Post acne erythema (PAE) is a common sequalae in many acne patients. This is due to wound healing-related dilatory changes in microvascular structures such as the microcapillary plexus in the very superficial dermis which are not detectable by the naked eye as visible telangiectasia but as general redness. Lesions appear as telangiectatic and erythematous macules which result from skin inflammation.
Oxymetazoline is a synthetic, direct acting, imidazoline type, sympathomimetic agonist with potent vasoconstricting action that is highly selective for alpha 1 adrenoreceptors and partially selective for alpha 2 adrenoreceptors. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic agent that decrease erythema by repressing proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNFα) and angiogenesis.
Skin micro-needling is a technique that involves repeated puncturing of the skin using sterilized microneedles to create micro channels with minimal damage to the epidermis leading to the production of growth factors, which help to facilitate skin healing and repair. These micro channels also facilitate the absorption of topically applied drugs.