Cosmetic Treatment Research Articles

Hot Springs Cyanobacteria Endowed with Biological Activities for Cosmetic Applications: Evaluation of On-Site Collected Communities and Isolated Strains

Microbial communities growing around hot springs (bioglea), of which cyanobacteria are the main components, contribute to beneficial properties of thermal muds and often enter cosmetic treatment products. Bioglea is obtainable via alternative approaches to harvesting from nature: direct cultivation of whole communities and isolation and cultivation of the isolated strains. Cultivation represents a step towards industrial production, guaranteeing higher availability, quality and safety. In this work, the biochemical composition of natural and cultivated bioglea collected in different hot springs and of cyanobacterial strains isolated thereof was analysed. Lipophilic and hydrophilic extracts were tested for antimicrobial and radical scavenging activities and toxicity against Artemia salina. Higher antimicrobial activity was found in lipophilic than hydrophilic bioglea extracts and the opposite in isolates’ extracts. Thermal water extracts also showed some activity. No toxicity was observed. Bioglea radical scavenging activity positively correlated with carotenoids (lipophilic extracts) and phycobiliproteins (hydrophilic extracts). No correlation was observed for isolated strains. Cultivation at the 10 L scale of Chroococcidiopsis BIOG3 evidenced bioactivity changes with the growth phase and life cycle stage. From activity comparison, communities showed higher potential over single strains cultivation; however, further investigations should elucidate isolates’ full potential also by combining them into synthetic communities to simplify production and standardisation.

Efficacy of Oxybrasion and Cosmetic Acids on Selected Skin Parameters in the Treatment with Acne Vulgaris.

The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of an oxybrasion treatment applied alone and an oxybrasion treatment combined with cosmetic acids in improving acne-prone skin and selected skin parameters. A single-blind placebo study in a sample of 44 women diagnosed with acne vulgaris was conducted. Group A (n = 22) had a series of five oxybrasion treatments, while group B (n = 22) received a synergy of five oxybrasion treatments and a mixture of phytic, pyruvic, and lactic and lactic ferulic acids at 40% pH 1.4. Cosmetic treatments were performed every 14 days, and The Derma Unit SCC3 apparatus (Courage & Khazaka, Cologne, Germany) Sebumeter SM 815 and Corneometer CM825 and GAGS scale were used to check their effectiveness. A Bonferroni post hoc test showed that group A and B did not differ from each other in acne severity before treatment (p = 1.00). However, these samples differed significantly after treatment (p < 0.001), suggesting that combined treatment of oxybrasion and cosmetic acids has a better effect than oxybrasion alone. Also, two treatment conditions (before and after) were statistically different for groups A and B separately (p < 0.001), indicating a similar efficacy of both treatments on acne severity. Cosmetic treatments improved acne-prone skin and selected skin parameters. Better results were obtained by combining an oxybrasion treatment with cosmetic acids. The clinical trial with ID ISRCTN 28257448 approved this study.

Therapeutic effects of mesoderm introduction of compound glycyrrhizin injection on the treatment of rosacea.

This study aims to introduce compound glycyrrhizin injection for the treatment of rosacea by mesoderm therapy, and further analyze the therapeutic and aesthetic effects of this treatment method and its impact on the dermatological quality of life index, which provides new ideas and methods for cosmetic dermatology treatment of rosacea. The recruited rosacea patients were divided into Control group (n=58) and observation group (n=58) according to the random number table. The control group was treated with topical metronidazole clindamycin liniment, and the study group was additionally used mesoderm introduction of compound glycyrrhizin injection. The transepidermal water loss (TEWL), water content in corneum, and dermatology life quality index (DLQI) in rosacea patients were evaluated. Our results showed that the scores of erythema, flushing, telangiectasia, and papulopustule were significantly reduced in the observation group. In addition, the observation group significantly decreased TEWL and increased the water content of the stratum corneum. Furthermore, the observation group significantly reduced the DLQI of rosacea patients compared to the control group. The use of mesoderm therapy combined with compound glycyrrhizic acid has a therapeutic effect on facial rosacea and improves patient satisfaction.

