Facial Skin Appearance Research Articles

Thread Embedding Acupuncture Inhibits Ultraviolet B Irradiation-Induced Skin Photoaging in Hairless Mice.

Thread embedding acupuncture (TEA) is an acupuncture treatment applied to many diseases in Korean medical clinics because of its therapeutic effects by continuous stimulation to tissues. It has recently been used to enhance facial skin appearance and antiaging, but data from evidence-based medicine are limited. To investigate whether TEA therapy can inhibit skin photoaging by ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation, we performed analyses for histology, histopathology, in situ zymography and western blot analysis in HR-1 hairless mice. TEA treatment resulted in decreased wrinkle formation and skin thickness (Epidermis; P = 0.001 versus UV) in UVB irradiated mice and also inhibited degradation of collagen fibers (P = 0.010 versus normal) by inhibiting proteolytic activity of gelatinase matrix-metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). Western blot data showed that activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) induced by UVB (P = 0.002 versus normal group) was significantly inhibited by TEA treatment (P = 0.005 versus UV) with subsequent alleviation of MMP-9 activation (P = 0.048 versus UV). These results suggest that TEA treatment can have anti-photoaging effects on UVB-induced skin damage by maintenance of collagen density through regulation of expression of MMP-9 and related JNK signaling. Therefore, TEA therapy may have potential roles as an alternative treatment for protection against skin damage from aging.

Influence of skin ageing features on Chinese women's perception of facial age and attractiveness

ObjectivesAgeing leads to characteristic changes in the appearance of facial skin. Among these changes, we can distinguish the skin topographic cues (skin sagging and wrinkles), the dark spots and the dark circles around the eyes. Although skin changes are similar in Caucasian and Chinese faces, the age of occurrence and the severity of age-related features differ between the two populations. Little is known about how the ageing of skin influences the perception of female faces in Chinese women. The aim of this study is to evaluate the contribution of the different age-related skin features to the perception of age and attractiveness in Chinese women.MethodsFacial images of Caucasian women and Chinese women in their 60s were manipulated separately to reduce the following skin features: (i) skin sagging and wrinkles, (ii) dark spots and (iii) dark circles. Finally, all signs were reduced simultaneously (iv). Female Chinese participants were asked to estimate the age difference between the modified and original images and evaluate the attractiveness of modified and original faces.ResultsChinese women perceived the Chinese faces as younger after the manipulation of dark spots than after the reduction in wrinkles/sagging, whereas they perceived the Caucasian faces as the youngest after the manipulation of wrinkles/sagging. Interestingly, Chinese women evaluated faces with reduced dark spots as being the most attractive whatever the origin of the face. The manipulation of dark circles contributed to making Caucasian and Chinese faces being perceived younger and more attractive than the original faces, although the effect was less pronounced than for the two other types of manipulation.ConclusionThis is the first study to have examined the influence of various age-related skin features on the facial age and attractiveness perception of Chinese women. The results highlight different contributions of dark spots, sagging/wrinkles and dark circles to their perception of Chinese and Caucasian faces.RésuméObjectifsLe vieillissement entraine des changements caractéristiques de l'apparence de la peau du visage. Parmi ces changements on distingue les éléments topographiques (relâchement de la peau et rides), les taches brunes et les cernes sur le contour de l'œil. Bien que ces modifications cutanées avec l'âge soient similaires pour les visages caucasiens et chinois; leur âge d'apparition et leur degré de sévérité varient entre ces deux populations. Il y a très peu d'informations disponibles liées à l'influence du vieillissement cutané sur la perception des visages féminins par les femmes chinoises. L'objectif de cette étude est d'évaluer la contribution des différents signes de vieillissement à la perception de l'âge et d'attirance chez ces femmes.MethodesDes photos de visages de femmes caucasiennes et chinoises d'environ 60 ans ont été manipulées de façon à réduire séparément les signes suivants: (i) le relâchement de la peau et les rides, (ii) les taches brunes, et (iii) les cernes. Enfin, tous les signes ont été atténués ensemble (iv). Des participantes chinoises ont estimé, à partir de ces photos, l'écart d'âge entre la version originale et chaque version modifiée; elles ont également évalué l'attirance des visages originaux et modifiés.ResultatsLes femmes chinoises ont jugé les visages chinois plus jeunes après correction des taches qu'après correction des rides/relâchement, alors que les visages caucasiens ont été perçus les plus jeunes après correction des rides/relâchement. Les femmes chinoises ont jugé que les visages avec correction des taches étaient les plus attirants quelle que soit l'origine du visage. La manipulation des cernes a entraîné un rajeunissement des 2 types de visages et les a rendus plus attirants, même si l'effet observé était moindre que pour les autres corrections.ConclusionIl s'agit de première étude qui examine l'influence de plusieurs signes de vieillissement cutanés sur la perception de l'âge et de l'attirance des visages par les femmes chinoises. Les résultats mettent en évidence que les taches, les rides/relâchement et les cernes contribuent différemment à leur perception des visages chinois et caucasiens.

