Decrease In Transepidermal Water Loss Research Articles

Analysis of the effect of components of chemical peels based on lactic and mandelic acid on skin parameters

Up to now, research studies have compared various peeling substances affecting the skin, without taking into account the parameters responsible for the penetration and potency of the compounds. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of lactic acid and mandelic acid on hydration, melanin, sebaceous gland activity and the stratum corneum barrier. Equal concentrations of chemical peels, similar pH of the solutions, and the base enabled comparison of results. A series of treatments with lactic acid resulted in a decrease in transepidermal water loss, an increase in hydration levels and a reduction in sebaceous gland activity, as well as a significant drop in melanin levels. Mandelic acid applied in a series of four treatments resulted in a noticeable improvement in the appearance of the epidermis. The activity of the sebaceous glands also decreased significantly. The use of both, a series and a single treatment with mandelic acid, strengthened the epidermal barrier. Comparing a series of treatments and a single procedure it was found that the value of transepidermal water loss increased. The study demonstrated that whereas many carboxylic acids exhibit similarities, they also possess notable distinctions in their topical effects and medicinal applications.

The effectiveness of topical vitamin D3 for dry skin in elderly

Dry skin is one of the most common dermatoses found in the elderly. Vitamin D is an essential fat-soluble vitamin that has a role in repairing the skin barrier. Topical administration of vitamin D3 is expected to increase skin hydration in the elderly. Thirty-two participants were divided into two groups, namely 5000 IU vitamin D3 and the base lotion groups. The assessment was carried out by calculating the overall dry skin score (ODS), transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and skin capacitance every 4 wk for 12 wk. All groups showed an improvement in ODS, a decrease in TEWL, and an increase in skin capacitance value at the end of the measurement, and no significant side effects were reported. The 5000 IU vitamin D3 lotion group had the highest level of skin hydration compared to the other group (p>0,05). We conclude that the administration of 5000 IU vitamin D3 lotion may be administrated safely and improve skin hydration in the elderly but is not more effective than base lotion.

The study of tryptophol containing emulgel on fungal reduction and skin irritation

Tryptophol (TOH), a fungal quorum-sensing molecule, that possesses anti-fungal activities for controlling the growth of human pathogenic fungi. In the present study, we developed TOH-containing emulgel formulations and examined the antifungal activities and potential use as topical treatments on the skin. The results showed that TOH-containing emulgel at 1000 μM has excellent physical characteristics as homogenous, stability, and inhibits the growth of 30 species of human pathogenic fungi in vitro. TOH-containing emulgel did not cause skin irritation in mouse model of irritation and in healthy human volunteers. Moreover, an increase in skin hydration and a decrease in trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) were observed after TOH-containing emulgel treatment on human skin. Our findings indicated that TOH-containing emulgel can be utilize as an antifungal agent for topical treatment against fungal infections on the skin.

Effects of a lotion containing probiotic ferment lysate as the main functional ingredient on enhancing skin barrier: a randomized, self-control study

There is an emergent need to develop functional cosmetic ingredients for the topical management of skin barrier function. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a lotion containing fermented lysates VHProbi® Mix R for enhancing the skin barrier. In vitro studies demonstrated that fermented cultures of both Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus VHProbi® E06 (E06) and L. paracasei VHProbi® E12 (E12) had antioxidant capacity, showing promising scavenging capability for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl. The antioxidant capacity of these strains was also demonstrated in the model of Caenorhabditis elegans. In addition, the fermented lysates of both E06 and E12 enhanced the proliferation of HaCaT cells and ameliorated the toxicity induced by Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, hydrogen peroxide, and ultraviolet B radiation in the HaCaT cell models, which simulated the irritants that facial sensitive skin is exposed to. Subsequently, the ingredient VHProbi® Mix R was formulated using four kinds of fermented lysates: E06, E12, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum VHProbi® E15, and Lactobacillus helveticus VHProbi® Y21. A clinical study was conducted to investigate whether a lotion containing VHProbi® Mix R would be beneficial for people to enhance skin barrier. The participants were asked to use the investigational product for 30 days. Several indicators, including transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin moisturization, and redness were measured at day 0 and day 30 using VISIA®-CR and CK®-MPA systems. Meanwhile, the burden of sensitive skin (BoSS) and self-assessment questionnaires were performed at baseline and endpoint of this study. The study data showed that at day 30, there was a significant decrease in TEWL (P < 0.01), redness measured by CK®-MPA (P < 0.01), and redness profile measured by VISIA®-CR compared with the baseline measurements. Skin moisturization had significantly increased after treatment with the lotion for 30 days. BoSS and self-assessment questionnaires also substantiated that the participants felt a markedly positive change in their sensitive skin. Hence, we hypothesize that applying the topical functional VHProbi® Mix R could confer effective benefits for people with sensitive skin and this represents a promising intervention for enhancing skin barrier.

