Improve Skin Barrier Function Research Articles

Oral tranexamic acid treats papulopustular rosacea by improving the skin barrier.

Papulopustular rosacea (PPR) is a chronic inflammatory disease with a significant impact on facial aesthetics. An impaired skin barrier is an important factor in the development and exacerbation of PPR. Tranexamic acid (TXA) has immune regulatory and anti-inflammatory effects, inhibits angiogenesis and endothelial hyperplasia, and promotes skin barrier repair. We investigated the efficacy and safety of oral TXA for PPR treatment. In total, 70 patients were randomly assigned to receive traditional therapy plus oral TXA or traditional therapy alone for 8 weeks, with a 4-week follow-up period. The subjective improvement in rosacea was assessed using the clinical erythema assessment (CEA), investigator's global assessment (IGA), patient self-assessment (PSA) score, rosacea-specific quality of life (RQoL) score, and global aesthetic improvement score (GAIS). An objective improvement in rosacea was assessed using skin hydration, trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), clinical photography, and an eight spectrum facial imager. CEA/IGA/PSA, dryness, and RQoL scores were significantly lower and GAIS was higher in the TXA group than in the traditional therapy group. Furthermore, oral TXA significantly improved skin barrier function, increased skin hydration, and decreased TEWL, with no significant side effects. Notably, we observed better outcomes and a greater improvement in skin barrier function with TXA treatment in patients with dry-type rosacea than in patients with oily skin. The addition of oral TXA to traditional therapy can lead to rapid and effective improvements in PPR, which may be attributed to improvements in skin barrier function.

Advanced fructo-oligosaccharides improve itching and aberrant epidermal lipid composition in children with atopic dermatitis.

The effects of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) on atopic dermatitis (AD) have not been determined. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, children with AD aged 24 months to 17 years received either advanced FOS containing 4.25 g of 1-kestose or a placebo (maltose) for 12 weeks. The SCORAD and itching scores were reduced in patients treated with both FOS (all p < 0.01) and maltose (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01). Sleep disturbance was improved only in the FOS group (p < 0.01). The FOS group revealed a decreased proportion of linoleic acid (18:2) esterified omega-hydroxy-ceramides (EOS-CERs) with amide-linked shorter chain fatty acids (C28 and C30, all p < 0.05), along with an increased proportion of EOS-CERs with longer chain fatty acids (C32, p < 0.01). FOS may be beneficial in alleviating itching and sleep disturbance, as well as improving skin barrier function in children with AD.

Integrated Skin Metabolomics and Network Pharmacology to Explore the Mechanisms of Goupi Plaster for Treating Knee Osteoarthritis

Background and AimGoupi Plaster (GP) is topical traditional Chinese medicine preparation. It has been used to treat Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA) in clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, the mechanisms of GP relieve KOA are poorly understood. Experimental procedureRabbit models of KOA were established and treated with GP. Knee cartilage pathology was analyzed using hematoxylin and eosin staining, while plasma levels of inflammatory factors (interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, and IL-17) and skin neurotransmitters (calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), substance P (SP), and5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)) were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Metabolomics based on GC-TOF-MS analysis screened for skin biomarkers as well as relevant pathways. Network pharmacology screened for relevant skin targets as well as relevant pathways, and finally, MetScape software was utilized to integrate the results of metabolomics and network pharmacology to screen for key skin targets, key metabolites, and key pathways for GP treatment of KOA. Results and ConclusionGP administration substantially repaired cartilage surface breaks in KOA and led to relatively intact cartilage structure and normal cell morphology. GP decreased plasma levels of IL-6 and IL-17 and skin levels of CGRP, SP and 5-HT while increased plasma IL-4. GP administration normalized the levels of 15 metabolites which were changed in KOA. Network pharmacology analysis identified 181 targets. Finally, 3 key targets, 5 key metabolites and 3 related pathways were identified, which suggested that GP improved skin barrier function and skin permeability by regulating skin lipid metabolism. GP treatment also regulated skin amino acid levels and subsequently affected neurotransmitters and signaling molecules. In addition, the purinergic signaling pathway was also involved in the treatment of GP against KOA.In conclusion, GP treatment is associated with changes in skin lipid metabolism, neurotransmitters, and the purinergic signaling pathway.

Blockade of IL-13 signaling improves skin barrier function and biology in patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis.

