{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,9,25]],"date-time":"2026-09-25T19:10:14Z","timestamp":1790363414614,"version":"4.1.0"},"reference-count":43,"publisher":"MDPI AG","issue":"17","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2026,8,28]],"date-time":"2026-08-28T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1787875200000},"content-version":"vor","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/"}],"funder":[{"name":"Medical University of Silesia","award":["BNW-1-023\/N\/3\/K"],"award-info":[{"award-number":["BNW-1-023\/N\/3\/K"]}]},{"name":"Medical University of Silesia","award":["BNW-1-025\/N\/4\/K"],"award-info":[{"award-number":["BNW-1-025\/N\/4\/K"]}]},{"award":["BNW-1-023\/N\/3\/K"],"award-info":[{"award-number":["BNW-1-023\/N\/3\/K"]}],"id":[{"id":"https:\/\/ror.org\/005k7hp45","id-type":"ROR","asserted-by":"publisher"}]},{"award":["BNW-1-025\/N\/4\/K"],"award-info":[{"award-number":["BNW-1-025\/N\/4\/K"]}],"id":[{"id":"https:\/\/ror.org\/005k7hp45","id-type":"ROR","asserted-by":"publisher"}]}],"content-domain":{"domain":[],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":["Molecules"],"abstract":"<jats:p>Mature photoaged skin is characterised by concurrent deterioration of dermal extracellular matrix, impairment of the epidermal barrier and dysregulated melanogenesis. Chemical skin biostimulators that remodel the dermis without inducing overt exfoliation may offer a multimodal alternative to conventional peels. In this single-arm, prospective study, 25 women with Fitzpatrick phototype II and clinical signs of facial photoageing received four sessions of a homocysteic acid (HoA)-containing chemical biostimulator incorporating ammonium trichloroacetate (ATCA), and phytic and citric acids accompanied throughout by a standardised home-care regimen. Instrumental endpoints included viscoelasticity assessed by Cutometer, three-dimensional wrinkle volume and texture quantified by Antera 3D, grey-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) metrics for hyperpigmentation, and sebum and hydration measurements; tolerability was assessed by clinical inspection at each visit, although safety was not a pre-specified endpoint. All three Cutometer elasticity parameters increased by approximately 24% and remained significantly improved at 12 weeks, with a continued rise in biological elasticity (R7), a temporal pattern compatible with progressive dermal remodelling, although no histological verification was undertaken. Antera 3D documented a rapid (50\u201362%) reduction in wrinkle volume and texture roughness at 2 weeks, followed by a partial regression stabilising at 79\u201383% of maximal improvement at 12 weeks. In the hyperpigmented subgroup (n = 14), GLCM contrast decreased and homogeneity increased by 18\u201319%, indicating more uniform reflectance and reduced optical heterogeneity, with effects persisting at 12 weeks. Hydration improved and sebum secretion decreased; no serious adverse event was observed or reported, although adverse events were not recorded systematically. In this uncontrolled, single-arm study, a protocol based on a HoA-containing chemical skin biostimulator was associated with durable improvements in instrumentally assessed dermal elasticity and a partially reversible, yet sustained, enhancement of wrinkles, texture and hyperpigmentation in mature photoaged skin. The mechanisms proposed to underlie this profile\u2014neocollagenesis and remodelling of the extracellular matrix, barrier restoration and modulation of melanogenesis\u2014are interpretative rather than directly demonstrated. Because a combined commercial formulation was evaluated within a protocol that included a standardised home-care regimen, the observed changes cannot be attributed to any individual ingredient, including HoA, and the contribution of the home-care regimen cannot be separated from that of the in-office treatment. The absence of a control arm precludes causal attribution, and these findings\u2014obtained in a small cohort of Fitzpatrick phototype II women, with a hyperpigmentation subgroup of only fourteen\u2014should be regarded as hypothesis-generating.