Improvement in facial skin appearance by a cosmetic treatment regimen with skin energizing technology: A full face clinical study

Improvement in facial skin appearance by a cosmetic treatment regimen with skin energizing technology: A full face clinical study

Comparison of improvements in facial skin appearance among women in 2 different age groups after cosmetic moisturizer treatments

Comparison of improvements in facial skin appearance among women in 2 different age groups after cosmetic moisturizer treatments

Improvement in facial skin appearance by a cosmetic treatment regimen: A case study in identical twins

Improvement in facial skin appearance by a cosmetic treatment regimen: A case study in identical twins

Cosmetic Acupuncture to Enhance Facial Skin Appearance: A Preliminary Study

Moisturising of the skin is recognised as the first anti-ageing skin care.1 However, with changes in office environments in recent years, such as widespread heating and cooling, more people have dry skin.2 The balance of the water content, oil content and natural moisturising factors in the stratum corneum are important factors in maintaining moisturisation.3 Recently, cosmetic acupuncture has been catching the attention of increasing numbers of women who want to enhance their beauty and health, especially by revitalising and rejuvenating the facial skin.4,–,7 However, a search of PubMed found no studies using scientific methodology. To explore whether acupuncture can modulate the water and oil content of the skin, this study was designed as a preliminary experimental study with a crossover …

Cardiovascular Complications of Cutis Laxa Syndrome

Cutis laxa syndrome is a rare inherited connective tissue disorder characterized by inelastic loose hanging skin, which gives the appearance of premature aging. Histology shows degenerative changes in the elastic fibers of the connective tissue throughout the body. Severe aortic dilatation may occur because of medial elastic fiber degeneration. We report the case of a 27-year-old man with a confirmed diagnosis of cutis laxa syndrome. The patient, of Albanian ethnic origin, had no family history of the disease and no consanguinity between parents. All siblings, 4 brothers and 3 sisters, are well and free of disease. He was asymptomatic, but because of his loose facial skin and senile appearance (Figure 1), he consulted a dermatologist concerning having plastic surgery on his face, which he subsequently had performed. The dermatologist suspected cutis laxa and referred him for a full assessment of his condition. Figure 1. Physical appearance of the patient. Aged appearance with wrinkly skin on the dorsal aspect of the arms ( A ), neck ( B ), and back ( C ). His ECG showed sinus rhythm with no rhythm or conduction disturbance. Chest x-ray (Figure 2A) showed abnormalities …

Improvement of facial skin characteristics using copper oxide containing pillowcases: a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel, randomized study