Interleukin (IL)-13 is a key driver of inflammation and barrier dysfunction in atopic dermatitis (AD). While there is robust evidence that tralokinumab, a monoclonal antibody neutralizing IL-13, reduces inflammation and clinical disease activity, less is known about its effects on barrier function. To characterize effects of tralokinumab treatment on skin barrier function. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration (SCH), natural moisturizing factor (NMF) content, histopathological characteristics, biomarker expression and microbiome composition were evaluated in lesional, non-lesional, and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)-irritated skin of 16 AD patients over the course of 16 weeks of tralokinumab treatment. All clinical severity scores decreased significantly over time. At week 16, mean TEWL in target lesions decreased by 32.66% (p = 0.01), and SCH increased by 58.44% (p = 0.004), along with histological reduction in spongiosis (p = 0.003), keratin 16 expression and epidermal thickness (p = 0.001). In parallel, there was a significant decrease in several barrier dysfunction-associated and pro-inflammatory proteins such as fibronectin (p = 0.006), CCL17/TARC (p = 0.025) and IL-8 (p = 0.014), with significant changes already at week 8. Total bacterial load and Staphylococcus aureus abundance were significantly reduced from week 2. Tralokinumab treatment improves skin physiology, epidermal pathology, and dysbiosis, further highlighting the pleiotropic role of IL-13 in AD pathogenesis.

Efficacy of a moisturizing cream and facial mask for alleviating skin problems associated with medical mask use: A half-face, randomized controlled study.

Prolonged use of medical masks has increased skin-related issues. To evaluate the efficacy of a facial cream and facial mask in mitigating medical mask related skin symptoms. Healthy women were randomly assigned to apply a facial cream (n = 32) or a facial mask plus a facial cream (n = 32) on half-faces after wearing medical masks for 4 h (Tb ). Transepidermal water loss (TEWL), dryness score, and redness area were assessed at Tb and 10 min after using the cream (T1 ) in the facial cream group, and at Tb , 1 h after using the facial mask (T2 ), and 10 min after using the cream (T3 ) in the combined use group. In the facial cream group, the treated half-face showed significantly better improvements from Tb to T1 in TEWL (-2.95 ± 0.38 vs. -0.68 ± 0.35 g/h·cm2 , p < 0.001) and skin dryness score (-1.00 ± 0.12 vs. 0.00 ± 0.00, p < 0.001). In the combined use group, the treated half-face showed significantly better improvements from Tb to T2 and T3 in TEWL (T2 , -3.46 ± 0.33 vs. -0.09 ± 0.13 g/h·cm2 ; T3 , -4.67 ± 0.31 vs. -0.28 ± 0.22 g/h·cm2 ) and skin dryness score (T2 , -0.63 ± 0.13 vs. 0.03 ± 0.03; T3 , -0.94 ± 0.17 vs. 0.19 ± 0.07) (all p < 0.001) then the untreated half-face. The combined use group had significantly lower TEWL at T3 than T2 (p < 0.05). The reduction in redness area was similar between the treated and untreated half-faces in both groups. The test facial cream and mask significantly improved skin barrier function and alleviated dryness symptoms associated with medical mask use, with the combined use offering superior benefits.

563 - Dupilumab improves skin lipid composition in atopic dermatitis irrespective of patient filaggrin (FLG) mutation status

