Central Journal of Dermatology and Clinical Research Research Article *Corresponding author Glen Alvin, Jesselton Medical Centre, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, Email: [email protected] Peptides: A Novel Approach to Submitted: 01 November 2020 Accepted: 23 November 2020 Enhance Eyelash and Eyebrow Published: 25 November 2020 ISSN: 2373-9371 Growth Copyright © 2020 Alvin G, et al. 1 3 Glen Alvin *, Volodymyr Chernykh2 and Mike Chan OPEN ACCESS 1Jesselton Medical Centre, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia 2European Wellness Academy, Germany Keywords 3 EW Villa Medica, Eden Koben, Germany • Peptides; Eyelash elongation; Eyebrow thickness 3FCTI Research & Development GmbH, Germany Abstract Purpose: Evaluate the safety and efficacy of topical peptides as a treatment to enhance eyelash and eyebrow appearance. Subjects and methods: An open label cohort study over a period of 12 weeks was performed on healthy adult female subjects. All subjects daily applied a peptide extract solution on their eyelids and eyebrow. They also attended a fortnightly microneedle session to apply the peptide extract solution on the eyelash and eyebrow. The length of the eyelash was determined using an eyelash ruler while the overall eyelash appearance was assessed using the GEA scale. The eyebrows appearance was evaluated using digital photography and assessed by two independent dermatologist while individual eyebrow follicle thickness and the presence of new eyebrow hair follicles were evaluated using the Micro skin and hair diagnostic device (EW-EWB-1007-307, Germany). Results: The peptide extract solution significantly increased the length of the eyelash by 3.7± 1.4mm (p = 0.014). There was a 100% improvement in the GEA scale evaluation, where 83% showed a one-grade improvement while the remaining 17% demonstrated a 17% improvement. Eyebrow analyser scans showed an increased thickness in individual eyebrow thickness and there were the presence of many new eyebrow hair follicles at the end of the 12 weeks. Conclusion: Peptide extract solution is a safe and efficient treatment to enhance eyelash and eyebrow appearance without causing any major adverse reactions. INTRODUCTION Peptide therapeutics commenced in medical practice since the The eyelash and eyebrows are anatomical structures of the 21. They are face that are closely associated with beauty but also central to all advent of insulin therapy in the 1920’s [12]. A peptide is a chain perceived human interaction [1]. The eyebrow protects the eye of less than 50 amino acids linked by peptide bonds and its movements bequeaths the bearers emotion and an art of very specific in activity, stable, efficacious and are generally safe communication [1,2]. be[13]. synthetic Peptides or have a chain a broad of amino therapeutic acids naturally spectrum, synthesized reflecting the by potential utility across a wide range of indications. Peptides may Aesthetics has intensified the craving for better technique the human body [14]. Some of the peptides identified in the skin like cathelicidins, copper peptides (GHK-Cu) and transforming and methods to improve the female facial appearance. Long and envy of all women [3,4]. The introduction of Iantropost to treat growth factor (TGF-β) promote growth and regulation of hair thick eyelash with equally beautiful eyebrows have long been the follicles [15]. Oesser reported a study in Germany that collagen peptides significantly increased hair thickness in adult women glaucoma resulted in eyelash hypertrichosis being reported as a solution was approved by the United States (US) Food and after 16 weeks of treatment [16]. A study by Klopcic et al proved regular phenomenon amongst its users [5]. 0.03% Bimatoprost well as its proliferation and differentiation in adults [17]. that peptide like TGF-β is essential for the development of hair as Drug Administration (FDA) for the indication of increasing the eyelash length, thickness and darkness [6]. However, these The purpose of this study is to clinically evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical peptides in enhancing eyelashes and eyebrow [7,8].ophthalmic An invasive prostaglandins and permanent analogs method have been to increaseassociated eyelash with iris pigmentation, conjunctival hyperemia and anterior uveitis growth. We sought to assess the clinical response objectively prominence is transplantation, which involves the transfer by measuring the length of individual eyelash growth and the density of the eyelashes using the Global Eyelash Assessment (GEA) and photographic assessment of eyebrow thickness by of scalp hair follicles onto the margins of the eyelid [9]. Herb- dermatologist. A micro skin and hair analyzer was used to scan based formulations like the Jarilla-coffea extract and