GLASS LAB · Medical Aesthetics Evidence Index 303 cells · 19,226 papers · 5,969 top-tier evidence

Skin Quality · Photodamaged skin / texture

Ionzyme iontophoresis sonophoresis evidence for Photodamaged skin / texture

C 45.4 / 100 Supported 3 RCT/meta · 3 clinical/observational · 1 case · 16 total
Early-stage evidence

This is an early evidence stage based mainly on observational studies and case reports. Use it as supplementary reference, and follow your doctor's judgment for treatment decisions.

Grade combines the quantity and quality of the research, while direction is a separate signal showing how the papers assess effectiveness.

Includes meta-analysis/SR Median year 2024 Last 5 years 79% Positive results 47% Korea/Asia 1

Known in Korea as

이온자임

Procedure and brand names vary, but the evidence above applies to the same procedure mechanism.

Key papers

tier1 Physical drug delivery enhancement for aged skin, UV damaged skin and skin cancer: Translation and commercialization. Advanced drug delivery reviews · 2020 · PMID 32339593

Abstract summary (English) This review analyses physical drug delivery enhancement technologies with a focus on improving UV damaged skin, actinic keratoses and non-melanoma skin cancer treatment. In recent years, physical drug delivery enhancement has been shown to enhance cosmeceutical and skin cancer treatment efficacy, but there are pros and cons to each approach which we discuss in detail. Mechanisms of action, clinical efficacy,...

Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Systematic Review

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tier2 Efficacy of handheld iontophoresis device in enhancing transdermal vitamin C delivery: A split-face clinical trial. Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2022 · PMID 35094483

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: The stratum corneum of the epidermis is the principal barrier in topical drug delivery. Currently, iontophoresis is incorporated in dermatology management to increase transdermal drug delivery. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of handheld iontophoresis device in enhancing transdermal vitamin C delivery.

Clinical Trial, Journal Article

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tier2 Split-face study of topical 23.8% L-ascorbic acid serum in treating photo-aged skin. Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD · 2012 · PMID 22206077

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: L-ascorbic acid has been widely used to treat photo-aged skin. However, its aqueous formula is prone to oxidation. Therefore, a new formula that contains 23.8% L-ascorbic acid and a chemical penetration enhancer was developed.

Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

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tier2 Evaluation of histologic and electron microscopic changes after novel treatment using combined microdermabrasion and ultrasound-induced phonophoresis of human skin. Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy : official publication of the European Society for Laser Dermatology · 2008 · PMID 19012051

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Mechanical exfoliation using microdermabrasion has been used as a minimally invasive treatment of photodamage, as well as to improve absorption of topical agents. Phonophoresis, a method of electrically assisted percutaneous delivery of macromolecules, relies on ultrasonic waves producing alterations within the stratum corneum that result in increased absorption. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects on...

Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

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tier0_review Ionic liquids self-assembled micelles for transdermal delivery: characterization, functions and applications. International journal of pharmaceutics: X · 2025 · PMID 40688029

Abstract summary (English) Ionic liquid (ILs) self-assembled micelles (ILs-SAMs) are promising and effective drug delivery systems, which combine the merits of ILs and micelles. Herein, the properties, assembly, functions, and treatments of ILs-SAMs in transdermal drug delivery are summarized. This paper first reviews the fundamental concepts, classifications, assembly mechanisms, characterization techniques, and functional roles of ILs-SAMs.

Journal Article, Review

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tier0_review Recent Developments in Using Microneedle Patch Technology as a More Efficient Drug Delivery System for Treating Skin Photoaging. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology · 2024 · PMID 39498279

Abstract summary (English) Skin photoaging, resulting from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, is characterized by intricate biological changes involving oxidative damage and structural alterations. Despite an increasing demand for effective interventions, the current therapeutic options for treating skin photoaging are limited. We discovered through literature data search on PubMed that recent research has shifted its focus to...

Journal Article, Review

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tier0_review Microalgae Microneedle Supplies Oxygen for Antiphotoaging Treatment. ACS applied bio materials · 2023 · PMID 37161309

Abstract summary (English) UV exposure often triggers photoaging of the skin. Pharmacological treatment suffers from severe side effects as well as poor efficacy because of insufficient skin penetration. Dissolved oxygen has been previously shown to reverse photoaged skin; however, the treatment is often limited by the availability of equipment (e.g., high-pressure oxygen).

Journal Article, Review, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

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tier_other A Phosphorylated Zein-Carboxymethyl Chitosan Nanoparticle-Stabilized W/O/W Emulsion: Dual Delivery of Arbutin and Resveratrol for Antioxidant, Whitening, and Transdermal Applications. ACS applied bio materials · 2026 · PMID 41591284

Abstract summary (English) Skin barrier dysfunction and oxidative stress caused by aging and UV exposure often result in pigmentation and photoaging, necessitating safe and effective topical delivery systems. However, co-delivering hydrophilic and lipophilic bioactives remains challenging due to their divergent solubility and stability profiles. To address this, we developed a W/O/W multiple emulsion stabilized by biopolymer-based...

Journal Article

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tier_other Transdermal Silk-Recombinant Collagen Nanocomplexes with Synergistic Bioactivity. ACS biomaterials science & engineering · 2026 · PMID 41556265

Abstract summary (English) Hydrophilic macromolecules with versatile bioactivities have potential in regenerative medicine and cosmetics but are limited by their inferior transdermal capacity. Here, inspired by the transdermal capacity of silk nanofibers (SNF), recombinant collagen XVII (RCL), a model of hydrophilic macromolecules, was assembled with SNFs to form nanocomplexes. The nanostructures and sizes of the complexes could be controlled...

Journal Article

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tier_other Thermostable hyaluronic acid-based dissolving microneedles with high-loading capacity: design, optimization, and transdermal delivery of anti-aging ingredients. International journal of biological macromolecules · 2026 · PMID 41628877

Abstract summary (English) This study developed a thermostable, high-loading dissolving microneedle (DMN) system for the transdermal delivery of anti-aging ingredients, 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid (EAC) and acetyl hexapeptide-8 (AH-8). By using a composite matrix of hyaluronic acid (HA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) in a 3:2 ratio and optimizing a two-step vacuum-assisted micromolding process, we successfully addressed key fabrication challenges,...

Journal Article

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