Clinical Observational Study on Changes in Skin Physiological Parameters Following Ablative and Non-Ablative Fractional Laser Treatment at Different Doses

This clinical observational study investigates the dose-response relationship between laser energy intensity and skin damage/repair by applying different parameter sets of fractional ablative (CO2) and non-ablative (M22) lasers to the inner forearms of approximately 20 healthy Chinese female volunteers (aged 18-60, Fitzpatrick skin types III-V) in a single-center, self-controlled design. Each participant receives both laser types on contralateral arms, with four distinct energy/density combinations per laser applied to separate test areas, and the dynamic skin responses are evaluated at baseline, immediately post-treatment, and at 30 minutes, 1, 2, 3, 4 hours, 7 days, and 10 days thereafter through clinical assessments (edema, erythema, etc.), standardized photography, high-frequency ultrasound (Dermascan), and objective instrumental measurements of skin color (Chromameter CM26dG), melanin/hemoglobin (Mexameter MX18), and barrier function (TEWL via Vapometer). The collected data will be analyzed using descriptive and comparative statistical methods to characterize the acute injury and recovery profiles, aiming to establish a foundational model for future post-procedure cosmetic intervention research.

Study Overview

• Status: Recruiting
• Conditions: Wound Healing; Skin Barrier Function
• Intervention / Treatment: Procedure: Ablative Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser; Procedure: Non-ablative Fractional Laser (1565 nm)

• Study Type: Observational
• Enrollment (Estimated): 20

Contacts and Locations

• Study Contact: Name: Yanwen Jiang; Phone Number: 13501700841; Email: jiangyanwen@china-norm.com

Study Locations

• China
  • Shanghai Municipality
    • Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, China, 200072
      • Recruiting
      • Shanghai China-norm Quality Technical Service Co., Ltd.
      • Contact: Wenqu Tang; Phone Number: 13585634612; Email: tangwenqu@china-norm.com

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Approximately 20 healthy Chinese female volunteers, aged 18-60 years with Fitzpatrick skin phototypes III, IV, or V. This population will serve as participants in a self-controlled, observational study to model laser-induced skin injury. Each participant will receive both ablative (CO2) and non-ablative (M22) fractional laser exposures with varying parameters on their inner forearms to observe the dynamic physiological response and recovery process.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Female Chinese study participants aged 18 to 60 years (inclusive).
• Fitzpatrick skin phototypes III, IV, or V.
• Willing to receive non-ablative fractional laser (M22) and ablative fractional laser (CO2) irradiation on the test sites during the study.
• No primary or secondary lesions (such as scars, ulcers, vesicles, tattoos) on the test sites.
• Has not participated in any other studies involving the test area (forearms) in the past 2 months.
• Agrees not to use skin-whitening products on the test area during the study period.
• In good general health at the time of the study.
• Volunteers to participate and signs the informed consent form and photo release authorization.
• Willing to comply with all requirements of the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Study participants with skin diseases or skin allergies in the test area.
• Presence of moderate to severe inflammatory skin diseases (e.g., active eczema, acute photosensitive dermatitis, etc.) on the test sites within the past 4 weeks, or those who require treatment with oral or topical corticosteroids or immunosuppressants for skin conditions.
• On the day of the visit, the investigator judges the presence of significant diffuse erythema, desquamation, or exudation in the test area that may significantly affect skin color measurement.
• The investigator assesses that the participant is currently suffering from a stable or progressively worsening disease.
• Participant is planning for pregnancy, is pregnant, or is breastfeeding (applicable to female participants only).
• Participant with immunodeficiency.
• Participant has a history of photosensitivity or photoallergy.
• Participant has a history of skin cancer or malignant melanoma.
• Presence of significant scars, tattoos, surgical incisions, or pigmented lesions (e.g., prominent birthmarks) in the test area that may affect assessment, and in the investigator's judgment, would impede normal imaging or scoring.
• Has used high-potency active products containing high concentrations of retinoic acid/retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, etc., on the test area frequently (≥3 times per week) for an extended period (≥4 weeks) within the past 3 months, which, in the investigator's judgment, may significantly affect skin texture or barrier status.
• History of moderate to severe sun exposure (e.g., prolonged outdoor work, travel to seaside/high altitude) within the past 4 weeks, resulting in significant tanning or sunburn in the test area that, in the investigator's judgment, may interfere with study-related readings.
• Participation in other clinical or consumer testing projects involving the skin condition of the test area within the past 4 weeks.
• Presence of significant mental or cognitive impairment affecting compliance, and the investigator considers the participant unable to understand the study procedures or complete the tests as required.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Time Frame
Change in Composite Clinical Skin Damage Score as Assessed by Clinician	From baseline (immediately before laser exposure) to 10 days post-exposure. Assessments are conducted at baseline (T0), immediately post-exposure (Timm), and 30 minutes, 1, 2, 3, 4 hours, 7 days (T7d), and 10 days (T10d) post-exposure.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Time Frame
Change in Skin Color Parameters (L, a, b*, ITA°) measured by Chromameter CM26dG	From baseline (immediately before laser exposure) to 10 days post-exposure. Assessments are conducted at baseline (T0), immediately post-exposure (Timm), and 30 minutes, 1, 2, 3, 4 hours, 7 days (T7d), and 10 days (T10d) post-exposure.
Change in Melanin and Hemoglobin Index measured by Mexameter MX18	From baseline (immediately before laser exposure) to 10 days post-exposure. Assessments are conducted at baseline (T0), immediately post-exposure (Timm), and 30 minutes, 1, 2, 3, 4 hours, 7 days (T7d), and 10 days (T10d) post-exposure.
Change in Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL) measured by Vapometer	From baseline (immediately before laser exposure) to 10 days post-exposure. Assessments are conducted at baseline (T0), immediately post-exposure (Timm), and 30 minutes, 1, 2, 3, 4 hours, 7 days (T7d), and 10 days (T10d) post-exposure.

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: ChinaNorm

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): March 21, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): April 30, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): April 30, 2026

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: April 13, 2026
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: April 24, 2026
• First Posted (Actual): May 1, 2026

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): May 1, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: April 24, 2026
• Last Verified: April 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Other Study ID Numbers: R26000004

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No