Cohort profile: The Swedish Tattoo and Body Modifications Cohort (TABOO)

PurposeThe Swedish Tattoo and Body Modifications Cohort (TABOO) cohort was established to provide an infrastructure for epidemiological studies researching the role of tattoos and other body modifications as risk factors...

Gynecomastia: an uncommon, destabilizing condition of the male adolescent. our therapeutic choice.

Gynecomastia is the benign enlargement of breast's the glandular tissue in male population. Gynecomastia can involve fatty and/or glandular tissue. At the basis of pediatric gynecomastia there is a multifactorial imbalance in the ratio of estrogen to androgens tissue levels. In more than 95% of the cases gynecomastia development is idiopathic. Secondary causes of gynecomastia in adolescents are relatively rare (less than 5%) and may arise from uncommon pathological conditions. Gynecomastia is self-limited and regresses in 1-3 years in 84%, 47% and 20% of adolescents with mild, moderate and severe gynecomastia. The correct first line of therapy is observation and reassurance in the treatment of mild cases. In order to manage adolescent gynecomastia is advised to adopt a tailored therapy. Despite gynecomastia is a common condition only few adolescents need cosmetic or antalgic treatment. Medical therapy should be considered in patient with emotional distress or psychological limitation on normal activities. Finally, if gynecomastia does not go in remission after two years surgical procedures should be performed. The aim of this article is to be an updated discussion of pubertal gynecomastia in every way and report our surgical experience with a retrospective study. In conclusion surgical treatment of this condition is a quiet rare procedure but, in according to global literature we demonstrated that it is a safe surgery with low rate of complications.

An Analysis of Cosmetic Facial Injectable Treatment Content on TikTok.

TikTok (Culver City, CA) is a powerful and popular source of patient education. However, the lack of content regulation allows for the potential spread of medical misinformation. Analyze the source, content, quality, and reliability of TikTok posts regarding non-surgical cosmetic facial injectable treatments including Botox and fillers. The TikTok application was queried using 14 popular hashtags related to non-surgical facial injectable treatments. The top 25 search result videos from each hashtag were included in the analysis. Videos were categorized based on content creator and video type and descriptive metrics collected for each result. Educational videos were further analyzed for content quality using the validated modified DISCERN (mDISCERN) score and the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT) scales. Univariate and linear regression models were utilized for content analysis between groups. The included 340 videos totaled 306,552,644 views, 22,715,689 likes, 220,072 comments, and 352,614 shares. Most videos were uploaded by non-physician healthcare providers (n = 126, 37.1%), and patient experience (n = 130, 38.2%) was the most common video category. Healthcare team content creators had significantly lower median views, likes, comments, shares, and engagement when compared to non-healthcare team content (p<0.001). DISCERN scores for information reliability were significantly higher in physician-created videos than non-physician and non-physician health care provider created videos (2 vs. 1.5, p<0.001, 2 vs. 1.5 p=0.001 respectively). The overall quality of TikTok videos regarding non-surgical cosmetic facial injectable treatments was low, which may stem from a lack of content from physician content creators.

Photodynamic therapy combined with surgery versus Mohs micrographic surgery for the treatment of difficult-to-treat basal cell carcinoma: a retrospective clinical study

BackgroundMohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is the preferable surgery for difficult -to-treat basal cell carcinoma (BCC) but is an expensive, labor-intensive, and time-consuming technique. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of photodynamic therapy combined with surgery(S-PDT) versus Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) for the treatment of difficult-to-treat BCC.MethodsThis was a retrospective, comparative study. A total of 32 patients, 16 patients with 48 lesions, were treated with S-PDT, and the other 16 patients with 17 lesions treated by MMS were enrolled in this study. Follow-up was at least 36 months posttreatment.ResultsThe recurrence rate was no statistical difference between the S-PDT and MMS (p = 1.000, Fishers exact test). The median follow-up was 42.5 months (range 36–63 months). The mean healing time in the S-PDT [17.9 d (SD 9.8)] is longer than in MMS [7.5 d (SD 1.5)] during follow-up (p＜.001, Independent T-test). On the whole, the cosmetic outcome of patients in S-PDT was statistically no significant difference with that in MMS according to a 4-point scale (p = .719, chi-squared test).ConclusionsS-PDT is a safe, effective, and novel cosmetic treatment, which holds the potential to be an alternative treatment to MMS for some cases.

