Facial Skin Hydration Research Articles

Understanding the causes of skincare product pilling.

Skincare and makeup "pilling" is an unsightly and undesirable phenomenon whereby skincare such as moisturizers or foundation ball up to form flakes on the skin. To date, the causes of skincare product pilling have not been studied. This study aimed to examine the relationship between skin physiology and pilling potential of sunscreen and foundation (the two products most reported by consumers to cause pilling). This study also examined the effects of product application methods on pilling. 528 female volunteers from Guangzhou, China, aged between 20 and 49 years, underwent various clinical skin assessments, followed by three steps of product layering. Pilling was assessed after each product application step. 217 volunteers (41%) experienced pilling. The majority of pilling (n=655 events) occurred following sunscreen application, while only a few pilling events (n=35) occurred with foundation. Foundation improved pilling caused by sunscreen in 98.9% of cases. Volunteers experiencing pilling with both sunscreen and foundation had significantly lower facial skin hydration and oiliness, higher pH, and smoother skin texture (P<0.05). Two application methods, rubbing of products in circular and linear motions, yielded the highest numbers of pilling events. This study has provided the first insights into the causes of pilling. Sunscreen is a promoter of pilling, while foundation may resolve sunscreen-induced pilling in many cases. Skin physiology, particularly drier, smoother skin with higher pH, and product application methods are likely contributing factors to this undesirable phenomenon.

Efficacy of an iron-fortified gummy on iron-deficiency anemia in young women

Objective: We conducted this single-center, double-blinded, randomized and placebo-controlled study to explore the efficacy of an iron-fortified gummy on relieving iron-deficiency anemia in young Chinese women. Participants’ blood hemoglobin level was set as the primary outcome. The secondary objectives were to assess the effects of the iron-fortified gummy on participants’ blood iron levels, skin barrier functions, skin temperature regulating ability, menstruation and leucorrhea status, sleep quality, and overall quality of life.Methods: Seventy female participants aged 18-35 years with moderate iron-deficiency anemia (blood hemoglobin 90-120 g/L) were recruited and randomly assigned to an intervention group or a placebo group. We supplemented the diets of the participants with an iron-fortified gummy or a placebo for eight weeks. Their blood hemoglobin level, iron biomarkers, skin biophysical characteristics, hand temperature, self-reported menstruation and leucorrhea status, life quality and sleep quality were recorded at baseline, mid-way through the study and the end of the study. We compared the differences of the above outcomes between the intervention group and the control group. Results: After eight weeks of daily iron-fortified gummy intake, 80% of the participants showed improvement in blood hemoglobin concentration, with a mean increase of 14.5 g/L (95% confidence interval: 9.4, 19.5 g/L) compared to the control. Their serum iron and ferritin levels had significantly increased. They also had improved facial skin hydration and complexions, reduced transepidermal water loss, and accelerated temperature recovery in their hands. Intake of the iron-fortified gummy effectively reduced the incidence of menstrual headaches and insomnia. Participants reported prolonged sleep time, improved energy level, mobility, mental concentration, ability to engage in daily activities and work, as well as better perception of quality of life and health satisfaction.Conclusion:Daily consumption of the iron-fortified gummy over eight weeks could help build up blood iron levels to generate hemoglobin, relieve iron-deficiency anemia and related symptoms in young Chinese women. Intake of iron through gummy on a daily basis is an effective method to gradually increase the participants’ iron levels, leading to sustainable long-term benefits.Study registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2200061345).

Community Service Activities – Education And Screening For Damage Of Facial Skin Hydration Caused By Sun Exposure In Adolescent Boys

Early counseling and screening activities regarding skin hydration due to sun exposure are community service efforts aimed at increasing male students' understanding of the importance of maintaining skin hydration and protection against sun exposure. This activity is carried out through an educative and practical approach, by combining counseling, demonstrations, and early screening. The results of this activity showed an increase in male students' understanding of the importance of skin hydration and protection against sun exposure. They are becoming more aware of the need to take care of their skin regularly, use sunscreen, and keep their skin moisturised. Positive behavioral changes were seen in the boys' efforts to maintain healthy skin. Counseling and early screening activities regarding skin hydration due to sun exposure provide significant benefits in increasing understanding, changing behavior, and maintaining healthy skin for male students. This activity is an important effort in increasing awareness and protection of skin health among male students.

