, and redness for 2 weeks postprocedure were 'none' to 'mild'. Treatment-related AEs (acne, facial rash) occurred in four patients. All investigators stated they would recommend this topical over-the-counter regimen again in conjunction with non-ablative FL/IPL treatments.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This topical five-product skin care system was safe and effective in conjunction with non-ablative FL/IPL procedures.
authors.affiliation: University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA. vicnarurkar@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Vic A
authors.initials: VA
authors.lastname: Narurkar
authors.forename: Kenneth R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Beer
authors.forename: Joel L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Cohen
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004487:Edema / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004890:Erythema / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010789:Phototherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011537:Pruritus / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D013473:Sunscreening Agents; C021650:hydrocortisone acetate; D006854:Hydrocortisone