DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000008031 ISSN: 2169-7574

Klotho Protein as a Topical Therapy for Facial Photoaging Using Combined Delivery Technologies

Steve G. Yoelin, Margaret Xu, Justine C. Lam, Grace L. Harrington, Gail M. Humble
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Background:

Klotho, a protein linked to longevity, influences oxidative stress and cellular balance, promoting antiaging effects in the skin. In vitro, Klotho reduced ultraviolet A–induced oxidative DNA damage and increased human telomerase reverse transcriptase and Sirtuin 6, supporting further evaluation. This study evaluates whether the combined use of 3 Klotho products (face serum 25%, eye serum 15%, night cream 10%) produces synergistic improvements in visible photoaging.

Methods:

This is an open-label, single-arm, 16-week study involving adults aged 25–75 years, with Fitzpatrick skin types I–IV and mild to severe facial photodamage. Participants applied the 3-product regimen. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline to week 16 on a specified clinical photodamage scale. Secondary endpoints included dyschromia, erythema, dryness/scaling, peeling, lines/wrinkles, and atrophy. An exploratory item assessed perceived hydration. Safety data included adverse events and local reactions.

Results:

Facial photodamage showed significant improvement at week 16 with an average reduction of 48.0% from baseline ( P < 0.001). All participants achieved a clinical response. Improvements were visible by week 4 and continued to improve through week 16. After Holm adjustment, significant improvements were seen in dyschromia (31.2%; P = 0.003), lines/wrinkles (27.3%; P = 0.009), dryness/scaling (61.9%; P < 0.001), and peeling (83.3%; P = 0.024). Erythema and edema decreased but not significantly; atrophy changes were minimal.

Conclusions:

The 3-product Klotho regimen was well tolerated and showed early, progressive improvements in photodamage during the 16-week study. Our findings suggest that topical Klotho may benefit multiple aspects of photoaging.

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