Abstract Introduction/Background Type 2 inflammatory cytokines interleukin 4 (IL-4) and IL-13 play an important role in skin barrier disruption in atopic dermatitis (AD). Filaggrin and ceramides play a crucial role in skin barrier integrity. Loss of function mutations in the FLG gene are associated with the impaired skin barrier function and more severe AD.1,2 FLG mutations only affect a minority of AD patients; however, increased IL-4 and IL-13 cytokines are a common cause of reduced filaggrin expression in patients with AD, independent of FLG genotype. Objectives To explore whether dupilumab treatment improves skin barrier function in patients with or without FLG mutations. Methods In the BArrier function and LIpidomics STudy in Atopic Dermatitis (BALISTAD; NCT04447417), a 16-week study in patients with AD aged 12 to 65 years, adult patients with AD received dupilumab 300 mg every 2 weeks; adolescent patients with AD received dupilumab 200 mg every 2 weeks if their baseline weight was &amp;lt;60 kg and 300 mg if ≥60 kg. FLG mutations were evaluated in DNA from blood samples of consenting patients with AD and healthy volunteers. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was assessed longitudinally after 5 skin tape strippings (STS) from AD lesions (n = 26) and from the skin of healthy participants (n =26) (age: 12 to 63 years) over a 16-week course of dupilumab treatment. Quantitative N(C18)S-ceramide analysis of STS samples collected on Days 1, 15, 29, 57, and 85, and at Week 16 from AD lesions and from the skin of healthy participants was performed using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Results At baseline, mean TEWL after 5 STS (TEWL5) was significantly higher in AD lesional skin than healthy skin (p&amp;lt;0.0001). The mean TEWL5 in AD lesions in subjects with FLG mutations (n = 6/19) was significantly higher at baseline than in AD subjects without mutations (P &amp;lt; 0.0001). Dupilumab treatment significantly reduced TEWL5 in AD lesional skin as early as Week 2 with a progressive decrease through Week 16 (P &amp;lt; 0.0001). Reduction in mean TEWL5 was similar from Week 2 to Week 16 in AD patients with and without FLG mutations. At Week 16, TEWL5 was comparable to healthy skin in the lesional skin of AD patients with and without FLG mutations (P &amp;gt; 0.05). AD skin lesions had increased levels of N(C18)S-ceramides at baseline (P &amp;lt; 0.0001); but no differences were noted in subjects with or without FLG mutations (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Dupilumab treatment significantly reduced levels of N(C18)S-ceramides in AD lesional skin as early as Week 2 with a progressive decrease through Week 16 (P &amp;lt; 0.0001). Dupilumab treatment decreased levels of N(C18)S-ceramides in STS samples similarly in subjects with and without FLG mutations from Week 2 to Week 16. Conclusions Dupilumab treatment normalizes TEWL5 and decreases levels of N(C18)S-ceramides in AD lesional skin of subjects with and without FLG mutations.

Therapeutic effect of the combination of fractional laser and recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor in acne scar patients

Purpose: To assess the feasibility and safety of a combination therapy involving fractional laser treatment and recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor (rb-bFGF) in acne scar patients.Methods: 90 patients with acne scar admitted at Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from September 2020 to December 2022 were enrolled in retrospective study. Patients were divided into control group (n = 41), treated with rb-bFGF alone and study group (n = 49), which underwent fractional laser treatment using Lutronic fractional laser device involving 40 days per session for three sessions, with additional application of rb-bFGF in the affected area at a dose of 300 IU/cm2 , three times daily, for seven consecutive days following the completion of each laser treatment session. Treatment effect, skin physiological indices, lactic acid stinging test (LAST) scores, stratum corneum integrity, and incidence of adverse reactions were determined.Results: Study group demonstrated superior efficacy with a total effectiveness of 97.96 %, significantly outperforming control group at 85.3 % (p &lt; 0.05). Pre-treatment, both groups exhibited comparable values in trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), pH, stratum corneum hydration, and erythema (a-value) (p&gt; 0.05). Post-treatment, both groups exhibited significant improvements, with reduced TEWL, pH, and a-value, along with increased stratum corneum hydration (p &lt; 0.05). Compared to control group, study group showed significantly lower TEWL, pH, and a-value, coupled with higher stratum corneum hydration (p &lt; 0.05). Post-treatment, study group demonstrated lower total LAST scores, improved stratum corneum integrity, and a significantly lower incidence of adverse reactions.Conclusion: The combination of fractional laser and rb-bFGF in patients with acne scar improves skin barrier function, reduces lactic acid-induced stinging, and enhances stratum corneum integrity. Further research and clinical trials are needed to optimize the treatment protocols.

Real-world effectiveness and tolerability of a cream containing postbiotic Aquaphilus dolomiae extract-G3 in subjects with sensitive facial skin.