Effect of biomicroneedling and active ingredients on skin parameters in women with visible signs of ageing. Pilot study

The use of biomicro-needles, splinters derived from marine and freshwater sponges, is the subject of research worldwide. Their regenerative potential is due to their ability to form microchannels in the skin and persist for 72-120 hours. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of preparation based on biomicro-needles from the Spongilla spicules species on the skin parameters of women with visible signs of ageing. A significant improvement in skin hydration was demonstrated, as evidenced by a decrease in transepidermal water loss, an increase in hydration of the stratum corneum, or a statistically significant decrease in the echogenicity of the dermis. In addition, the thickness of the dermis increased significantly. A decrease in pH, an improvement in barrier function, and a visible reduction in hyperpigmentation,erythema, and wrinkles were demonstrated.

Efficacy of ceramide-containing sunscreen on skin barrier.

UV rays not only cause oxidative damage to the skin, but also damage its barrier function. The use of sunscreen is crucial in preventing skin from UV radiation, but it may have an impact on the function of the skin barrier. While much research has focused on the protective effects of sunscreen against UV oxidative damage, little is known about the impact of daily sunscreen use on the skin barrier. This study mainly investigated the changes in skin barrier function of volunteers (including those with sensitive skin) before and after using a ceramide-containing sunscreen. A total of 60 volunteers used SPF30 sunscreen containing ceramide every morning. Using non-invasive methods to detect skin barrier changes in TEWL, hydration, facial redness based on VISIA-CR image, and Erythema index (EI) value after 4 weeks of using ceramide-containing sunscreen. Adverse reactions were also assessed. After 4 weeks of using ceramide-containing sunscreen, significant reductions were observed in skin redness with both an 11.89% decrease in a* value and a 5.68% decrease in skin EI, while there was also a significant decrease in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) with a reduction of 22.96%, and a significant increase in skin hydration with a 21.96% increase in the moisture content of the stratum corneum. No adverse events occurred during the entire testing process. Daily application of ceramide-containing sunscreen can increase skin hydration while enhancing the function of the skin barrier.

Effects of oral intake fruit or fruit extract on skin aging in healthy adults: a systematic review and Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

In recent years, oral various fruits or supplements of fruits natural extracts have been reported to have significant anti-aging effects on the skin (1, 2), However, despite many studies on this topic, there is often no clear evidence to support their efficacy and safety. In this paper, we present a comprehensive review and Meta-analysis of the evidence for the safety and efficacy of oral fruits and fruits extracts in improving skin aging. Four databases, Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library (CENTRAL), were searched for relevant literature from 2000-01 to 2023-03. Seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of fruit intake or fruit extracts associated with anti-skin aging were screened for Meta-analysis. Compared to placebo, oral intake of fruit or fruit extracts showed significant statistical differences in skin hydration and transepidermal water loss (TEWL), with a significant improvement in skin hydration and a significant decrease in TEWL. No significant statistical difference was observed in minimal erythema dose (MED), overall skin elasticity (R2), or wrinkle depth, and no evidence of significant improvement in skin condition was observed. Meta-analysis results suggest that consume administration of fruits or fruit extracts significantly enhances skin hydration and reduces transcutaneous water loss, but there is insufficient evidence to support other outcome recommendations, including minimal erythema dose (MED), overall skin elasticity(R2), and wrinkle depth. PROSPERO (york.ac.uk), identifier CRD42023410382.

