Combination Topical Antioxidant Protocol Enhances Laser‐Induced Improvement in Facial Pigmentation and Photoaging: A Prospective, Split‐Face Trial

Background Laser‐based procedures are commonly used for facial pigmentation, and post‐procedural skincare is considered an important factor influencing outcomes. However, evidence remains limited regarding whether recovery‐focused skincare provides additional benefit when used with topical antioxidants after laser treatment. Aims To compare the clinical efficacy of an integrated post‐procedural skincare regimen combining an antioxidant serum with a recovery cream versus antioxidant treatment alone following laser treatment for facial pigmentation and photoaging. Patients/Methods This prospective, randomized, single‐blind, split‐face trial included 26 adults with clinically evident facial pigmentary lesions and signs of photoaging. Participants underwent two sessions of picosecond 1064‐nm Nd:YAG and CO 2 laser treatment at two‐week intervals. Both sides received a topical antioxidant serum, while one randomized side additionally received a recovery cream for 8 weeks. Outcomes were evaluated using the modified Griffith's scale and hemi‐MASI. Biophysical parameters, including melanin index, erythema index, elasticity, and hydration, were measured using noninvasive instruments. Safety was assessed throughout the study. Results At Week 8, the combination‐treated side showed greater improvement in modified Griffith's scale scores (29.3% vs. 19.4%, p = 0.04) and hemi‐MASI scores (37.2% vs. 20.3%, p = 0.02) compared with antioxidant treatment alone. Improvement was observed as early as Week 2 on the combination‐treated side. Both groups demonstrated significant reductions in melanin index with earlier improvement in the combination group. No serious adverse events were observed. Conclusions The addition of recovery‐focused skincare to antioxidant post‐procedural care resulted in greater and earlier improvement in facial pigmentation following laser treatment compared with antioxidant alone.