Previous studies indicate that a postbiotic extract from Aquaphilus dolomiae (ADE-G3) improves skin barrier function and relieves neuroinflammation. Evaluation of an ADE-G3-based soothing cream for managing sensitive facial skin. This real-world, international, pre-post comparative study involved adults with sensitive facial skin who used the study product once or twice daily for two to three months according to usual practice. Subjects reported changes in perceived clinical symptoms using self-administered questionnaires. Physicians assessed changes in xerosis severity, overall product effectiveness and tolerability. User satisfaction and quality of life (QoL) assessments, and subgroup analyses according to the factors triggering sensitive skin were also conducted. In total, 2,382subjects with sensitive facial skin (female: 79%; median age: 40years) were included. An immediate skin soothing effect after the first ADE-G3-based cream application was reported by 93% of subjects, and improvements in symptoms were reported in 94% after a mean of nine days of product use. After several months of use (mean: 71±21days), xerosis severity and dermatological-related QoL significantly improved in the whole study population and in the subgroups (p<0.001). At the end of the study, 92% of users were satisfied with the product and 95% reported improvements in their overall skin condition. Physicians found the cream to be effective and well tolerated in 92% and 98% of subjects, respectively. Regular use of the ADE-G3-based cream was shown to be effective in real-world management of sensitive facial skin, regardless of the factors involved in triggering skin sensitivity.

Evaluation of the efficacy of a sunscreen containing ultra-long UVA1 and other UVR broad-spectrum filters on skin barrier protection and melanin content reduction in Chinese adults: A single-center study.

The protection for ultra-long UVA1 is lacked in the market, posing potential damage from ultra-long UVA1 irradiation. The study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a sunscreen containing multiple components, especially Mexoryl® 400 for improving skin barrier function and reducing melanin content. This single-center study included adults with sensitive and normal skin in China in November 2022. Participants received the test sunscreen for 4 weeks. Melanin and hemoglobin content, sebum secretion skin hydration, and trans-epidermal water loss were evaluated at T0d, T7d, and T28d. The self-assessment was done at T15min, T7d, and T28d. Sixty participants were included, including 30 self-claimed sensitive skin in the sunscreen group. The sunscreen demonstrated significant improvements in skin parameters. Skin redness reduced by 9.84% at T28d, sebum content in the forehead area decreased by 22.70% at T28d, and skin stratum corneum hydration increased by 38.44% at T28d, p < 0.001 respectively. Most notably, skin melanin content significantly reduced by 13.49% after 4 weeks' usage (p < 0.001). No adverse reactions were reported in either group. The study sunscreen improved the skin condition by decreasing the melanin content, regulating skin barrier function, and achieving a balance of skin hydration and sebum secretion.

Maintenance of an Acidic Skin Surface with a Novel Zinc Lactobionate Emollient Preparation Improves Skin Barrier Function in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis.

The skin of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) is characterised by elevated pH. As a central homeostatic regulator, an increasedpH accelerates desquamation and suppresses lipid processing, resulting in diminished skin barrier function. The aim of this study was to determine whether a novel zinc lactobionate emollient cream can strengthen the skin barrier by lowering skin surface pH. A double-blind, forearm-controlled cohort study was undertaken in patients with AD. Participants applied the test cream to one forearm and a vehicle cream to the other (randomised allocation) twice daily for 56days. Skin surface pH and barrier function (primary outcomes) were assessed at baseline and after 28days and 56days of treatment, amongst other tests. A total of 23 adults with AD completed the study. During and after treatment, a sustained difference in skin surface pH was observed between areas treated with the test cream and vehicle (4.50 ± 0.38 versus 5.25 ± 0.54, respectively, p < 0.0001). This was associated with significantly reduced transepidermal water loss (TEWL) on the test cream treated areas compared with control (9.71 ± 2.47 versus 11.20 ± 3.62g/m2/h, p = 0.0005). Improvements in skin barrier integrity, skin sensitivity to sodium lauryl sulphate, skin hydration, and chymotrypsin-like protease activity were all observed at sites treated with the test cream compared with the control. Maintenance of an acidic skin surface pH and delivery of physiologic lipids are beneficial for skin health and may help improve AD control by reducing sensitivity to irritants and allergens.

Quantitative Analysis and Molecular Docking Simulation of Flavonols from Eruca sativa Mill. and Their Effect on Skin Barrier Function.