A comprehensive comparison of facial skin hydration based on capacitance and conductance measurements in Chinese women.

The aim of this study was to compare the data of conductance and capacitance measurements of facial skin hydration and to evaluate and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the different approaches. We measured skin capacitance (Corneometer® CM 825) and skin conductance (Skicon-200EX®) on 30 pre-defined facial sites of 125 Chinese women, resulting in 3750 readings per device. The data were analysed and compared, and continuous colour maps were generated on a 3D avatar for capacitance, conductance, relative difference (Δ%) and correlation (R-value) by interpolating between the individual readings and converting the values to colours. This visualization allows a better interpretation of the results. The complexity of facial skin hydration is revealed by this approach. The similarities and discrepancies in the facial hydration maps are clearly apparent. Due to the superiority of the Skicon in measuring high hydration levels, differences in skin hydration were evident on the forehead compared with the Corneometer maps, which may be related to the more superficial measurement of the Skicon within the stratum corneum. Conversely, a greater understanding of the complexity of facial skin hydration in the nasolabial fold was obvious when using the Corneometer. The best congruence between the instruments was found at two specific but separated facial areas, one around the inner eye region and the other one on a line between the nasolabial sulcus and the oblique, lateral jaw. Interestingly, the data were not normally distributed for both instruments and they had opposite skews. All facial clusters were statistically different from each other (p< 0.001), except the cheek and jaw for the Skicon. Larger than expected percentage coefficients of variance were found for the Corneometer on some facial sites that might be explainable by differences in stratum corneum physiology and biochemistry. Corneometer values of 48 AU and Skicon values of 132 μS were taken as the cutoff for normally hydrated facial skin. Both devices have their advantages and disadvantages suggesting that bio-instrumental measurement of skin hydration is actually more complicated than commonly thought and that the different facial zones and the use of multiple instrumentation have not been adequately considered.

Evaluation of Skin Biophysical Parameters and Angiogenesis Using CD34 as a Biomarker in Older Diabetic Women Treated with Radiofrequency.

BackgroundThe prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (t2DM) has been steadily increasing. Patients with t2DM need to slow down the skin ageing processes and to obtain a rejuvenating effect. Treatments that do not damage the superficial layers of the epidermis could be a promising solution for those patients.PurposeThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of radiofrequency therapy on the biophysical parameters and angiogenesis of facial skin, using CD34 as a biomarker in older diabetic women treated with metformin.Patients and MethodsA total of 45 subjects with phototype 2 or 3 (Fitzpatrick scale) were investigated (25 t2DM – study group, 20 – healthy controls). A series of 6 treatments (once a week) with a Radio Frequency Skin Rejuvenation System device was used on facial skin. Measurements of skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), melanin and erythema index, temperature, and pH, at baseline and after radiofrequency therapy were performed with the Courage + Khazaka MPA-9 device. Immunohistochemistry on paraffin-embedded sections was used to evaluate the intensity of CD34 expression.ResultsRadiofrequency treatment significantly improved facial skin hydration (p < 0.0001). Enhancement of the epidermal barrier observed, by reduced TEWL as a result of a series of treatments with radiofrequency on the facial skin (p < 0.0001), was observed. CD34 was more abundantly expressed after radiofrequency treatment. No side effects were observed.ConclusionTreatment with radiofrequency is an effective and non-invasive method of facial skin rejuvenation in older women with t2DM, with a relatively short post-procedure recovery time and low potential for severe adverse effects.

Enhanced Fluctuations in Facial Pore Size, Redness, and TEWL Caused by Mask Usage Are Normalized by the Application of a Moisturizer.