Copper plays a key role in several processes of skin formation and regeneration. Copper has been shown to be absorbed through intact skin. We hypothesized that sleeping on fabrics containing copper-impregnated fibres would have a positive cosmetic effect on the skin. The aim of this study was to confirm our hypothesis. A 4-week, double blind, parallel, randomized study was carried out in which 57 volunteers aged 40-60 years used either copper oxide containing pillowcases (0.4% weight/weight) or control pillowcases not containing copper. Photographs were taken by a professional photographer of each participant at the beginning of the study and at 2 and 4 weeks after the commencement of the study. Two expert graders (a dermatologist and a cosmetologist) evaluated the pictures for the effect on several cosmetic facial skin characteristics. The copper-containing pillowcases had a positive effect for the following facial characteristics: reduction of wrinkles (P < 0.001) and crow's feet/fine lines (P < 0.001) and improvement of general appearance (P < 0.001) at both 2 and 4 weeks. The differences were statistically significant (Wilcoxon scores and chi-squared tests). Consistent sleeping for 4 weeks on copper oxide containing pillowcases caused a significant reduction in the appearance of facial wrinkles and crow's feet/fine lines and significant improvement in the appearance of facial skin. In most trial participants, this effect was already noticeable within 2 weeks of using the copper oxide containing pillowcases.

Effects of 0.1% copper–zinc malonate-containing cream on dermal connective tissues

Cutaneous aging is a complex biological process in which alterations resulting from both innate aging and photodamage are superimposed in the sun-exposed areas of skin. Profound changes have been demonstrated in the dermal connective tissues, among them the elastic fibers that provide physiologic properties of elasticity and resilience to the normal skin. In innate aging there is loss of elastic fibers, while in sun-damaged skin there is massive accumulation of elastotic material that has, however, lost the functional elastic properties. As a result of these changes, combined with other extracellular matrix alterations, skin becomes loose and sags with loss of recoil with advancing age. A bimetal, 0.1% copper–zinc malonate-containing cream (ELASTIderm™, Obagi Medical Products), has recently been shown to improve the appearance of sun-damaged facial skin when applied twice daily for up to 6–8 weeks. This improvement was accompanied by repair of the elastic fiber network. While the precise mechanisms of the...

Pores-Preserving Face Cleaning Based on Improved Empirical Mode Decomposition

In this paper, we propose a novel method of cleaning up facial imperfections such as bumps and blemishes that may detract from a pleasing digital portrait. Contrasting with traditional methods which tend to blur facial details, our method fully retains fine scale skin textures (pores etc.) of the subject. Our key idea is to find a quantity, namely normalized local energy, to capture different characteristics of fine scale details and distractions, based on empirical mode decomposition, and then build a quantitative measurement of facial skin appearance which characterizes both imperfections and facial details in a unified framework. Finally, we use the quantitative measurement as a guide to enhance facial skin. We also introduce a few high-level, intuitive parameters for controlling the amount of enhancement. In addition, an adaptive local mean and neighborhood limited empirical mode decomposition algorithm is also developed to improve in two respects the performance of empirical mode decomposition. It can effectively avoid the gray spots effect commonly associated with traditional empirical mode decomposition when dealing with high-nonstationary images.

Video‐based analysis for facial skin appearance with automatic face tracking

AbstractIn this article, a video‐based analysis for facial skin appearance with an automatic face tracking technique is proposed. The change of skin appearance under various illuminations is observed by illuminating the face from various light source positions, and the changes in facial appearance are recorded as a video stream during this measurement. The recorded video stream is then analyzed to obtain the bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) at each position of the facial skin. Automatic face tracking is necessary to compensate the facial movement in order to obtain an accurate BRDF measurement at each position. Since conventional face tracking techniques cannot be used for a face illuminated from various light source positions, a new face tracking technique that is robust to the various face shadings has been developed. Experimental studies show the effectiveness of both the proposed video‐based analysis technique and the automatic face tracking technique. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 33, 477–484, 2008

Rejuvenating Influence of a Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid–Based Gel of Nonanimal Origin on Facial Skin Aging

BACKGROUND Skin changes associated with aging, such as loss of elasticity and turgor, can have a negative psychosocial impact. Current treatment options aimed at restoring elasticity are often ineffective or hampered by a poor risk/benefit ratio. OBJECTIVE Clinical observations and biophysical measurements were used to assess the effect of middermal placement of stabilized hyaluronic acid–based gel of nonanimal origin (NASHA, Restylane, Vital, Q-Med) on the appearance and elasticity of facial skin. METHODS AND MATERIALS In this pilot study, 19 female patients underwent a series of three treatment sessions, spaced 4 weeks apart, with NASHA injected into the lower cheeks. Elasticity, skin surface roughness, dermal thickness, and density were evaluated at each treatment session and at 4 and 12 weeks after the last treatment session. Patient satisfaction was assessed, and photographs were taken at each visit. RESULTS During the course of the study, skin elasticity and surface roughness improved significantly. Patient feedback was extremely positive. CONCLUSION Micropuncture placement of NASHA can exert a rejuvenating effect on facial skin.