Eruca sativa is a commonly used edible plant in Italian cuisine. E. sativa 70% ethanol extract (ES) was fractionated with five organic solvents, including n-hexane (EHex), chloroform (ECHCl3), ethyl acetate (EEA), n-butyl alcohol (EBuOH), and water (EDW). Ethyl acetate fraction (EEA) had the highest antioxidant activity, which was correlated with the total polyphenol and flavonoid content. ES and EEA acted as PPAR-α ligands by PPAR-α competitive binding assay. EEA significantly increased cornified envelope formation as a keratinocyte terminal differentiation marker in HaCaT cells. Further, it significantly reduced nitric oxide and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The main flavonol forms detected in high amounts from EEA are mono-and di-glycoside of each aglycone. The main flavonol form of EEA is the mono-glycoside of each aglycone detected, and the most abundant flavonol mono-glycoside is kaempferol 3-glucoside 7.4%, followed by quercetin-3-glucoside 2.3% and isorhamnetin 3-glucoside 1.4%. Flavonol mono-glycosides were shown to be a potent PPAR-α ligand using molecular docking simulation and showed the inhibition of nitric oxide. These results suggest that the flavonol composition of E. sativa is suitable for use in improving skin barrier function and inflammation in skin disorders, such as atopic dermatitis.

Based on In Vitro and 3D Epidermal Skin Model: The Efficacy of Bletilla Striata Extract for Skin Care

Introduction: Bletilla Striata (Thunb. ex A. Murray) Rchb. f.) Is a native herb of the orchidaceae family. Modern pharmacological activity studies have shown that Bletilla striata mainly has pharmacological activities such as promoting blood circulation and hemostasis, promoting wound healing anticancer, anti-tumor disease-resistant pathogenic microorganisms, protecting mucosa, anti-ulcer, whitening and anti-oxygen, anti-aging, and immune regulation, which have been widely recognized and applied. Research on the efficacy of plant extracts mainly adopts in vitro testing methods, such as cell experiment and 3D skin model experiment. Objective: To evaluate the soothing effect of Bletilla striata extracton UVB-stimulated keratinocytes (HaCaT) and its barrier repair efficacy in Skinovo-Epi skin model. Methods: The soothing and barrier repairing effects of Bletilla striata extract were studied in vitro. The cytotoxicity of the sample was measured by MTT assay, and cytotoxicity to keratinocytes was evaluated by cell survival rate. The soothing effect was evaluated by detecting changes in inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, IL-8, TNF-α) secreted by UVB-stimulated keratinocytes with the sample treatment. Barrier repair efficacy was assessed in a Skinovo-Epi skin model by measuring changes in FLG (Filaggrin) and LOR (Loricrin) protein levels after topical application of the sample. Results: The sample showed low cytotoxicity on keratinocytes. The sample significantly reduced UVB-stimulated secretion of inflammatory cytokines in keratinocytes. Topical application of the sample increased FLG and LOR protein levels in the Skinovo-Epi skin model. Conclusions:Bletilla striata extract exhibits soothing and barrier repair activities in vitro. Bletilla striata extract reduces UVB-stimulated inflammation in keratinocytes and improves skin barrier function. The data provide novel experimental evidence supporting the innovative application of Bletilla striata for skin disorders. Bletilla striata has potential as a therapeutic herb for sensitive and damaged skin conditions.

Dupilumab Significantly Improves Skin Barrier Function in Patients With Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis.

Dupilumab Significantly Improves Skin Barrier Function in Patients With Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis.

Effects of 1,3-propanediol associated, or not, with butylene glycol and/or glycerol on skin hydration and skin barrier function.

This study aimed to assess the effect of 1,3-propanediol at different concentrations (5%, 10%, or 15%), either applied alone or in combination with butylene glycol (BG) (5%) and/or glycerol (5%), on skin hydration and skin barrier function. The measurements were conducted using capacitance to determine skin hydration and trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) rates to evaluate skin barrier function. A total of 30 healthy female subjects participated in the study. Capacitance and TEWL measurements were conducted at multiple time points, including before application and at 15 min, 2 and 8 h after the humectants were applied to the forearms of the subjects. All the subjects provided written informed consent. The 1,3-propanediol in all concentrations and in all combinations (with BG and/or glycerol) increased skin hydration and improved skin barrier function 15 min, 2 and 8 h after application. Glycerol increased the hydration performance of 1,3-propanediol. The application of 1,3-propanediol at a concentration of 15%, either alone or in combination with other humectants, reduced the TEWL to a greater extent than lower concentrations of 1,3-propanediol. Furthermore, the addition of glycerol to 1,3-propanediol 15% improved the skin barrier and reduced TEWL when compared with 1,3-propanediol alone and with the combination of 1,3-propanediol + BG. The humectants significantly improved skin hydration and reduced TEWL throughout the 8-h time course. The increase in 1,3-propanediol concentration, as well as its combination with glycerol, provided a greater benefit to the skin, improving both hydration and the skin barrier function.