<\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.3390\/molecules31173038","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2026,8,31]],"date-time":"2026-08-31T04:24:03Z","timestamp":1788150243000},"page":"3038","update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/mdpi_crossmark_policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":1,"title":["Instrumental Assessment of a Chemical Skin Biostimulator Combining Ammonium Trichloroacetate and Homocysteic Acid in Photoaged Mature Skin: A Single-Arm Prospective Study"],"prefix":"10.3390","volume":"31","author":[{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-1763-6676","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Anna","family":"Deda","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Practical Cosmetology and Skin Diagnostics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, ul. Jedno\u015bci 8b, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"},{"role":"conceptualization","vocabulary":"credit"},{"role":"methodology","vocabulary":"credit"},{"role":"formal-analysis","vocabulary":"credit"},{"role":"investigation","vocabulary":"credit"},{"role":"resources","vocabulary":"credit"},{"role":"data-curation","vocabulary":"credit"},{"role":"writing-original-draft","vocabulary":"credit"},{"role":"writing-review-editing","vocabulary":"credit"},{"role":"visualization","vocabulary":"credit"},{"role":"supervision","vocabulary":"credit"},{"role":"project-administration","vocabulary":"credit"},{"role":"funding-acquisition","vocabulary":"credit"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0003-3575-5641","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Piotr","family":"Duda","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Silesia, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"},{"role":"software","vocabulary":"credit"},{"role":"validation","vocabulary":"credit"},{"role":"formal-analysis","vocabulary":"credit"},{"role":"data-curation","vocabulary":"credit"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0003-0501-7592","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Dominika","family":"Wcis\u0142o-Dziadecka","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Practical Cosmetology and Skin Diagnostics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, ul. Jedno\u015bci 8b, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"},{"role":"conceptualization","vocabulary":"credit"},{"role":"methodology","vocabulary":"credit"},{"role":"writing-review-editing","vocabulary":"credit"},{"role":"resources","vocabulary":"credit"},{"role":"project-administration","vocabulary":"credit"},{"role":"supervision","vocabulary":"credit"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0001-9139-9747","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Adam","family":"Maszczyk","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Institute of Sport Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, 40-065 Katowice, Poland"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"},{"role":"formal-analysis","vocabulary":"credit"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-6066-3127","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"S\u0142awomir","family":"Wilczy\u0144ski","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, ul. Jedno\u015bci 8b, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"},{"role":"conceptualization","vocabulary":"credit"},{"role":"methodology","vocabulary":"credit"},{"role":"software","vocabulary":"credit"},{"role":"validation","vocabulary":"credit"},{"role":"investigation","vocabulary":"credit"},{"role":"writing-original-draft","vocabulary":"credit"},{"role":"visualization","vocabulary":"credit"},{"role":"funding-acquisition","vocabulary":"credit"}]}],"member":"1968","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2026,8,28]]},"reference":[{"key":"ref_1","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"321","DOI":"10.1007\/s40257-025-00933-z","article-title":"Photoageing: Current Concepts on Molecular Mechanisms, Prevention, and Treatment","volume":"26","author":"Kaltchenko","year":"2025","journal-title":"Am. J. Clin. Dermatol."},{"key":"ref_2","first-page":"201","article-title":"Recent Information on Photoageing Mechanisms and the Preventive Role of Topical Sunscreen Products","volume":"29","author":"Pondeljak","year":"2020","journal-title":"Acta Dermatovenerol. Alp. Pannonica Adriat."},{"key":"ref_3","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"3427","DOI":"10.1111\/jocd.14033","article-title":"The Impact of Ultraviolet Radiation on Skin Photoageing\u2014A Review of In Vitro Studies","volume":"20","author":"Socha","year":"2021","journal-title":"J. Cosmet. Dermatol."