Amorepacific, in a joint study with the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST), has confirmed that using a skin-conformable Micro-LED mask in conjunction with skin injection procedures significantly enhances skin rejuvenation outcomes. The research findings were published online in August in Nano Energy (IF 16.7, JCR Q1), an international journal in the field of energy and nanomaterials. (Paper Title: "Clinical validation of skin brightening and rejuvenation enabled by a skin-conformable surface-emitting micro-LED mask with injection")
The range of skin booster procedures aimed at skin renewal, elasticity improvement, and overall skin condition enhancement has expanded. Polynucleotide (PN) injections, a leading type of skin booster, are utilized to deliver active ingredients directly into the dermal layer to support skin renewal. However, temporary redness and skin barrier disruption can occur following the procedure, and their efficacy in improving skin brightness is often limited.
This study was conducted to analyze the post-procedure recovery process and skin improvement outcomes using a mask equipped with skin-conformable, surface-emitting Micro-LED technology, while exploring the potential of integrated skincare connecting clinical procedures with home care.
The Amorepacific research team combined PN injections with skin-conformable Micro-LED mask treatments utilizing 630 nm red-light-based photobiomodulation (PBM) technology. The device is designed to conform closely to facial contours, minimizing the distance between the light source and the skin to increase the efficiency of photo energy delivery. Compared to conventional devices, the actual skin contact area expanded from 46.9% to 78.1%, while the gap between the light source and the skin decreased from 4.1 mm to 1.8 mm. In addition, it secured a light uniformity rating of 93.8% across eight distinct facial regions.
Through ex vivo testing on human skin tissue subjected to UVB-induced photodamage, the researchers conducted a comparative analysis among three groups: PN injection alone, LED mask alone, and the combination of PN injection and LED mask. The combination group showed a statistically significant reduction in the expression of melanin-synthesis-related factors compared to the PN injection alone group, along with an approximate 15% increase in procollagen synthesis related to skin regeneration. Factors associated with inflammation and collagen breakdown also decreased significantly, confirming positive outcomes in skin rejuvenation, brightening, and inflammation relief.
In an eight-week clinical trial involving 33 participants, the skin areas treated with the combination of the Micro-LED mask and PN injection exhibited greater improvement. Significant progress was confirmed across all five brightening-related parameters: dark patches and blemish count and area, skin tone, tone uniformity, and skin exfoliation. Deep skin elasticity improved by 12.8% after eight weeks, a rate of change more than four times higher than the 3.1% observed in the PN injection group, and skin density also improved significantly.
The pace of recovery for sensitive skin following the procedure was also faster in the combination group. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL), a marker of skin barrier recovery, decreased by 20.8% three days post-procedure, demonstrating a greater improvement compared to the 12.4% reduction in the PN injection group, alongside a decrease in redness. The research team explained that these findings confirm the potential of Micro-LED masks to aid skin recovery and downtime management following skin booster treatments.
Byung-Fhy Suh, CTO of the Amorepacific R&I Center, commented, "This study demonstrates the potential of hybrid research that combines the strengths of distinct fields such as dermatological procedures and home-care technology to upgrade the customer's skin experience to the next level." He added, "Amorepacific will continue to expand its hybrid research initiatives that transcend the boundaries of technology and product categories to create new value, striving to realize our 'Holistic Longevity Solution' that supports healthy skin vitality over the long term."