Mask wearing is described as one of the main public health measures against COVID-19. Mask wearing induces various types of subjective and objective facial skin damage, such as hair pore dilatation and redness. Facial pore size and redness show morning-to-evening intra-day fluctuations. It remains unknown whether mask usage affects fluctuations in pore size and redness. We measured facial skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), pore size, and redness four times a day for 6 weeks in 20 healthy young women. After a 2-week no-mask-usage period (baseline period), all subjects wore unwoven masks for 2 weeks; then, for the following 2 weeks, they applied masks after the topical application of a moisturizer containing a Galactomyces ferment filtrate (GFF) skin care formula (Pitera™). We demonstrated that mask wearing significantly increased the intra-day fluctuations of pore size, redness, and TEWL. In addition, significant correlations were evident among these three parameters. Notably, these mask-induced skin changes were significantly improved, achieving a return to baseline levels, by the application of a GFF-containing moisturizer. In conclusion, mask wearing aggravates intra-day fluctuations in pore size and redness. Appropriate moisturization can minimize this mask-related skin damage, most likely by normalizing the elevated TEWL.

Lower facial skin hydration level increases acne vulgaris severity level

Backgrounds: Acne vulgaris is a chronic sebaceous gland inflammatory disorder that predominantly affects adolescents and young adults. Increased sebum, alterations in follicular keratinization, Cutibacterium acnes colonization, and inflammation are the critical pathways in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris. Facial skin hydration can affect the primary pathogenesis mechanism of acne vulgaris. This study aimed to examine the correlation between the level of facial skin hydration and the severity of acne vulgaris. Methods: This study was an observational analytical study of 40 subjects with acne vulgaris and 40 subjects without acne vulgaris, using a cross-sectional design. The subjects' facial skin hydration was analyzed using a CM 825 corneometer, and the severity of acne vulgaris was assessed based on Lehmann's criteria. Data were analyzed using the Spearman correlation test. Health Research Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of North Sumatra has approved this study.Results: Of the 40 subjects with acne vulgaris, women dominated (65 %) with a mean age of 19.6 ± 1.86 years old. Most subjects had moderate (50 %) degrees of acne vulgaris, followed by mild (42.5 %) and severe (7.5 %) degrees. In acne vulgaris subjects, the considered normal level of facial skin hydration was 92.5 %. The facial skin hydration found in acne vulgaris subjects was lower than non-acne vulgaris subjects with a p-value of 0.002. The degree of facial skin hydration is associated with the severity of acne vulgaris with moderate strength correlation values (p=&lt;0.001, r= -0.453).Conclusions: A significant correlation exists between the level of hydration of the facial skin and the severity of acne vulgaris. The lower facial skin hydration level could promote the more severe form of acne vulgaris.

Effects of Oral Supplementation of Muttaijow complexTM on Human Skin, Hair and Nail Physiology