Effects of Investigational Moisturizers on the Skin Barrier and Microbiome following Exposure to Environmental Aggressors: A Randomized Clinical Trial and Ex Vivo Analysis.

The skin microbiota barrier participates in skin barrier function in addition to the physical, chemical, and immunological protective barriers, and is affected by environmental aggressors and skincare regimens. To better understand the exact effects of real-life environmental conditions on the skin and determine the protective methods, this study investigates the effects of three topical cosmetic moisturizers (water gel moisturizers with/without yeast extract (Moisturizers K and C) and a thick-emulsion cream moisturizer (Moisturizer L)) on clinical and skin microbiome endpoints in the presence of environmental aggressors during an 8-week, randomized controlled, triple-blind clinical trial with 110 participants, and molecular- as well as biomarker-level endpoints on ex vivo skin explants after exposure to simulate urban environmental conditions. The results show that all moisturizers are well-tolerated and improve skin barrier function and surface moisture content from the baseline, and the improvement is maintained at the last analysis point (3 days after trial completion). Compared with the untreated control areas (samples taken from the upper chest), treatment with Moisturizer K prevented a reduction in bacterial and fungal richness, and increased the change ratio of the relative abundance of commensal bacteria, such as Staphylococcus epidermidis and Ralstonia, at the treated sites (samples taken from the forehead). Moreover, Moisturizer K-treated ex vivo skin explants had higher levels of caspase 14 (a marker of skin barrier function), collagen I, and elastin (structure components), and lower levels of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR; activated by air pollutants) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) than those in explants treated with other moisturizers and in the untreated areas of the skin. These results suggest that a skin postbiotic moisturizer with yeast extract supports the regulation of the skin's microbiome balance and may provide a holistic barrier (involving skin microbiome, physical, chemical, and immune barriers) to protect the skin against environmental aggressors.

The Protective Effects of Moisturizer Containing Potentilla anserina Extract in the Topical Treatment of Skin Damage Caused by Masks.

The use of face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in significant societal changes, particularly for individuals with sensitive skin. To address this issue, the researchers explored traditional medicine and identified Potentilla anserina extract as a potential solution due to its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing effects. This research investigated how this extract influences skin hydration, barrier function, and itching. The findings revealed that the extract had a hydrating effect by elevating Aquaporin-3 (AQP3) expression. Additionally, the study demonstrated that the extract improved skin barrier function, with Filaggrin (FLG) expression being approximately three times higher (p < 0.001) in the Potentilla-anserina-extract-treated group compared to the control group and the genes associated with itching being reduced. In this process, we researched and developed HPβCD (hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin)-Liposome containing Potentilla anserina extract, gradually and sustainably releasing the active components of the Potentilla anserina extract. During four weeks of clinical trials involving individuals wearing masks for over 6 h a day, a moisturizer containing Potentilla anserina extract demonstrated a notable reduction in skin redness. Hemoglobin values (A.U.), which serve as indicators of skin redness, showed decreases of 5.06% and 6.74% in the test area inside the mask after 2 and 4 weeks, respectively, compared to the baseline measurements. Additionally, the moisturizer containing Potentilla anserina extract notably decreased Trans Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL), with reductions of 5.23% and 9.13% observed in the test area inside the mask after 2 and 4 weeks, respectively. The moisturizer, especially in the test area treated with the extract-containing moisturizer, significantly enhanced skin hydration compared to the control group. The Corneometer values (A.U) exhibited notable increases of 11.51% and 15.14% in the test area inside the mask after 2 and 4 weeks, respectively. These discoveries emphasize the potential of Potentilla anserina extract and its utility in tackling skin issues caused by mask wearing, including enhancing moisture, fortifying the skin's barrier, and alleviating itching. These results indicate that moisturizers incorporating specific ingredients provide greater benefits compared to conventional moisturizers.

Non-invasive microneedle application increases ceramide and natural moisturizing factors in a reconstructed human skin model.

