The effects of Antimicrobial Peptides and Hyaluronic Acid compound mask on wound healing after ablative fractional Carbon Dioxide laser resurfacing.

Background: Fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing (FxCR) is a routine treatment of Dermatology while many patients suffered the damage of skin barrier function after FxCR. Objective: To evaluate the benefits of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and hyaluronic acid (HA) compound mask on wound healing after FxCR on human and mouse skin. Methods: Twenty-four subjects were treated with FxCR on the bilateral cheeks. AMPs and HA compound mask was applied on the FxCR-treated area of left cheek. The erythema index (EI), melanin index (MI), transepidermal water loss (TEWL) of FxCR-treated areas on both cheeks were measured. By HE staining, immunohistostaing and western blotting, we analyzed epidermal thickness, FLG, IVL expression and protein levels of cramp in FxCR treated dorsal mice skin. Results: The EI, MI, and TEWL in the AMPs and HA compound mask-treated area of left cheek were significantly lower than those in the untreated area of right cheek. Topically application of AMPs and HA compound mask reduced thickening of mouse skin and also result in an increase in the production of FLG, IVL and cramp. Conclusion: Application of AMPs and HA compound mask is an effective method for enhancing wound healing after FxCR, by reducing transient adverse effects such as erythema, hyperpigmentation, and increased TEWL.