Rejuvenating Influence of a Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid–Based Gel of Nonanimal Origin on Facial Skin Aging

Skin changes associated with aging, such as loss of elasticity and turgor, can have a negative psychosocial impact. Current treatment options aimed at restoring elasticity are often ineffective or hampered by a poor risk/benefit ratio. Clinical observations and biophysical measurements were used to assess the effect of middermal placement of stabilized hyaluronic acid-based gel of nonanimal origin (NASHA, Restylane, Vital, Q-Med) on the appearance and elasticity of facial skin. In this pilot study, 19 female patients underwent a series of three treatment sessions, spaced 4 weeks apart, with NASHA injected into the lower cheeks. Elasticity, skin surface roughness, dermal thickness, and density were evaluated at each treatment session and at 4 and 12 weeks after the last treatment session. Patient satisfaction was assessed, and photographs were taken at each visit. During the course of the study, skin elasticity and surface roughness improved significantly. Patient feedback was extremely positive. Micropuncture placement of NASHA can exert a rejuvenating effect on facial skin.

Clinical and instrumental study of the efficacy of a new sebum control cream

Some botanical compounds are considered useful to reduce sebum production. Aim To evaluate the efficacy of a sebum control cream containing polyphenol-rich extract from saw palmetto, sesame seeds, and argan oil in subjects with oily facial skin. The study was carried out during the winter months (January and February). A total of 20 healthy volunteers (9 male and 11 female, aged 17-50 years, 16 with oily skin and 4 with combined skin) were studied. The test product was applied twice daily to the face for a period of 4 weeks. A clinical assessment and instrumental measurements were done before and after the treatment period. Casual sebum level on the forehead and both cheeks was determined with a photometric device (Sebumeter). The quantity of sebum on the midforehead was determined using sebum collector foils (Sebufix), which were then evaluated with skin camera Visioscope and software SELS (Surface Evaluation of the Living Skin). A subjective evaluation questionnaire regarding the cosmetic characteristics, tolerance, and efficacy of the product was filled out by the volunteers at the end of study. The product was very well accepted by all the volunteers. A visible sebum-regulating efficacy was reported in 95% of them. After 4 weeks of treatment, the clinical assessment scores decreased by 33%. There was a significant reduction in the casual sebum level by 20% and area covered with oily spots by 42%. The number of active sebaceous glands remained unaltered. These results objectively and quantitatively show the efficacy of the sebum control cream tested to reduce the greasiness and improve the appearance of oily facial skin.

Topical Application of Nicotinamide in the Treatment of Some Skin Diseases

烟酰胺是一种抗氧化剂,它能有效地预防细胞和细胞膜免去自由基的损伤,可消除炎症中起作用的超氧阴离子自由基.评价外用烟酰胺的抗炎作用、改善皮肤角质层屏障及润肤作用、减少皮肤色素沉着作用、改善面部皮肤衰老表现以及预防光免疫抑制和光致癌作用.目前的研究提示,外用烟酰胺制剂在皮肤科有广泛的应用前景,值得开发。