Pengolahan Ampas Kopi Arabika (Coffea arabica L.) menjadi Masker Face Pack Powder di Desa Punggur Besar, Kuburaya

Cosmetics are preparations that are popularly used. Face pack is claimed to rejuvenate the skin and remove dirt and excess oil on the skin. Coffee grounds in Punggur Besar Village have only been thrown away and become waste, so a new breakthrough is needed to process coffee grounds so that they can be utilized and not wasted. This PKM activity will be carried out offline using the Health protocol. The purpose of the Community Service Program (PKM) is product innovation by utilizing coffee grounds waste into masks. This PKM activity began with making masks in the laboratory, training activities for making coffee grounds face packs including exposure of material on cosmetic face pack powder treatments, training with health protocols with the number of participants limited to 20 people with a room capacity of 50 people, exposure on labels and face packaging. pack powder, discussion and question and answer. Evaluation and monitoring activities are carried out using a questionnaire (pretest and post-test). The results of the activity showed significant differences in the results of the questionnaire analysis before and after the activity on each question item. The PKM activity targeting PKK women in Punggur Besar Village succeeded in increasing the ability of PKK women in utilizing coffee grounds waste into face pack powder masks. The next activity is expected to be able to provide assistance so that the resulting product obtains a distribution permit so that the coffee grounds face pack powder product can be marketed with a wider market share.

Dermatological Management of Aged Skin

The subject of the work concerns the dermatological management of patients mainly with aged skin. The purpose of the work was to present the basic techniques and preparations which are performed by dermatologists in the treatment of aged skin. There are dermatological treatments related to the treatment of skin diseases and cosmetic treatments which are mainly related to skin care. In this work, the method of literature research was applied. On the basis of books and journal articles on dermatological and cosmetic procedures for aged skin, an analysis of treatment types was made. Then, the results of this analysis were presented in the paper under discussion. The paper presents information on the skin and its properties. The structure and functions of the skin, aging processes and characteristics of aged skin were discussed. Then, the possibilities of reducing the visible signs of skin aging through the use of invasive and non-invasive dermatological and cosmetological treatments were given, and the most important components of preparations used supportively in combating skin aging processes were discussed.

Management of Severe Botulinum-Induced Eyelid Ptosis With Pre-tarsal Botulinum Toxin and Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride 0.1.

Eyelid ptosis following periocular onabotulinumtoxinA (BoNT-A) treatment is a known complication which can be frustrating for both patients and practitioners. Iatrogenic blepharoptosis occurs due to local spread of the BoNT-A from the periocular region into the levator palpebrae superioris muscle; while injectors should have a thorough understanding of the relevant anatomy in order to prevent it, BoNT-A induced ptosis can occur even in the most experienced hands. To describe a case series of patients effectively treated with Oxymetazoline HCl 0.1% and pre-tarsal BoNT-A injections in the setting of botox-induced ptosis. Eight patients were included who underwent recent cosmetic BoNT-A treatment preceding the sudden onset of unilateral upper eyelid ptosis. A diagnosis of severe ptosis (>3 mm) was made in all the cases in this series. Pre-tarsal BoNT-A injections alone or in association with topical administration of Upneeq eyedrops (Upneeq, Osmotica Pharmaceuticals, Marietta, GA) significantly reversed the ptosis in all treated cases. This is the first documented case series of patients effectively treated with Oxymetazoline HCl 0.1% and pre-tarsal BoNT-A injections in the setting of botox-induced ptosis. This treatment combination is a safe and effective option in these cases.