396 Rapid, substantial and sustained reduction of itch in adults with atopic dermatitis applying ruxolitinib cream 1.5% (SCRATCH-AD)

Abstract Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, recurring, highly pruritic inflammatory skin disease. The mechanical injury from scratching contributes to skin inflammation and barrier disruption, exacerbating the itch–scratch cycle, which perpetuates the disease. Ruxolitinib cream is a topical formulation of ruxolitinib, a selective Janus kinase (JAK) 1/JAK2 inhibitor, approved in the USA for the short-term and noncontinuous chronic treatment of mild to moderate AD in patients ≥12 years old whose disease is not adequately controlled with topical prescription therapies or when those therapies are not advisable. In two pivotal phase 3 trials (TRuE-AD1 and TRuE-AD2) in adolescents and adults with AD, ruxolitinib cream 1.5% demonstrated significant improvement in itch vs. vehicle cream, as early as 12 h after initial application. A phase 2, open-label, single-site study (SCRATCH-AD; NCT04839380) was undertaken to further understand the short-term clinical benefits of ruxolitinib cream to control pruritus and reduce disease severity in participants with AD. Participants enrolled in the study were aged 18–65 years with AD for ≥6 months, with chronic itch related to AD for ≥3 months, 1–20% affected body surface area (BSA), Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) of ≥2 and a peak pruritus numerical rating scale (PP-NRS) score ≥4 at baseline. Participants applied ruxolitinib cream 1.5% twice daily to all lesions identified at baseline and any new lesions for 28 days. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in PP-NRS at Day 2 (24 h after the first application of ruxolitinib cream). Secondary endpoints included change from baseline in modified PP-NRS (mPP-NRS; current itch intensity) at 15 and 30 min and at 1, 2, 4, 6 and 12 h post-treatment on Day 1, as well as change from baseline in PP-NRS from Days 3 through 29, change from baseline in IGA at Days 8, 15 and 29, and safety. The primary analysis included 46 participants in the modified intent-to-treat population. Median age (range) was 30 (18–64) years; 69.6% were female, and 89.1% were White. At baseline, mean (SD) affected BSA was 9.5% (4.94%), mean (SD) 7-day average PP-NRS score was 6.7 (1.36), mean (SD) pretreatment mPP-NRS score was 6.4 (1.72) and 89.1% had an IGA score of 3. The mean (SD) change from baseline in PP-NRS on Day 2 was –3.4 (1.85). The mean (SD) change from baseline in mPP-NRS at 15 min post-treatment was –2.3 (2.34), peaking at –4.2 (2.12) at 4 h post-treatment and was –3.1 (2.00) at 12 h post-treatment. The mean (SD) change from baseline PP-NRS continued to increase through Day 29 [–5.7 (1.60)]. The mean (SD) changes from baseline in IGA score on Days 8, 15 and 29 were –1.4 (0.73), –2.0 (0.87) and –2.2 (0.90), respectively. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were reported in 15/49 (30.6%) participants (none were serious); one participant had a treatment-related TEAE [grade 1 application site reaction (acne)]. No participant discontinued treatment due to TEAE. Lesional skin treated with ruxolitinib cream 1.5% twice daily showed substantial decrease in transepidermal water loss from a baseline mean (SD) score of 35.0 (17.47) to 13.1 (4.42) over 4 weeks, thus reaching similar levels to the nonlesional skin score of 12.7 (4.56) at Day 29. Participants with AD applying ruxolitinib cream 1.5% experienced rapid, substantial improvement in itch, which was sustained and further improved through 28 days of treatment. Itch reduction was observed as early as 15 min, and peak reduction was observed at 4 h after first cream application. These results further demonstrate the clinical benefits and are consistent with the established data on ruxolitinib cream as an effective, well-tolerated topical treatment for AD.