In this study, Microcore’s oral supplements of Muttaijow ComplexTM obtained from the egg shell that contains naturally occurring collagen Type (I, V, X), Elastin (Desmosine and isodesmosine), Hyaluronic acid, Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Glycosaminoglycans or Muco-polysaccharides, Membrane bound protein molecules, and Calcium are used in a group of volunteers. This study leads to evaluate the impacts of a nutritional intervention as compared to control group (without oral supplements intake) on the appearances of hair, skin, and nails in healthy middle-aged adults. Two pilot studies were run to assess Muttaijow ComplexTM on skin parameter. 1. Self-assessment questionnaire intended to perform an assessment on skin, hair, and nail health after 12 weeks of treatment for a group of 25 female volunteers 2. Evaluated the efficacy of Muttaijow ComplexTM effect of 5-week treatment on hydration of skin by corneometry, on elasticity with the cutometer, and on pigmentation with themexameteron for a group of 7 female volunteers, Microscopic studies of hair strength and nail growth. In study 1-Participants were predominantly satisfied with the effects obtained on general face (100% volunteers satisfied) and body (94% volunteers satisfied) skin condition and skin properties (100% volunteers satisfied with facial skin softness, 95% with facial skin hydration, 83% of facial skin brightness and 89% with body skin hydration) and partly with effects on hair (65-70%volunteers satisfied) and nail appearance (70% volunteers satisfied) and improvement in brittle nails. In this open-label 5 weeks study, Oral Microcore’s Muttaijow ComplexTM ingestion was associated with a significant improvement in skin appearance such as increase skin hydration and skin elasticity, reduces skin pigmentation after 5 weeks treatment and facial skin tone, with significant impact on hair thickness, reduces split ends, hair loss, hair breakage and improvement in hair growth after 5 weeks treatment, increase of 12% nail growth rate and a decrease of 42% brittle nails after 6 weeks. Microcore’s Muttaijow ComplexTM achieved significant change improvement in skin, hair and nail appearance (thickness/density) than control group (without oral supplements intake) by week 12 of the study. From the result analysis, Microcore’s Muttaijow ComplexTM is deemed to be one of the most effective anti-aging products in cosmetic sector and overall physical appearance. Oral supplementation of 500mg/day of Microcore’s Muttaijow ComplexTM for 12 weeks is associated with significant improvement in the appearance of facial skin, hair and nail. Increases in skin hydration and skin elasticity with reduced pigmentation on skin were observed after 5 weeks treatment, which is a very important marker for skin aging. Also, significant impact on hair thickness, reduces split ends, hair loss, hair breakage and improvement in hair growth and healthy development of nails after 5 weeks treatment.

Effects of Oral Supplementation of TrichovitalsTM on Human Skin, Hair and Nail Physiology

In this study, Microcore’s oral supplements of TrichovitalsTM contains Collagen type (I,III,V,X), elastin, ellagic acid, Sabbery b glucogallin, Biotin, Curcumin C3 reduct ODN and Murraya koenigii. ESM ingestion is associated with significant impact on hair thickness, reduction in hair breakage and improvement in hair growth. This study leads to evaluate the impacts of a nutritional intervention as compared to control group (without oral supplements intake) on the appearances of hair, skin, and nails in healthy middle-aged adults. Two pilot studies were run to assess TrichovitalsTM on skin parameter. 1. Self-assessment questionnaire intended to perform an assessment on skin, hair, and nail health after 12 weeks of treatment for a group of 25 female volunteers 2. Evaluated the efficacy of TrichovitalsTM effect of 5-week treatment on hydration of skin by corneometry, on elasticity with the cutometer, and on pigmentation with themexameteron for a group of 7 female volunteers, Microscopic studies of hair strength and nail growth. In study 1-Participants were predominantly satisfied with the effects obtained on general face (100% volunteers satisfied) and (94% volunteers satisfied) body skin condition and skin properties (100% volunteers satisfied) with facial skin softness, 95% ith facial skin hydration, 63% of facial skin brightness and 89% with body skin hydration and significant effects on hair damages (100% volunteers satisfied), hair falls (95% volunteers satisfied) and hair growth (96% volunteers satisfied) and nail appearance (80% volunteers satisfied) and improvement in brittle nails. In this open-label 5 weeks study, Oral Microcore’s TrichovitalsTM ingestion was associated with a significant improvement in skin appearance such as increase skin hydration and skin elasticity, reduces skin pigmentation after 5 weeks treatment and facial skin tone, with significant impact on hair thickness, reduces split ends, hair loss, hair breakage and improvement in hair growth after 5 weeks treatment, increase of 80% nail growth rate and a decrease of 42% brittle nails after 6 weeks. Microcore’s TrichovitalsTM achieved significant change improvement in skin, hair and nail appearance (thickness/density) than control group (without oral supplements intake) by week 12 of the study. From the result analysis, Microcore’s TrichovitalsTM is deemed to be one of the most effective anti-aging products in cosmetic sector and overall physical appearance. Oral supplementation of 500mg/day of Microcore’s TrichovitalsTM for 12 weeks is associated with significant improvement in the appearance of facial skin, hair and nail. Increases in skin hydration and skin elasticity with reduced pigmentation on skin were observed after 5 weeks treatment, which is a very important marker for skin aging. Also significant impact on hair thickness reduces split ends, hair loss, hair breakage and improvement in hair growth and healthy development of nails after 5 weeks treatment.