},{"key":"ref_4","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Lee, H., Hong, Y., and Kim, M. (2021). Structural and Functional Changes and Possible Molecular Mechanisms in Aged Skin. Int. J. Mol. Sci., 22.","DOI":"10.3390\/ijms222212489"},{"key":"ref_5","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Shin, J.W., Kwon, S.H., Choi, J.Y., Na, J.I., Huh, C.H., Choi, H.R., and Park, K.C. (2019). Molecular Mechanisms of Dermal Ageing and Anti-Ageing Approaches. Int. J. Mol. Sci., 20.","DOI":"10.3390\/ijms20092126"},{"key":"ref_6","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Miao, F., Wan, J., Zhou, Y., and Shi, Y. (2025). Unravelling Melasma: From Epidermal Pigmentation to Microenvironmental Dysregulation. Biology, 14.","DOI":"10.3390\/biology14101402"},{"key":"ref_7","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"e70133","DOI":"10.1111\/jocd.70133","article-title":"Treatment of Solar Lentigines: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials","volume":"24","author":"Mardani","year":"2025","journal-title":"J. Cosmet. Dermatol."},{"key":"ref_8","first-page":"20","article-title":"Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: A Review of the Epidemiology, Clinical Features, and Treatment Options in Skin of Colour","volume":"3","author":"Davis","year":"2010","journal-title":"J. Clin. Aesthet. Dermatol."},{"key":"ref_9","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1967","DOI":"10.1007\/s13555-022-00780-4","article-title":"Update on Melasma\u2014Part I: Pathogenesis","volume":"12","author":"Cassiano","year":"2022","journal-title":"Dermatol. Ther."},{"key":"ref_10","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"e70665","DOI":"10.1111\/jocd.70665","article-title":"Targeting Melasma: Innovations in Pigment Deposition and Photoageing in Cosmetic Dermatology","volume":"25","author":"Liao","year":"2026","journal-title":"J. Cosmet. Dermatol."},{"key":"ref_11","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"461","DOI":"10.1111\/pcmr.12684","article-title":"Melasma, a Photoageing Disorder","volume":"31","author":"Passeron","year":"2018","journal-title":"Pigment Cell Melanoma Res."},{"key":"ref_12","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"178","DOI":"10.5582\/bst.2026.01042","article-title":"The Orchestrated Network of Skin Photoageing: From Intercellular Crosstalk to Molecular Signalling","volume":"20","author":"Li","year":"2026","journal-title":"Biosci. Trends"},{"key":"ref_13","first-page":"E61","article-title":"Treatment of Mild to Moderate Facial Chrono- and Photodamage with a Novel Intense Liquid Trichloroacetic Acid Peel","volume":"15","author":"Gold","year":"2022","journal-title":"J. Clin. Aesthet. Dermatol."},{"key":"ref_14","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"100171","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jdsct.2026.100171","article-title":"Combined Microneedling and PRX PLUS for Multidimensional Skin Quality Improvement: An Exploratory Prospective Pilot Study","volume":"3","author":"Franceschelli","year":"2026","journal-title":"J. Dermatol. Sci. Cosmet. Technol."},{"key":"ref_15","first-page":"188","article-title":"Fibroblast Stimulation Through the Activation of the Endocrine System for the Application of Trichloroacetic Acid","volume":"3","author":"Castellana","year":"2013","journal-title":"La Med. Estet."},{"key":"ref_16","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"53","DOI":"10.25056\/JCM.2025.9.2.53","article-title":"Homocysteic acid and the potential role of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in cosmetic dermatology: A review","volume":"9","author":"Lee","year":"2025","journal-title":"J. Cosmet. Med."},{"key":"ref_17","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Rivera-Villase\u00f1or, A., Higinio-Rodr\u00edguez, F., Nava-G\u00f3mez, L., V\u00e1zquez-Prieto, B., Calero-Vargas, I., Olivares-Moreno, R., and L\u00f3pez-Hidalgo, M. (2021). NMDA Receptor Hypofunction in the Ageing-Associated Malfunction of Peripheral Tissue. Front. Physiol., 12.","DOI":"10.3389\/fphys.2021.687121"},{"key":"ref_18","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"296","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jdermsci.2016.08.534","article-title":"The Effect of the NMDA Receptor-Dependent Signalling Pathway on Cell Morphology and Melanosome Transfer in Melanocytes","volume":"84","author":"Ni","year":"2016","journal-title":"J. Dermatol. Sci."