An oral French maritime pine bark extract improves hair density in menopausal women: A randomized, placebo‐controlled, double blind intervention study

Female pattern hair lossaffects females of all ages with a trend to increase after menopause. This disorder may have significant psychological impact and lead to anxiety and depression. In a single center, double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, the effects of oral Pycnogenol® intake (3 × 50 mg/day for a total of 6 months) on hair density, scalp microcirculation, and a variety of skin physiological parameters was studied in Han Chinese menopausal women (N = 76) in Shanghai, China. Measurements were taken at the beginning and after 2and 6months, respectively. Hair density was determined by digital photographs and further evaluated by Trichoscan software. Transepidermal water loss was measured by a humidity sensor in a closed chamber on the skin surface. Changes in microcirculation were detected as resting flux on the scalp by reflection photoplethysmography. Pycnogenol® intake significantly increased hair density by 30% and 23% after 2and 6months of treatment, respectively, as detected by Trichoscan® evaluation of digital photographs. Interestingly, photoplethysmography revealed that this beneficial effect was associated with a decrease in resting flux of the scalp skin, which might indicate an improvement of microcirculation. None of these effects were observed in the placebo taking group. In addition, a significant transient decrease of transepidermal water loss was observed in scalp skin under Pycnogenol,®but not placebo treatment. Oral intake of Pycnogenol® might have the potential to reduce hair loss in postmenopausal women.

The Use of Urea Cream for Hand Eczema and Urea Foam for Seborrheic Dermatitis and Psoriasiform Dermatoses of the Scalp.

Urea as an ingredient in topical skin applications can aid skin integrity and hydration and have keratolytic, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-pruritic effects. Skin conditions that urea-containing formulations have been utilized to treat include hand eczema/dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasiform dermatoses of the scalp. Two monocentric, simple blind, observational studies were carried out in healthy participants to examine the efficacy and safety of two urea-containing products in these skin conditions. Study 1 tested the actions of a commercially available 30% urea topical cream on hand eczema. The product was applied ≥2/day for 28 ±2 days. Transepidermal water loss, skin redness, skin hydration, and participant ratings of efficacy and qualities were assessed prior to first product application and on days 14 and 29. Study 2 tested the actions of a commercially available foaming product containing 10% urea on seborrheic dermatitis and scalp psoriasiform dermatoses. The product was applied ≥2/day for 28 ±2 days. Desquamation index and surface occupied by squames, analysis of extracted squames, microscopic assessment of scalp photos and participant ratings of product efficacy and qualities was carried out prior to first product application and on days 14 and 29. In Study 1 (n = 20 females), results showed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in transepidermal water loss, with an increase in hydration level of the upper skin layers, and a decrease in skin redness. In Study 2 (n = 13 females, 7 males), product use led to significant (p < 0.05) decreases in desquamation measures and dryness. In both studies, the majority of participants "agreed" or "slightly agreed" that the product had good efficacy and was easy to apply. No adverse reactions were reported. These findings point to the utility of urea in topically applied vehicles for hand eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasiform dermatoses.

Dupilumab significantly improves skin barrier function in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is characterized by abnormal skin lipids that are largely driven by hyperactivated type 2 immune responses. The antibody to the α-subunit of interleukin (IL)-4 receptor, dupilumab, was recently approved to treat AD and demonstrated strong efficacy. However, the role of dupilumab therapy in the regulation of skin barrier structure and function has not been fully explored. We have evaluated the content of lipids and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in lesional and non-lesional skin of adults and adolescents with moderate-to-severe AD over the course of 16-week treatment with dupilumab and compared those values with that of matched healthy volunteers. Dupilumab treatment provided a significant decrease in TEWL in AD lesions, lowering it almost to the levels seen in the skin of healthy subjects. Blocking IL-4/IL-13 signaling with dupilumab normalized lipid composition (decreased levels of ceramides with non-hydroxy fatty acids and C18-sphingosine and increased the level of esterified omega-hydroxy fatty acid-containing ceramides) and increased ceramide chain length in lesional as well as non-lesional stratum corneum of AD patients. Partial changes for these parameters were already observed after 2 weeks, with a full response achieved after 8 weeks of dupilumab treatment. Inhibition of IL-4/IL-13 signaling by dupilumab allows restoration of skin lipid composition and barrier function in patients with moderate-to-severe AD.