Skin Microbiota: Setting up a Protocol to Evaluate a Correlation between the Microbial Flora and Skin Parameters.

The concept of skin microbiota is not really clear and more accurate approaches are necessary to explain how microbial flora can influence skin biophysical parameters in healthy individuals and in pathology patients with non-infectious skin disease. The aim of this work is to provide a suitable, fast and reproducible protocol to correlate skin parameters with the composition of skin microbiota. For this purpose, the work was split into two main phases. The first phase was focused on the selection of volunteers by the administration of a specific questionnaire. The skin microbiota was then collected from the forehead of selected volunteers as a test area and from the shoulder as control area. On the same skin area, the biophysical parameters, such as trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), sebum level (SL), porphyrin intensity, keratin content and stratum corneum water content were taken. All parameters were taken at t0 and after 15 days without changes in the volunteers' lifestyle. A strong correlation was found between forehead and shoulder area for porphyrin intensity, pH and TEWL parameters, and between Cutibacterium acnes and some biophysical parameters both in the forehead and the shoulder area. The procedural setup in this work represents the starting point for evaluating problematic skins and the efficacy of cosmetic products or treatment against skin dysbiosis.

Botulinum neurotoxin is both poison and medicine: botulinum therapy and iatrogenic botulism

Botulinum neurotoxin is the most potent poison known worldwide. Over the past two centuries, its structure and functions have been studied in detail, and obtained in its pure form. Knowledge of the mechanisms of action of botulinum neurotoxin has determined two directions of its possible use: negative, as a biological (toxin) weapon, and positive, as an agent that eliminates pathological muscle hypertonicity and neuropathic pain and can be used for aesthetic purposes (beauty injections).&#x0D; The lecture presents the chronological development of both directions and provides a detailed analysis of the various uses of botulinum neurotoxin as a medical and cosmetic treatment. Particular attention is paid to the side effects of botulinum therapy and ways to overcome them.

Direct and Indirect Roles of Men in Determining Women Decision to Use Laser Procedures for Skin Care.

Laser procedures for skin care is becoming increasingly popular and used by the global community and affect many aspects of human life. However, there is very little research on the role of men in women's decision to follow this dermatological procedure. This study aimed to identify the role of men in motivating women to choose laser-based procedure. A systematic literature review research design was applied in this study. A total of 27 papers were obtained by searching PubMed Central for the 2013-2022 editions. The extraction of samples and the motivation of patients or research respondents in choosing laser procedures for cosmetic treatments were conducted to obtain clues about the role of men in making these decisions. Only six studies explicitly reveal the role of men as motivators of women to perform laser-based dermatological procedures. Four of these six studies were conducted in Asia in countries with a high degree of collectivism. The remaining two studies reveal a minor role for men in women's motivation to choose dermatological procedures. Other studies only indirectly implicate the role of men through intrasexual competition, increased self-esteem, and the needs of the world of work. Limitations of the study lies in the non-specificity of the study sample in the female population, laser-based treatments, and the role of men in motivating women. The role of men in motivating women to perform laser-based skin care procedures is stated explicitly in collectivist cultures while only implicitly in individualist cultures. These findings indicate that the strategy of utilizing the added value of men to laser treatment procedures should be directed at the relationship between men and women in real terms in collective cultured countries.

A Study on the Perception, Risk Perception Change and Satisfaction of Eyebrow Semi-permanent Makeup before and after Eyebrow Henna Cosmetic Treatment

This study attempted to compare the perception, future experience, and risk perception of eyebrow semi-permanent makeup by using henna cosmetics to subjects who have no experience of eyebrow semi-permanent makeup, reflecting the psychology that has the highest experience frequency and makes a strong impression. The purpose of this study is to propose a plan to lower the risk perception factor of customers as a result of this study, and to increase the accessibility and satisfaction of semi-permanent makeup as data for expanding the market of semi-permanent makeup in industrial terms. It is hoped that, through the results of this study, the perception of semi-permanent makeup for eyebrows will be identified, and risk perception factors will be removed to increase accessibility and satisfaction with semipermanent makeup, so that the data could be utilized to expand the market for semi-permanent makeup from an industrial point of view. It is also desirable if researches could be performed in various ways with an aim to legislate semi-permanent makeup.