green tea to thickness, presence of new hair follicles and an increase in the eyebrows to assess an improvement in hair growth in relation proceduresextract have nor proven the toundesired be capable ocular of inducing effects ofhair the growth synthetic and increasing hair thickness and length without the need for invasive individual eyebrow length. Assessment on adverse effects were conducted via questionnaires filled by subjects and examination analogs of prostaglandin [10,11]. conducted by a dermatologist. Cite this article: Alvin G, Chernykh V, Chan M (2020) Peptides: A Novel Approach to Enhance Eyelash and Eyebrow Growth. J Dermatolog Clin Res 8(2): 1137. Alvin G, et al. (2020) Central MATERIALS AND METHODS permeation enhancement method. It facilitates an effective and sustained delivery of chemicals, hence better results [18]. This is an open label cohort study over a period of 12 weeks Tiny microneedles with lengths in micron can increase skin from November 2019 to January 2020, conducted on healthy when administered by trained personnel. The microneedle techniquepermeability is associatedwith negligible with apain minimal by breaching risk of infection. the epidermis Li et al Sabah,adult female Malaysia subjects who voluntarily joined the study at the European Wellness Academy (Asia Pacific Hub) in Kota Kinabalu, concluded that microneedles are a safe and effective method The protocol was approved by the institutional ethics review board and the study was conducted in compliance with Good shown that pretreatment of the skin with the microneedle techniqueto deliver canminerals enhance or peptidesthe delivery through of topically skin [19]. applied Studies solutions, have period of 3 months prior to the commencement of the clinical Clinical Practice guidelines. Volunteers were recruited during a including peptides [19]. trial. The clinical investigators screened all potential recruits Six adult females were included in the study. The subjects and briefed them on the objectives of the study procedures, the selected underwent baseline testing where they answered anyduration time. ofA theclinical clinical specialist trial and would the appropriatelypotential benefits treat and adverse risks a questionnaire regarding symptoms and other anomalies of participation. Subjects were free to withdraw from the study at they are experiencing prior to the initiation of the study. The subject’s eyebrow follicle thickness, density and the presence effects endured anytime during the duration of the trial free. of new follicle were measured at baseline and during every All recruited subjects were healthy adult females of ages clinical review at a predetermined site of the eyebrows using a ranging between 20-50 years old with a clean bill of health Micro skin and hair diagnostic device (EW-EWB-1007-307, EW study.and not They on anyhad formnormal of eyelashmedication and oreyebrow treatment hair in density the last and 6 Biomedical, and Switzerland) which is a video microscope with months and not pregnant at the commencement of the clinical a magnification of 200x. The dermatologist-rated GEA eyelash scale which was invented by Friborg et al., is a scale for clinically andwere comply free from with skin the and study hair protocolrelated diseases. as advised The by subjects the clinical must assessing eyelash prominence of an individual [20]. The scale be willing to sign the informed consent and agreed to observe assesses eyelash prominence using the validated 4-point GEA scale with a photonumeric guide (1=minimal; 2=moderate; 3 investigators. The exclusion criteria includes the presence of =marked; 4=very marked)[20]. The eyelash length was measured cancerany medical medication including or topical psychiatric eye medication conditions in or the the last usage 3 months. of any using an eyelash ruler which has a calibrated micrometer scale of Femalesmedications, with especiallya history ofsteroids, skin or eyeimmunosuppressant’s, diseases and those anti-with 0.01mm. Digital photographs of the eyelashes and eyebrows were taken at baseline investigations and then monthly until the final clinical review using standardized equipment. The subjects were allergic skin reactions to cosmeceuticals and stem cells and their questioned regarding the presence of any form of discomfort, derivate were refrained from participating in the clinical study. which was recorded by the clinical investigators in to the adverse takeFinally, part women in this clinicalwith eyelash study. extensions, eyebrow or eyelash effects questionnaire. Ophthalmic screening and vital signs extension treatment or modification in the last 6 months cannot examination were performed at baseline examination and upon completion of the clinical study. Patient reported outcome (PRO) measures are used to