Twice-Daily Topical Cream Improves Overall Appearance of Periorbital Area

Jacqueline M. Calkin, MD

A novel topical cream called Total Eye improved overall appearance of the periorbital area when applied twice-daily in participants seeking periocular rejuvenation, according to data from a new 8-week open-label trial.

“Unwanted changes in the appearance of our skin are an unavoidable part of aging,” said leading study author Jacqueline M. Calkin, MD, of Calkin and Boudreaux Dermatology in Sacremento, California, who linked these changes to intrinsic and extrinsic factors that ranked from age-related decreases in keratinocytes and ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

In recent years, topical treatments such as Total Eye were developed to address the appearance of aging periorbital skin. Previous studies had shown that the cream was effective in reducing dark circles and improving skin laxity and skin hydration.

For this new 8-week trial, an investigative team led by Calkin evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of a similar cream (specifically, Total Eye Firm & Repair Cream) for improving periorbital wrinkles, dryness, laxity, and dark circles.

The Methods

The team enrolled participants aged 35-65 years old with concerns regarding periocular rejuvenation, all of whom agreed to forgo any other aesthetic eye treatments while using the topical cream.

Those who used professional eye skin care products within the past 30 days, had allergy or hypersensitivity to any ingredients in the cream, or had autoimmune disease were excluded.

Subjects applied the topical cream each morning and evening following thorough facial cleansing, and were advised to cleanse their faces and remove all makeup at least 30 minutes prior to all clinic visits.

The investigators graded the severity of periorbital wrinkles, hydration, firmness/laxity and dark circles during the baseline visit and at weeks 4 and 8 using the Investigator Clinical Grading and Assessment. Meanwhile, the Investigator Eye Appearance Assessment was utilized to rate changes in the appearance of the periorbital area based on 11 eye appearance descriptors.

The Findings

Among the 25 participants enrolled in the study, 2 did not complete the week 8 assessment, as 1 was lost to follow-up and 1 was disqualified for noncompliance. As such, 23 people completed the study.

Investigators noted that all subjects (100%) show some global improvement at weeks 4 and 8, while nearly half (48%) achieved moderate or marked improvement.

Specifically, improvements in laxity and dryness were “significant” by week 4 of the trial, and improvements in dark circles were recorded by week 8.

By the end of the trial, study participants agreed or strongly agreed that the cream made their eyes feel more hydrated (100%), look and feel healthier (95%), and increased their confidence in eye appearance (91%).

“Additional improvement between week 4 and week 8 suggested possible ongoing improvement with continued daily use,” the team wrote. “Total Eye is a viable option for treating periorbital wrinkles, dryness, laxity, and dark circles and should be considered a safe and effective skincare option.”