A Prospective, Multicenter, Study of Laser-Activated Gold Microparticles for Treating Patients Using Concomitant Topical Retinoids for Mild-to-Moderate Inflammatory Acne

Gold microparticles are indicated as an accessory to 1064 nm lasers to facilitate photo-thermal heating of sebaceous glands for treating mild-to-moderate inflammatory acne vulgaris (Sebacia Microparticles, Coronado Aesthetics LLC, Southlake, TX). The following study assessed the safety and clinical benefit of gold microparticles/laser therapy when used together with commercially available topical acne products. Healthy patients, 12 to 45 years old with mild-to-moderate inflammatory facial acne were prescribed a topical pre-treatment retinoid for 3 to 4 weeks. The gold microparticle suspension was then applied to the entire face and massaged into the skin. The laser procedure was performed with commercially available 1064 nm Nd:YAG lasers with fluence in the 20 to 35 J/cm2 range, a 30 ms pulse duration, and direct cooling. Among participants completing the study (N=52), the mean percent change in inflammatory lesion counts (ILC) was -55% at month 2, reaching -68% at month 12. At that time, 86% of participants achieved a 40% decrease in ILC and 75% achieved a 60% decrease in ILC. Mean Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) Scale scores decreased by 41.6% from 2.4 at day 0 to 1.4 at month 12. The percentage of participants with clear or almost clear skin increased from 7% at day 0 to 59% at month 12. Acne therapy with topically applied gold microparticles followed by 1064 nm laser irradiation is an effective treatment for moderate to moderately severe acne. The treatment was well-tolerated with a high degree of participant satisfaction. J Drugs Dermatol. 2023;22(11):1088-1094 doi:10.36849/JDD.7744.