Efficacy of Pseudo-Ceramide-Containing Steroid Lamellar Cream in Patients with Mild to Moderate Atopic Dermatitis: A Randomized, Double-Blind Study.

IntroductionAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder involving decreased barrier function of the stratum corneum. This decrease, caused by a reduction in ceramide, the primary component of intercellular lipids in the stratum corneum, leads to a disturbance in the lamellar structure.MethodsWe developed a formulation (test cream) containing a steroid and synthetic pseudo-ceramide (SLE: N-(3-hexadecyloxy-2-hydroxypropyl)-N-2-hydroxyethyl hexadecanamide) that forms a lamellar structure on the skin after its application and drying. The formulation or control cream (a formulation containing a steroid but not pseudo-ceramide that does not form a lamellar structure) was applied twice daily for 2 weeks to the lesional area of 34 participants with mild to moderate AD symptoms.ResultsThe test cream showed a periodic structure with an interface space of approximately 8.2 nm in transmission electron microscopy and small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering, similar to the lamellar structure in the human stratum corneum. In the double-blind test, the anti-inflammatory effects of the test cream (n = 17) were comparable to those of the control cream (n = 17). In the test cream group, a significant increase in the stratum corneum moisture content (p < 0.01) and significant decrease in transepidermal water loss (p < 0.05) were observed at weeks 1 and 2 after application compared with those before application. No such change was observed in the control group.ConclusionThe results indicate that, even with a relatively short application period of 2 weeks, the test cream not only suppressed inflammation of the lesional area, but also improved the inherent barrier function of the stratum corneum, suggesting its potential as a treatment option for patients with AD.

Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf essential oil: Unraveling potential benefits on human skin

The essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf is widely used for the production of fragrances, cosmetics, and detergents. However, there is no information on the effects of formulations containing C. citratus essential oil (EOCC) on human skin. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of formulation containing EOCC on human skin physiology. The study involved participants of both sexes (n=12). Two areas (3 cm x 3 cm) were drawn on both forearms. One randomly chosen area was treated for 14 days, 2 times/day with polyacrylic acid gel containing 5% EOCC and the other was used as a control for the same time period. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL), hydration, epidermal lipids, and biomechanics were measured (D0 and D14). High resolution Sonography images were also obtained. Results revealed a significant decrease in TEWL, a significant increase in hydration, firmness and elasticity, and a decrease in lipids, in the areas treated with EOCC. Sonography showed an increase in echogenicity of the epidermis after applying the formulation indicating that the essential oil penetrates only the most superficial layers of the skin. Results also suggest that formulations containing EOCC are safe for topical application and can improve and protect human skin. Keywords: Cymbopogon citratus; essential oil; citral; lemongrass

Simvastatin cream alleviates dermal fibrosis in a rabbit ear hypertrophic scar model.

Hypertrophic scars (HTS) result from injury to the skin and represent a clinical burden with limited treatment options. Previously, we demonstrated that statin drugs could attenuate HTS formation, but convenient topical delivery and retention of these drugs at the wound site remains a challenge. Here, we aimed to develop a topical cream formulation that can deliver statin drugs simply and conveniently to reduce scar hypertrophy. We formulated creams containing 10% pravastatin, 2% simvastatin, and 10% simvastatin. We tested these creams for their ability to reduce scar hypertrophy and attenuate dermal fibrosis in a clinically relevant HTS wound model performed in rabbit ear skin. We also monitored trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) over the course of wound healing in order to understand the effects of statin treatment on epidermal barrier recovery. Of the three creams formulated, only application of 10% simvastatin cream significantly attenuated hypertrophy of resultant scars compared with vehicle cream application. Application of 10% simvastatin cream resulted in a decrease in macrophage and myofibroblast density at post-operative day 28 (POD28) harvest. Application of 10% simvastatin cream resulted in visible symptoms of dryness and increased TEWL at POD28, but subsequent withdrawal of statin cream treatment resulted in rapid alleviation of dryness and decrease in TEWL back to normal levels. Our data demonstrate that topical administration of 10% simvastatin cream antagonizes dermal fibrosis and reduces hypertrophy in an HTS model, and withdrawal of the cream enables recovery of epidermal barrier and resolution of skin dryness.