Corneometric evaluation of skin moisture after application of 10% and 30% gluconolactone.

Dry skin, caused by improper care or genetic conditions, can affect people of all ages. Skin hydration is determined its lipid content, which inhibits water loss from the epidermis, as well as other substances such as polyhydroxy acids and gluconolactone that can bind water. The aim of this study was to evaluate skin hydration after the application of 10% and 30% gluconolactone solution in a split face model. Sixteen healthy women were qualified for the study. Three split face treatments were performed, with 10% and 30% gluconolactone solution applied to two sides of the face. Skin moisture was measured before each treatment and a week after the last treatment at three measurement sites on either side of the face, that is, on the forehead, around the eye and on the cheek. Corneometric measurements showed a significant increase in facial skin hydration after gluconolactone treatment. No significant differences were observed between the application of 10% and 30% solution. Gluconolactone is a moisturizing substance which works well in dry skin care.

Evaluation of a facial cream’s ability in hydrating location-related facial skin hydration under dry environments

Evaluation of a facial cream’s ability in hydrating location-related facial skin hydration under dry environments

Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Fish Scales-Derived Collagen Peptides on Skin Parameters and Condition: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Study

Fish scales-derived collagen peptides (CPs) are characterized by their specific amino acid composition with a high concentration of glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. These amino acids have been known to exert beneficial effects on human skin. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of collagen peptides obtained from fish scales on changes in periorbital wrinkles, facial skin hydration, and skin elasticity in healthy women aged 30–60 years. In the present randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial, 71 subjects consumed a 20 mL beverage containing 3000 mg of CPs or placebo once per day over 12 weeks. Significant decreases in periorbital wrinkles (p < 0.05) were observed in the treatment group after 12 weeks of CPs ingestion compared to the control group. This study also demonstrated a consistent trend of enhanced facial skin moisture (p < 0.001) and skin elasticity (p < 0.001) by dietary intake of CPs without any side effects or adverse events. These findings indicate that fish-derived CPs hold great promise as a natural supplement with cutaneous anti-aging properties.

A dietary supplement improves age-related dermatological changes. Observational, anecdotal, spontaneous study.

Background: The rate of people with significant dermis and epidermis disorders increases linearly with age. The majority of skin changes are a consequence of cumulative exposure to environmental factors, such as chronic ultraviolet exposure.Aims and Objectives: Age-related dermatological changes include skin laxity, nails fragility, hair loss and hair breakage. This spontaneous, anecdotal observational study investigates if a dietary supplementation based on collagen, chondroitin sulfate, low-molecular weight hyaluronic acid, Pycnogenol® and coenzyme Q10 can improve age-related dermatological changes.Materials and Methods: Thirty four patients received the dietary supplement for 2 times/daily for 12 weeks. Facial skin hydration, Trans Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL) and elasticity were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks in five selected areas. Nails hardness of the index, middle and ring fingers were also assessed at baseline and at followup by a durometer and by a nail score. The Hair Mass Index (HMI) and the Hair Breakage Index (HBI) were assessed by a mechanical device together with hair score at baseline and after 12 weeks.Results: After 12 weeks skin hydration, TEWL and elasticity significantly improved in all the tested areas (p &lt; 0.01 and p &lt; 0.001). Nails hardness of index, middle and ring finger significantly increased (p &lt; 0.001) after 12 weeks. HMI and HBI were both significantly reduced (p &lt; 0.0001) after 12 weeks. In addition, both nails and hair score improved.Conclusions: Dietary supplementation significantly improved age-related dermatological changes.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(3) 2017 16-25

Beneficial Effects of Oral Supplementation With Ovoderm on Human Skin Physiology: Two Pilot Studies

