In a split-face study involving 22 adults, researchers analysed more than 3.8 million DNA methylation sites per sample over nine months. The treatment shifted age-associated DNA methylation patterns at 83.9% of the sites most strongly linked to skin ageing, while visible improvements included a median 38% reduction in brown spots one month after treatment, alongside improvements in skin texture and pigmentation. 

The authors suggest the findings provide the first in vivo evidence that non-ablative fractional laser treatment can remodel the skin’s epigenetic profile. However, they note that larger studies are needed to determine the long-term clinical significance of these molecular changes.