Effect of Diet and Topical products in Ameliorating Facial Aging

Free radicals and oxidative stress are implicated in skin aging. While a diet rich in antioxidants, omega 3 fatty acids, polyphenols may improve skin health, topical delivery of antioxidants holds potential for it specifically targets skin and bypasses associated problems of absorption, solubility, transport and amount delivered. Our objective was to demonstrate the efficacy of both diet as well as topical products in improving appearance of aging facial skin. Two clinical trials (a diet study and a topical study) were conducted with healthy female subjects (35–60y) who gave informed consent and met the study inclusion criteria for the trials. Qualified subjects had a moderate degree of facial photodamage. The Diet study included 31 healthy, normal weight, non-smoker females. Subjects were asked to consume only the diet provided to them, rich in anti-oxidants and omega 3 fatty acids. Evaluations included weight measurements, clinical evaluations by expert grader, silicon replicas, digital photos and self-assessment questionnaires. In the Topical study, 25 women applied the test article to one side of the face once daily for two weeks. The test product consisted of a facial cream containing high levels of antioxidants. Evaluations included clinical grading, silicon replicas, digital photos, and subjective assessment. Our data shows overall, significant improvement in sagging, puffiness, crow's feet wrinkles along with better rating with self-assessments. Our data indicates that healthy diet as well as topical delivery may improve skin health.

Nonablative skin rejuvenation

Laser resurfacing of photodamaged or scarred skin has traditionally involved the use of ablative lasers with their associated limitations and side effects. Nonablative skin rejuvenation is a relatively new concept in facial rejuvenation, which aims to induce dermal remodeling without visible epidermal disruption. A number of laser devices and light sources, emitting at various wavelengths, have been shown to effectively enhance the appearance of facial skin through nonablative mechanisms. Among the conditions that can be treated with this novel modality are erythema, telangiectasia, pigmentation, lentigines, and textural imperfections ranging from fine and moderate rhytides to other surface irregularities such as acne scarring. A major attraction of nonablative laser therapy is the very limited downtime after each treatment, making it an ideal method for patients seeking a minimally invasive procedure with an excellent safety profile.

Niacinamide

In multiple chronic clinical studies, topical niacinamide (vitamin B3) has been observed to be well tolerated by skin and to provide a broad array of improvements in the appearance of aging facial skin (eg, reduction in the appearance of hyperpigmentated spots and red blotchiness). To clinically determine the effect of topical niacinamide on additional skin appearance and property end points (wrinkles, yellowing, and elasticity). Female white subjects (N = 50) with clinical signs of facial photoaging (fine lines and wrinkles, poor texture, and hyperpigmented spots) applied 5% niacinamide to half of the face and its vehicle control to the other half twice daily for 12 weeks (double blind, left-right randomized). Facial images and instrumental measures were obtained at baseline and at 4-week intervals. Analyses of the data revealed a variety of significant skin appearance improvement effects for topical niacinamide: reductions in fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness, and skin sallowness (yellowing). In addition, elasticity (as measured via cutometry) was improved. Corresponding mechanistic information is presented. In addition to previously observed benefits for topical niacinamide, additional effects were identified (improved appearance of skin wrinkles and yellowing and improved elasticity).

Topical niacinamide reduces yellowing, wrinkling, red blotchiness, and hyperpigmented spots in aging facial skin1

Previous clinical testing of topical niacinamide (vitamin B3) has revealed a broad array of improvements in the appearance of aging facial skin. The study reported here was done to confirm some of those previous observations and to evaluate additional end points such as skin anti-yellowing. Caucasian female subjects (n = 50, aged 40-60 years) participated in a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, split-face, left-right randomized clinical study assessing two topical products: moisturizer control product versus the same moisturizer product containing 5% niacinamide. Niacinamide was well tolerated by the skin and provided significant improvements versus control in end points evaluated previously: fine lines/wrinkles, hyperpigmentation spots, texture, and red blotchiness. In addition, skin yellowing (sallowness) versus control was significantly improved. The mechanism by which this array of benefits is achieved with niacinamide is discussed.

Retinyl propionate and niacinamide: reduction in excess dermal GAG’s as a mechanism for their effects in improving the appearance of aging skin

We have previously reported that topical retinyl propionate and niacinamide (alone and in combination) provide improvements in the appearance of aging facial skin (e.g., reduction in visible fine lines and wrinkling). While there are several possible mechanisms that may be operative, we report here in vitro cell culture data to suggest that reduction in dermal GAG’s (glycosaminoglycans or ground substances) may be a factor.