Clinical-Instrumental Assessment of A Daily Cosmetic Regimen in Ensuring Improved Skin Barrier and Tolerability in Sensitive Skin Undergoing Acne Treatment: A Prospective Open Trial

Introduction Sensitive skin is common in acne patients. In these subjects, it is important to adopt, whenever possible, a multi-product holistic protocol approach to reduce acne lesions, improve skin barrier function and ensure good tolerability profile with the final goal of good treatment adherence. Study Aim The aim of this clinical trial was to evaluate the tolerability and efficacy of a cosmetic protocol regimen in improving facial skin conditions in subjects with sensitive and acne-prone skin. The cosmetic holistic treatment was based on the use of a specific cleanser (Biretix Cleanser) with antimicrobial activity (biopep15); a topical anti-acne product in gel formulation containing two retinoid molecules (RetinSpere® technology: hydroxy pinacolone retinoate and retinol encapsulated in glycospheres) with additional anti-inflammatory (niacinamide), antibacterial (biopep15) and keratolytic (glycolic and salicylic) activities; and a cream for adjuvant skin care (Biretix Hydramat) featuring hydrating, seboregulating and barrier renewal actives.The use of this complete cosmetic protocol (based on purify, treat, and care steps) could be particularly effective in the treatment of subjects with sensitive and acne-prone skin where treatment products can often cause excess dryness and irritation leading to lack of patient compliance and adherence. Subjects and Methods The study was carried out on 20 women, aged 18-45 years, with sensitive and acne prone skin. Subjects cleansed and applied the adjuvant cream twice daily, morning and evening, and used the treatment cream in the evening and the cream for the skin care both in the morning and in the evening. The primary outcome of the study was the evaluation of the tolerability and acceptability of the cosmetic treatment regimen. Secondary outcomes were the evaluation of the efficacy of the regimen on acne lesions, sebum production, skin barrier function and skin hydration. Instrumental evaluations were carried out by means of non-invasive bioengineering techniques. Skin sebum levels were measured using Sebumeter® method (Sebumeter 815, Courage+Khazak GmbH). Trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) was measured by means of the internationally recognized TEWAMETER® method (Tewameter 300® Courage+Khazaka, electronic GmbH). Skin moisturization was evaluated by means of Corneometer®. Visia® pictures were taken at baseline and after treatments to evaluate acne lesions. Results The Tested products were well tolerated by all the subjects. No adverse reactions or adverse events related to the cosmetic treatment were observed during the study. A significant reduction was observed in sebum production (-30%) at the end of treatment period. Skin barrier function significantly improved: TEWL was reduced by 9% at week 6. The products significantly improved skin moisturization with an increase of 20% at week 6 in comparison with baseline. Finally, this regimen significantly reduced non inflammatory acne lesions by 26% at week 6 in comparison with baseline.

The smile and emotional expression: practical application of a lip and perioral assessment scale

Background: Lip enhancement continues to be one of the most frequently requested minimally invasive cosmetic treatments. Balancing anatomical considerations and objective measurements with individuals’ differences in aesthetics preferences can present unique challenges. Objectives: Identify key characteristics that contribute to lip and perioral aesthetics and providing practical insights into the real-world use of the recently published Lip and Perioral Assessment Scale. Methods: This work comprised four stages. The establishment of an International multidisciplinary collaborative group of eight experts to discuss current clinical practices with respect to lip and perioral enhancement. A practitioner survey to assess the experiences, perceptions, and opinions of a wider group of clinicians (N=40). A hybrid focus group, chaired by two of the experts, to establish considerations best practice approaches to patient assessment in the Asia-Pacific Region. Practical application of a Lip and Perioral Assessment Scale. Results: Consensus opinion from experienced injectors in the Asia Pacific Region supports the need to consider a wide variety of factors contributing to smile anatomy and aesthetics. Best practices approaches encompass (1) accounting for underlying structures, soft tissues and the impact of aging on smile anatomy, (2) understanding the relative contributions of the teeth and gingiva, lip proportions and skin quality to smile aesthetics and (3) the value of a systematic approach to patient assessment. Conclusions: Clear communication between patients and injectors is vital to establish achievable goals and realistic expectations. Systematic assessment that accounts for a wider array of variables than lip volume may facilitate a more individually tailored approach.