},{"key":"ref_19","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"253","DOI":"10.1007\/978-1-4684-7971-3_19","article-title":"Homocysteic Acid, an Endogenous Agonist of the NMDA Receptor: Release, Neuroactivity and Localisation","volume":"203","author":"Do","year":"1986","journal-title":"Adv. Exp. Med. Biol."},{"key":"ref_20","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"337","DOI":"10.1046\/j.1523-1747.1999.00509.x","article-title":"Evidence for a Novel Glutamate-Mediated Signalling Pathway in Keratinocytes","volume":"112","author":"Genever","year":"1999","journal-title":"J. Investig. Dermatol."},{"key":"ref_21","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"358","DOI":"10.1016\/j.bbrc.2012.07.008","article-title":"Activation of NMDA Receptors Leads to Phosphorylation of TRPV1 S800 by Protein Kinase C and A-Kinase Anchoring Protein 150 in Rat Trigeminal Ganglia","volume":"424","author":"Lee","year":"2012","journal-title":"Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun."},{"key":"ref_22","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"776","DOI":"10.1111\/jocd.13950","article-title":"Effect of Glycolic Acid, Phytic Acid and an Emulsion Containing a Soothing Complex on Hyperpigmentation and Skin Luminosity: A Clinical Evaluation","volume":"20","author":"Houshmand","year":"2021","journal-title":"J. Cosmet. Dermatol."},{"key":"ref_23","first-page":"134","article-title":"In Vivo and In Vitro Evaluation of Phytic Acid as a Topical Antioxidant","volume":"12","author":"Andreassi","year":"2007","journal-title":"J. Investig. Dermatol. Symp. Proc."},{"key":"ref_24","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Chaiprasongsuk, A., and Panich, U. (2022). Role of Phytochemicals in Skin Photoprotection via Regulation of Nrf2. Front. Pharmacol., 13.","DOI":"10.3389\/fphar.2022.823881"},{"key":"ref_25","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1766","DOI":"10.1111\/jocd.14016","article-title":"Clinical Evaluation of the Efficacy of a Facial Serum Containing Dioic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, LHA, Citric Acid, and HEPES in Treating Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation and Controlling Oily Skin in Patients with Acne Vulgaris","volume":"20","author":"Campos","year":"2021","journal-title":"J. Cosmet. Dermatol."},{"key":"ref_26","first-page":"e78","article-title":"Nonablative radiofrequency treatment for the skin in the eye area","volume":"15","author":"Augustyniak","year":"2016","journal-title":"J. Cosmet. Dermatol."},{"key":"ref_27","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"422","DOI":"10.1080\/14764172.2016.1202419","article-title":"A 12-Week Clinical and Instrumental Study Evaluating the Efficacy of a Multisource Radiofrequency Home-Use Device for Wrinkle Reduction and Improvement in Skin Tone, Skin Elasticity, and Dermal Collagen Content","volume":"18","author":"Sadick","year":"2016","journal-title":"J. Cosmet. Laser Ther."},{"key":"ref_28","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"e15420","DOI":"10.1111\/dth.15420","article-title":"Safety and Efficacy of High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound for Treatment of Periorbital, Perioral, and Neck Wrinkles: Prospective Open Single-Center Single-Arm Confirmatory Clinical Trial","volume":"35","author":"Han","year":"2022","journal-title":"Dermatol. Ther."},{"key":"ref_29","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"3","DOI":"10.1111\/srt.12381","article-title":"Comparison of Two Skin Imaging Analysis Instruments: The VISIA from Canfield vs the ANTERA 3D CS from Miravex","volume":"24","author":"Linming","year":"2018","journal-title":"Ski. Res. Technol."},{"key":"ref_30","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"359","DOI":"10.1111\/srt.12436","article-title":"Wrinkle and Roughness Measurement by the Antera 3D and Its Application for Evaluation of Cosmetic Products","volume":"24","author":"Messaraa","year":"2018","journal-title":"Ski. Res. Technol."},{"key":"ref_31","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"142","DOI":"10.1080\/14764172.2022.2033783","article-title":"Fractional Microneedle Radiofrequency Device and Fractional Erbium-Doped Glass 1565-nm Device Treatment of Human Facial Photoaging: A Prospective, Split-Face, Random Clinical Trial","volume":"23","author":"Dou","year":"2021","journal-title":"J. Cosmet. Laser Ther."