Efficacy and Safety of Topical Urea for Treatment Atopic Dermatitis as a Reference in the National Drugs Formulary

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronically relapsing skin disease that occurs most commonly during early infancy and childhood. One of the most important clinical features of AD which results from a dysfunctional epidermal barrier (EB) is very dry skin (xerosis). Moisturizers are often used as supplements to topical and/or systemic anti-inflammatory drugs in various types of skin conditions and disorders. Humectan, this class of moisturizer is used to improve the appearance and texture of skin by filling in the crevices between corneocytes. One of the humectant included in the list of the National Drugs Formulary that is needed and must be available at health service facilities as a reference in the implementation of National Health Insurance (NHI) is urea. The literature searches using Pubmed, Academia, Google scholar and published in the last 10 years. Urea is effectively increasing skin hydration as well as niacinamide, significantly reducing local Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) and stratum corneum (SC) hydration. Urea had a decrease in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) which was not significantly better than lanolin and ceramide. The ceramide had a lower mean Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score for irritation compared with the urea. More participants also preferred the ceramide-based cream over the urea. Urea is an effective and safe treatment although not as well as ceramide. Ceramide has been shown to be more effective and less irritating than urea. Ceramid can be quite expensive, while urea is a moisturizer that is easily found and accessible to the public.

Effect of Three-Week Vibrotherapy on Selected Skin Parameters of Thighs and Buttocks in Women with Cellulite

Background: Cellulite (gynoid lipodystrophy, panniculopathy) affects approximately 85% of women and is related to genetic and hormonal factors, diet, and low physical activity. Vibrotherapy is a promising method of physical therapy to help fight cellulite that has not been studied exhaustively yet. Materials and Methods: Sixty healthy women (age: 19–43 years) with cellulite of at least grade I on the Nurnberg–Muller scale were recruited. The participants were randomly assigned to four groups, receiving a series of 15 vibration treatments in a sitting or lying position for 30 or 60 min. Before and after the first and last treatment, selected skin parameters were measured with the use of Courage and Khazaka equipment. Results: Skin hydration and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) of thighs and buttocks differed significantly at all time points. Post hoc tests showed that each treatment caused a decrease in TEWL but no long-term effect was observed. For skin pH, a significant difference was observed between the measurements I and IV. The lying position caused a greater reduction in the value of the acid–base balance. Conclusions: A series of vibration treatments improved the hydration and pH of the skin. The treatments limited TEWL; however, no long-term effect was observed.

Effect of seasonal change on the biomechanical and physical properties of the human skin

In this study, the effect of one cycle of winter to summer seasonal transition on the mechanical and physical properties of skin was investigated in vivo. Fourteen healthy skin volunteers aged between 22 and 42 years were studied at the volar lower and upper arms. The findings indicate a 22.15% and 34.29% decrease in trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and the average epidermal roughness (AER), respectively. Also, improved skin properties were observed such as a 25.48% rise in average epidermal hydration (AEH), 22.59% in skin thickness, 38.64% and 21.92% in melanin and redness, respectively, as well as an 8.25% rise in its firmness and 23.14% in elasticity when strained with uniaxial deformations. An inverse correlation was established between TEWL and AEH with a linear relationship between stratum corneum roughness versus TEWL as well as thickness and hydration. Also, the skin firmness exhibited a direct proportionality with TEWL and an inverse correlation with skin hydration where these relationships were stronger in summer than in winter. Furthermore, time-dependent results demonstrated three-staged elastic, viscoelastic and creep deformations with high, moderate and low strain rates respectively at both anatomical locations. The winter season displayed lower skin firmness and elasticity of 0.37 mm and 0.04 mm compared to 0.40 mm and 0.06 mm in summer accordingly. Anatomically, the two arm regions displayed different results with the upper arm having more consistent results than the lower arm. These results will find relevance in sensor skins and exoskeletons in Medicare, robotic and military technologies as well as innovations in cosmetics and dermatology.