Therapeutic properties and pharmacological activities of asiaticoside and madecassoside: A review.

Centella asiatica is an ethnomedicinal herbaceous species that grows abundantly in tropical and sub-tropical regions of China, India, South-Eastern Asia and Africa. It is a popular nutraceutical that is employed in various forms of clinical and cosmetic treatments. C. asiatica extracts are reported widely in Ayurvedic and Chinese traditional medicine to boost memory, prevent cognitive deficits and improve brain functions. The major bioactive constituents of C. asiatica are the pentacyclic triterpenoid glycosides, asiaticoside and madecassoside, and their corresponding aglycones, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Asiaticoside and madecassoside have been identified as the marker compounds of C. asiatica in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and these triterpene compounds offer a wide range of pharmacological properties, including neuroprotective, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-allergic, anti-depressant, anxiolytic, antifibrotic, antibacterial, anti-arthritic, anti-tumour and immunomodulatory activities. Asiaticoside and madecassoside are also used extensively in treating skin abnormalities, burn injuries, ischaemia, ulcers, asthma, lupus, psoriasis and scleroderma. Besides medicinal applications, these phytocompounds are considered cosmetically beneficial for their role in anti-ageing, skin hydration, collagen synthesis, UV protection and curing scars. Existing reports and experimental studies on these compounds between 2005 and 2022 have been selectively reviewed in this article to provide a comprehensive overview of the numerous therapeutic advantages of asiaticoside and madecassoside and their potential roles in the medical future.

Double Standards and Inconsistencies in Access to Care—What Constitutes a Cosmetic Treatment?

This Viewpoint examines the inconsistencies in classification of cosmetic vs medical care and offers potential solutions to the issue of payers not providing coverage for skin conditions that have psychosocial effects.

Being friendly to the skin microbiome: Experimental assessment

Both academia and dermatological and cosmetic industries have acknowledged that healthy skin microbiota contribute to overall skin integrity and well-being. This implies that formulations developed for personal care (skin, scalp, hair etc) or (medical and cosmetic) treatment need to be compatible with microbiota conservation or possibly even improvement. The various chemical and biological components and mixtures thereof intended for direct application to the skin should not extensively affect the qualitative and quantitative composition of the skin microbiota. A compound should promote beneficial microbes and inhibit pathogens. Compounds but also final products could be considered at least theoretically “microbiome friendly” while in some cases changes to the microbiota may even be considered beneficial. An important hurdle lies in the practical and methodological approaches to be used for defining microbiota inertia of compounds and formulations. Clear guidelines for assessing microbiome friendliness are lacking. We propose three testing concepts that may help to define microbiome friendliness based on the assessment of minimal microbiota perturbation and possibly elimination of potential pathogens. Methods to prove microbiome friendliness should ultimately be based upon (metagenomic rather than amplicon-based) next generation sequencing of naive versus compound- or final product-exposed skin microbiota in vivo, but preferably also including in vitro and ex vivo pre-screening methodologies to build an understanding of their consequences. As in many domains of microbiome research, the development of experimental process controls and internal standards, which are essentially lacking to date, should be taken as a future prerequisite. There is also a requirement from regulatory agencies to define and harmonize acceptance criteria.

Informed consent in medical aesthetics

Cara Docherty and Natalie McCartney advise on the importance of obtaining informed consent prior to cosmetic treatments and offer guidance on the consent process