515 A cosmetic formulation with nitric oxide synthase inhibitors shows improvement in facial erythema

Abstract

Facial Erythema (redness) can be a chronic inflammatory skin condition that is characterized by aberrations in immunological responses and cutaneous vasculature. Pathophysiological changes include elevated expression of cytokines, chemokines, impaired skin barrier function, vasodilation of blood vessels and increased blood flow. Elevated levels of pro- inflammatory cytokines and Nitric Oxide (NO), a key regulator in vasodilation of blood vessels, have been shown in individuals with persistent redness. Currently, there are very few topical formulations available that effectively improve facial redness. Here, we identified four active materials that significantly reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and Nitric Oxide Synthase in cultured normal human epidermal keratinocytes (HEKa) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). A cosmetic formulation containing these ingredients was clinically tested to evaluate visual improvement of facial redness in vivo. Twenty two subjects with persistent facial erythema applied the cream twice daily over 4 weeks. Evaluations from clinical grading revealed a significant reduction in overall facial redness after 4 weeks. In addition, infrared thermograph image analysis showed a significant reduction in skin temperature compared to baseline that correlated with facial redness. This cosmetic formulation effectively reduced facial erythema with improvements in overall reduction of redness and skin temperature.