Formulations Containing Curcumin or Trans-Resveratrol Increase Dermal Thickness in Rats Submitted to Chemical Peeling

Gisele Mara Silva Gonçalves,Erica Mendes Dos Santos,Pedro Paulo Barros,Gustavo Henrique Da Silva,Amanda Figlia Minutti

doi:10.4236/jcdsa.2017.71002

Gisele Mara Silva Gonçalves, Erica Mendes Dos Santos + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4236/jcdsa.2017.71002

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Abstract

Plant-derived substances such as curcumin and trans-resveratrol, both of which have anti-inflammatory properties, may have a beneficial effect on human skin. The present study analyzed the effects of topical formulations containing curcumin or trans-resveratrol on the recovery and rejuvenation of skin after chemical peeling. The study was performed on rats, randomly divided into seven groups of six animals each. Superficial peeling was performed using a 50% glycolic acid gel, which was applied to the dorsal region of each animal. Rats were then treated with the experimental formulations for 15 days. On the sixteenth day, skin samples were taken and mounted on slides for histological analysis. Statistical analysis showed that the formulation containing trans-resveratrol led to increased dermal and epidermal thickness, while the formulation containing curcumin had no effects on epidermal thickness. The increased epidermal thickness may reflect greater skin vitality, although this was not directly evaluated. The increase in dermal thickness may be attributed to greater collagen production, which may increase skin firmness and elasticity, and lead to skin rejuvenation as well as wrinkle reduction. Formulations containing curcumin or trans-resveratrol may have potential for the topical treatment after peeling and of sensitive skin, in addition to being used for their antiaging properties.

Highlights

Statistical analysis showed that the formulation containing transresveratrol led to increased dermal and epidermal thickness, while the formulation containing curcumin had no effects on epidermal thickness
The gel formulation used as vehicle for curcumin and trans-resveratrol was developed with common and simple substances that have been widely used in topical products
The choice of the skin of Wistar rats for this study was carried out based on previous studies on peeling which using damage induced by laser resurfacing procedure [29]

Summary

Introduction

Superficial peeling leads to desquamation, increased epidermal enzyme activity, epidermolysis and exfoliation [3]. The inflammatory process induced by chemical peeling can have uncomfortable side effects, such as pain, stinging and irritation, which may be unacceptable to some patients [4]. In the post-peeling period, patients often report stinging and desquamation of the skin exposed to the acid. The procedure increases skin exposure, so that patients must avoid all sunlight and use sunscreen even when indoors to prevent blemishes in the period intermediately following treatment [6]

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