Quantifying Skin Uptake of Topicals After 1,927-nm and 1,440-nm Nonablative Fractional Diode Laser Treatment.

Background: Although the stratum corneum limits transdermal absorption of topicals, laser devices can enhance topical uptake by disrupting the skin barrier. Nonablative lasers are commonly used, but their effects on topical uptake should be quantified to optimize outcomes.

Objective: The objective of this study is to analyze transdermal uptake of 4 topicals after nonablative fractional diode laser pretreatment.

Methods And Materials: Human donor tissue was pretreated ex vivo with a nonablative fractional diode laser (1,927 nm or 1,440 nm, at varying treatment densities, powers, and peak energies) followed by application of either 2% salicylic acid, 10% ascorbic acid, over-the-counter mineral eye serum, or 4% hydroquinone. Topical uptake was quantified over 24 hours.

Results: Despite lower power settings, pretreatment with the 1,927 nm wavelength was associated with greater uptake of 10% ascorbic acid, mineral eye serum, and 4% hydroquinone than the 1,440 nm wavelength. In addition, 1,440-nm laser pretreatment with higher density (320 microscopic treatment zones [MTZ]/cm 2 ) and peak power (3 W) was associated with similar uptake but greater retention of 2% salicylic acid and greater uptake of 10% ascorbic acid than that with lower density (80 MTZ/cm 2 ) and peak power (1.2 W).

Conclusion: When using laser pretreatment, device settings should be adjusted to balance outcomes with potential side effects.