},{"key":"ref_32","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Wawrzyk-Bochenek, I., Rahnama, M., Wilczy\u0144ski, S., and Wawrzyk, A. (2023). Quantitative Assessment of Hyperpigmentation Changes in Human Skin after Microneedle Mesotherapy Using the Gray-Level Co-Occurrence Matrix (GLCM) Method. J. Clin. Med., 12.","DOI":"10.3390\/jcm12165249"},{"key":"ref_33","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"495","DOI":"10.1038\/s41574-025-01107-x","article-title":"Neuro-immuno-endocrinology of the skin: How environment regulates body homeostasis","volume":"21","author":"Slominski","year":"2025","journal-title":"Nat. Rev. Endocrinol."},{"key":"ref_34","unstructured":"Castellana, R. (2020). Formulations for Odontological and Dermatological Use Containing Trichloroacetate Salts and Hydroxyacids. (International Patent Application WO 2020\/260199 A1)."},{"key":"ref_35","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"361","DOI":"10.2105\/AJPH.94.3.361","article-title":"Improving the Reporting Quality of Nonrandomized Evaluations of Behavioral and Public Health Interventions: The TREND Statement","volume":"94","author":"Lyles","year":"2004","journal-title":"Am. J. Public Health"},{"key":"ref_36","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"175","DOI":"10.1111\/srt.12174","article-title":"Image Analysis of Skin Colour Heterogeneity Focusing on Skin Chromophores and Age-Related Changes in Facial Skin","volume":"21","author":"Kikuchi","year":"2015","journal-title":"Ski. Res. Technol."},{"key":"ref_37","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"28","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ijpharm.2013.10.024","article-title":"In Vivo Skin Capacitive Imaging Analysis Using the Grey-Level Co-Occurrence Matrix (GLCM)","volume":"460","author":"Ou","year":"2014","journal-title":"Int. J. Pharm."},{"key":"ref_38","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"610","DOI":"10.1109\/TSMC.1973.4309314","article-title":"Textural Features for Image Classification","volume":"SMC-3","author":"Haralick","year":"1973","journal-title":"IEEE Trans. Syst. Man. Cybern."},{"key":"ref_39","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"44","DOI":"10.1159\/000504063","article-title":"EEMCO Guidance for the In Vivo Assessment of Biomechanical Properties of the Human Skin and Its Annexes: Revisiting Instrumentation and Test Modes","volume":"33","author":"Rodrigues","year":"2020","journal-title":"Ski. Pharmacol. Physiol."},{"key":"ref_40","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"354","DOI":"10.1111\/j.1600-0846.2008.00302.x","article-title":"Influence of Age and Regional Differences on Skin Elasticity as Measured by the Cutometer","volume":"14","author":"Ryu","year":"2008","journal-title":"Ski. Res. Technol."},{"key":"ref_41","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"239","DOI":"10.1034\/j.1600-0846.2000.006004239.x","article-title":"Use of Cutometer to Assess Epidermal Hydration","volume":"6","author":"Dobrev","year":"2000","journal-title":"Ski. Res. Technol."},{"key":"ref_42","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"126","DOI":"10.1111\/j.1600-0846.1997.tb00174.x","article-title":"EEMCO Guidance for the Assessment of Stratum Corneum Hydration: Electrical Methods","volume":"3","author":"Berardesca","year":"1997","journal-title":"Ski. Res. Technol."},{"key":"ref_43","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"372","DOI":"10.1159\/000029945","article-title":"EEMCO Guidance for the In Vivo Assessment of Skin Greasiness","volume":"13","author":"Marks","year":"2000","journal-title":"Ski. Pharmacol. Appl. Ski. Physiol."}],"container-title":["Molecules"],"original-title":[],"language":"en","link":[{"URL":"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/1420-3049\/31\/17\/3038\/pdf","content-type":"unspecified","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"similarity-checking"}],"deposited":{"date-parts":[[2026,9,1]],"date-time":"2026-09-01T04:24:22Z","timestamp":1788236662000},"score":1,"resource":{"primary":{"URL":"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/1420-3049\/31\/17\/3038"}},"subtitle":[],"short-title":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026,8,28]]},"references-count":43,"journal-issue":{"issue":"17","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2026,9]]}},"alternative-id":["molecules31173038"],"URL":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/molecules31173038","relation":{},"ISSN":["1420-3049"],"issn-type":[{"value":"1420-3049","type":"electronic"}],"subject":[],"published":{"date-parts":[[2026,8,28]]}}}