Efficacy of Heparinoid Cream Containing Pseudo-Ceramide for Remission of Atopic Dermatitis

PurposeAtopic dermatitis (AD) is characterized by chronic inflammation, which frequently recurs, is exacerbated, and enters remission. A maintenance remission period is important for AD patients. We developed a formulation for use during AD remission, containing heparinoid and pseudo-ceramide that forms a lamellar structure. We evaluated the allergen permeability and examined the formulation’s efficacy in maintaining remission in patients with AD.Materials and MethodsSeventeen AD patients applied a cream containing 0.3% heparinoid and pseudo-ceramide (test cream group, n = 10), or a general cream containing 0.3% heparinoid (control cream group, n = 7) to their arm for four weeks after inducing remission with the application of a steroid cream for two weeks.ResultsThe lamellar structure of the test cream was confirmed with small- and wide-angle x-ray scattering analysis and observation by transmission electron microscopy. The test cream inhibited the penetration of V8 protease significantly compared to the control cream in vitro. According to AD severity score by dermatologists, the effects remission maintenance of the test cream group were comparable to those of the control cream group. However, the test cream group had a significantly increased skin hydration value compared to the control cream group. A significant decrease in transepidermal water loss, an indicator of skin barrier function, was shown in the test cream group compared to the control cream group.ConclusionThe cream with lamellar structures containing heparinoid and pseudo-ceramides may inhibit allergen penetration. Moreover, skin properties improved during the remission period; thus, the formulation we developed was suitable for use during the AD remission period.

Clinical Evaluation of Topical Lotion Containing 2-Aza-8-Oxohypoxanthine on Skin Barrier Function against Water Loss

A clinical study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of 2-aza-8-oxohypoxanthine (AOH) on human skin in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, and split-face comparative trial. To this end, a topical lotion containing 0.1% of AOH and its placebo formulation were applied in 20 Japanese subjects (age: 41–58 years, average: 48.4 ± 4.7 years) to their faces daily for eight weeks. The moisture content in the stratum corneum and the trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) were measured at the beginning of the study and after eight weeks. The results obtained upon comparing the data of the two measuring points showed that the 0.1% AOH lotion caused a statistically significant larger decrease in TEWL after eight weeks. Moreover, the 0.1% AOH lotion produced a larger increase in the moisture content in the stratum corneum after eight weeks, although there was no statistical difference between the two formulations. These results clearly indicate that AOH is effective as a cosmetic agent with a skin barrier function against water loss.

Partially Hydrolysed Whey-Based Infant Formula Improves Skin Barrier Function.

Specific partially hydrolysed whey-based infant formulas (pHF-W) have been shown to decrease the risk of atopic dermatitis (AD) in infants. Historically, AD has been associated primarily with milk allergy; however, defective skin barrier function can be a primary cause of AD. We aimed to ascertain whether oral supplementation with pHF-W can improve skin barrier function. The effect of pHF-W was assessed on transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and antibody productions in mice epicutaneously exposed to Aspergillus fumigatus. Human primary keratinocytes were stimulated in vitro, and the expression of genes related to skin barrier function was measured. Supplementation with pHF-W in neonatal mice led to a significant decrease in TEWL and total IgE, but not in allergen-specific antibody levels. The whey hydrolysate was sufficient to decrease both TEWL and total IgE. Aquaporin-3 gene expression, linked with skin hydration, was modulated in the skin of mice and human primary keratinocytes following protein hydrolysate exposure. Skin barrier improvement may be an additional mechanism by which pHF-W may potentially reduce the risk of AD development in infants. Further human studies are warranted to confirm the clinical efficacy of these observations.