This just published paper is suggesting that the topical application of polyphenol antioxidants (aka green tea) post IPL treatment resulted in more hydrated skin and reduced oxidative degradation of skin lipids. The authors suggest that this will enhance the effects of the IPL therapy.
This post-treatment therapy is in addition to some other recently published research that patients treated immediately after IPL with a LED device showed that their post-treatment redness subsided faster compared to not also being treated with LED.
We also know that 2% polyphenone in a hydrophilic cream has shown promise as a treatment for the papules and pustules of rosacea.
Topical polyphenolic antioxidants reduce the adverse effects of intense pulsed light therapy, J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2009 May 27:1-4, Freedman BM., Plastic Surgery Associates of Northern Virginia, McLean, Virginia, USA.
Background: Intense pulsed light therapy (IPL) has been associated with erythema and increased lipid peroxidation. Polyphenolic antioxidants have been shown to decrease inflammation and reduce oxidative stress in irradiated skin.
Objective: To determine whether the topical application of polyphenolic antioxidants to IPL-treated skin reduced the adverse effects of IPL exposure.
Methods: In a split-face study, 10 volunteers underwent three full-face IPL treatments (16 J/cm(2), 10ms, 560nm filter) spaced 3 weeks apart. A polyphenolic antioxidant solution was pneumatically applied to the left side of the face, beginning immediately before the first IPL treatment then weekly for six treatments. The lipid peroxide concentration, skin antioxidant level and skin moisture content were obtained before and after the study.
Results: Skin treated with IPL alone contained a significantly higher concentration of lipid peroxides when compared to skin treated with IPL plus polyphenolic antioxidants (p<0.05). Skin treated with IPL alone contained a significantly lower level of polyphenolic antioxidants and had a significantly lower moisture content (p<0.05).
Conclusions: In this study, the concurrent pneumatic topical application of polyphenolic antioxidants reduced lipid peroxidation and skin dehydration in IPL-treated skin. Polyphenolic antioxidants may confer a protective effect on facial skin and enhance the effects of IPL therapy.
Hi David,
Thank you for another very interesting article. Can you recommend any specific topicals which are Green tea based? I followed the related articles but they refer to the theory behind its effectiveness rather than specific products.
Many thanks,
I don’t know of any easily available formulations off the top of my head, sorry. It doesn’t appear that it is that easy to get hold of a reliable supply of the polyphenols in questions.
Dr. Syed does sell a custom made green tea formulation at http://www.syedbeauty.com/ that is all I can suggest – but beware it is expensive. You should perhaps search for customer reviews to get some more opinions about these products.
The product above from Amazon (topix replenix CF) is promoted as containing green tea polyphenols and caffeine, but I don’t have any personal experience with it. That may be worth trying as well.
can anyone else suggest something ?
all the best,
davidp.
Topix Replenix CF contains 90% green tea derived polyphenols and is fantastic. The caffiene content also helps any redness, and enhances the effects of the green tea polyphenols, IMO. It also contains hyaluronic acid to aid in moisturization.
David, Sarena,
Thank you kindly for the comments. I will order some of the Topix Replenix CF and will see how I get on with it. Hopefully it will combine well with my IPL treatment and also reduce the pustules on my nose (I can but hope!!).
Kind Regards,
David
As I mentioned the cream sold by Dr. Syed above I need to also mention the followup news that Dr. Syed has been charged for posing as a doctor.
davidp.
Hi, can I just brew some green tea on my own and just apply it?
DO NOT GET IPL TREATMENT! It is very dangerous and potentially disfiguring. It has caused lipoatrophy and scarring and a host of other problems for many people. Stay away from cosmetic devices and seek other healing options.