Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy of a Melatonin-Based Eye Contour Balm: An Antera 3D Prospective 2-Month Pilot Trial

Aim: A new eye-contour balm product containing melatnin 0.1%, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) butter, a tetrapeptide and hyaluronic acid has been recently developed. So far, no objective data are available regarding the anti-wrinkle effect of topical melatonin in the eye contour area. We performed an open, prospective, 2-month, trial in 20 women (mean age 52 years) with mild-to-moderate wrinkle in the eye-contour area. Subjects and methods: Participating subjects were instructed to apply a melatonin-based eye contour balm (MECB) twice daily (morning and evening). An Antera 3D evaluation of fine wrinkle volume and skin roughness of the crow’s feet area was performed at baseline and after 2 months. The software of the device automatically calculated the roughness index (a parameter linked to fine wrinkles) expressed in mm. Primary outcome was the evolution of skin roughness in the target area. Secondary outcome was the evaluation of skin local tolerability. Results: All the 20 enrolled subjects completed the trial. The product was very well tolerated. At baseline the eye- contour roughness index mean(SD) value was 19.5(3.0) mm. After 2 months of MECB treatment this parameter was reduced to 13.5(2.8) mm, an absolute difference of 6 mm, representing a 31% reduction. This difference was statistically significant (P=0.001). Conclusion: A melatonin-based eye-contour balm has demonstrated in this prospective Antera 3D trial a clinically significant anti-wrinkle effect in women with mild-to-moderate eye contour fine wrinkles with very good skin tolerability.