Fractional CO₂ laser pretreatment facilitates transdermal delivery of two vitamin C derivatives

Background: Topical vitamin C derivatives have been used to treat melasma and used as a skin whitener. The aim of this study was to compare skin histology and permeation of L-ascorbic acid 2-phosphate sesquimagnesium salt (MAP-1) and magnesium L-ascorbic acid-2-phosphate (MAP-2) after fractional CO₂ laser pretreatment. Methods: The effect of fractional laser treatment on porcine skin was examined by scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning electron microscopy. The effect of fractional CO₂ laser treatment of different fluencies and pass numbers on transdermal flux of the two vitamin C derivatives through porcine skin was examined in vitro using a Franz diffusion chamber. Results: Fluxes of MAP-1 and MAP-2 across fractional CO₂ laser-treated (5 W) skin were eight- to 13-fold, and 20- to 22-fold higher, respectively, than the fluxes of these compounds across intact skin. Fluxes of MAP-1 and MAP-2 across fractional CO₂ laser-treated (9 W) skin were 14- to 19-fold, and 30- to 42-fold higher, respectively, than their fluxes across intact skin. Conclusion: Fractional CO₂ laser treatment is an effective way of delivering vitamin C derivatives into the skin.