Antiwrinkle effect of topical adhesive pads on crow's feet: How long does the effect last for?

Adhesive pads should reduce the action of the local muscle contraction on the skin leading to a decrease in the depth of existing wrinkles and the formation of new dynamic wrinkles. This study aims at assessing the antiwrinkles action of adhesive pads during time, and the temporary improvement of facial skin appearance by reducing the vision of linear wrinkles and improving skin elasticity. Thirty-nine subjects participated to a placebo-controlled study. In the short-term test, the measurements were taken 15, 30, and 60 minutes following 30 minutes application of the product; in the long-term test, the measurements were taken after wearing pads every night for 4 weeks. The roughness parameter of the skin surface was calculated by using a profilometry software 3D MEX® . In the short- and long-term tests, analyzing the average of the elastomeric measurements, no significant change was observed in any of the parameters analyzed after 15, 30, and 60 minutes. The adhesive pad decreased significantly all roughness skin parameters 15 minutes after short-term application and until 60 minutes after long-term application. These changes did not occur in the contralateral untreated zone. The use of topical adhesive pads improves wrinkles in the crow's feet area in the first hour after use. However, patient self-evaluation indicated that the use of topical adhesive pads for 3 weeks may offer subjective improvement in crow's feet zone over a 2 hour period. Topical adhesive pads are safe to use and tolerable for most users.