ABSTRACTCollagens and hyaluronic acid have long been used in pharmaceuticals and food supplements for the improvement of skin elasticity and hydration. These compounds provide the building blocks of the skin. Ovoderm is an oral supplement obtained from eggshells that contains naturally occurring collagen and glycosaminoglycans, such as hyaluronic acid. We evaluated the efficacy of Ovoderm on skin biophysical parameters related to cutaneous aging such as elasticity, hydration, and pigmentation. Two pilot studies were run to assess the effect of daily oral supplementation with 300 mg Ovoderm on skin parameters. The first consisted of a self-assessment questionnaire intended to perform an assessment on skin, hair, and nail health after 50 days of treatment. The second measured the effect of 5-week treatment on hydration by corneometry, on elasticity with the cutometer, and on pigmentation with the mexameter. In the pilot study 1, participants were predominantly satisfied with the effects obtained on general face (100% volunteers satisfied) and body (94% volunteers satisfied) skin condition and skin properties (100% volunteers satisfied with facial skin softness, 94% with facial skin hydration, and 89% with body skin hydration) and partly with effects on hair (67% volunteers satisfied) and nail (50% volunteers satisfied) condition. The study 2 revealed a statistically significant improvement in skin elasticity (12% increase, p =.0136), a tendency to reduce skin pigmentation (5% decrease), and no significant change in skin hydration. Our study reflects that oral supplementation with Ovoderm is efficacious to reduce the gradual loss of skin elasticity characteristic of aged skin, which helps to improve the appearance of the skin.

A novel continuous colour mapping approach for visualization of facial skin hydration and transepidermal water loss for four ethnic groups.

The aim of this exploratory study was to develop a novel colour mapping approach to visualize and interpret the complexity of facial skin hydration and barrier properties of four ethnic groups (Caucasians, Indians, Chinese and Black Africans) living in Pretoria, South Africa. We measured transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin capacitance on 30 pre-defined sites on the forehead, cheek, jaw and eye areas of sixteen women (four per ethnic group) and took digital images of their faces. Continuous colour maps were generated by interpolating between each measured value and superimposing the values on the digital images. The complexity of facial skin hydration and skin barrier properties is revealed by these measurements and visualized by the continuous colour maps of the digital images. Overall, the Caucasian subjects had the better barrier properties followed by the Black African subjects, Chinese subjects and Indian subjects. Nevertheless, the two more darkly pigmented ethnic groups had superior skin hydration properties. Subtle differences were seen when examining the different facial sites. There exists remarkable skin capacitance and TEWL gradients within short distances on selected areas of the face. These gradients are distinctive in the different ethnic groups. In contrast to other reports, we found that darkly pigmented skin does not always have a superior barrier function and differences in skin hydration values are complex on the different parts of the face among the different ethnic groups.

Visualization of Water Distribution in the Facial Epidermal Layers of Skin Using High-Sensitivity Near-Infrared (NIR) Imaging.

Skin moisturization is an important function of cosmetics in dermatology, and acquisition of two-dimensional information about the water content of facial skin is of great interest. Near-infrared (NIR) imaging using the water OH band centered near 1460 nm has been applied to the evaluation of water in skin. However, detection of small changes in the water content of skin water is difficult using this band because of the low absorption coefficient of water at that wavelength and inadequate optical units. We developed a high-sensitivity water imaging system using strong water bands centered near 1920 nm. This system can be used for the entire face. With the water imaging system, time-dependent changes in the water content of moisturizer-treated skin and hair were visualized with high sensitivity. In this study, we performed a water distribution analysis, with the aim of understanding the water distribution in facial skin under different environmental conditions. The water imaging system combines a diffuse illumination unit and an extended-range indium-gallium arsenide NIR camera with a detection range of 1100-2200 nm. The skin water distributions for multiple subjects with different facial shapes and sizes were compared using averaged NIR image data and a mesh partition analysis using a developed algorithm. Changes in the facial skin water content with season and humidity were visualized by the algorithm. The water content decreased in autumn, especially near the eyes and upper-cheek. Compared to other areas on the face, the water content around the eyes decreased more during an 85 min stay in a room at 10% relative humidity. The proposed method for water distribution analysis provides a powerful tool for facial skin hydration research in dermatological and cosmetics fields.