Recently, microneedling as a cosmetic product has attracted attention as one way to improve skin barrier function and moisturizing function to reduce wrinkle formation. However, some cases of erythema and edema have been reported as side effects. In order to develop safer microneedle cosmetics, we investigated whether microneedles can improve skin barrier function and moisturizing function even when applied in a non-invasive manner that does not penetrate the stratum corneum. We established the condition of non-penetrating microneedle application on reconstructed human full-thickness skin models and examined the effect on the skin models when microneedles were applied under this condition. Microneedle application increased the gene expression of serine palmitoyltransferase long chain base subunit (SPTLC) 3, filaggrin, and transglutaminase 1. The amount of ceramide produced by SPTLC was also increased by microneedle application. Gene expression of filaggrin-degrading enzymes and the amount of free amino acids, a product of filaggrin degradation, were also increased by microneedling. These results suggest that non-invasive microneedle application can improve skin barrier function and moisturizing function by increasing the amount of ceramide and natural moisturizing factors.

Cellular uptake of liposome consisting mainly of glucocerebroside from the starfish Asterias amurensis into Caco-2 cells

Glucocerebroside (GlcCer) is a group of compounds consisting of β-linked glucose and ceramide with various chain lengths, some of which possess anti-tumor activity and improve skin barrier function for atopic patients when administered orally. The amphiphilic GlcCer molecules are generally easy to aggregate in aqueous solution and result in low absorption in the gut, which can be improved by forming a liposome. With a recognition that a relatively large amount of GlcCer is contained in the starfish and is being discarded, we prepared a liposome consisting mainly of GlcCer (over 95%) with 100 nm in diameter. The adsorption efficiency of the liposome into cultured Caco-2 cells was investigated by live-cell imaging using fluorescently labeled liposomes. We found an immediate internalization of GlcCer-liposome on exposure without significant accumulation on the plasma membrane. The membrane fluidity was transiently affected as evidenced by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) experiments without no significant cellular damage, which indicates a liposome with high content of GlcCer might be useful as the carrier of dietary and/or drug molecules.

Efficacy in vitro Antioxidation and in vivo Skin Barrier Recovery of Composition Containing Mineral-cation-phyto DNA Extracted from Aloe vera Adventitious Root

Purpose: This study aimed to extract phyto DNA from the adventitious root of Aloe vera and confirm its role in improving and regenerating skin and antiaging properties caused by blue light.Methods: Phyto DNA was extracted and a complex containing polylysine and Poly (amidoamine) was made. The antioxidant activity was confirmed using the DPPH method. The MTT test was performed on fibroblasts. The expression of SOD1, FLG, LOR, COL1A1, and MMP1 was measured using RT–PCR after blue light irradiation on HaCaT cells. The wound-healing test was performed. A phyto DNA complex cream formulation was created. Using this method, skin epidermal water loss was determined after human application.Results: At 0.85% of the cation polymer–phyto DNA complex concentration, 100% of fibroblasts survived. At 0.1% concentration, the antioxidant effect was 93%. After being exposed to blue light, only 40.4% of fibroblasts survived, but after being treated with a 100 μg/mL complex, 80.5% survived. At a mineral–cation-phyto DNA complex ratio of 10:1, the expression of skin barrier factors was highest. About 95.7% of HaCaT cells regenerated at 10:1 ratio of the mineral with phyto DNA complex in comparison to complex with only the minerals without phyto DNA.Conclusion: Phyto DNA from aloe vera’s adventitious root has no cytotoxicity, has excellent DPPH free radical scavenging ability, and can mitigate blue light cytotoxicity. It can improve skin barrier function by increasing the expression of barrier factors via a synergistic action in a specific ratio composition of phyto DNA, cationic polymer, and mineral complexes.

Efficacy of the Radical Scavenger, Tempol, to Reduce Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in a Murine Model of Atopic Dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common chronically relapsing inflammatory skin disease, predominantly common in children; it is characterized by an eczematous pattern generally referable to skin dryness and itchy papules that become excoriated and lichenified in the more advanced stages of the disease. Although the pathophysiology of AD is not completely understood, numerous studies have demonstrated the complex interaction between genetic, immunological, and environmental factors, which acts to disrupt skin barrier function. Free radicals play a key role by directly damaging skin structure, inducing inflammation and weakening of the skin barrier. Tempol (4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl) is a membrane-permeable radical scavenger, known to be a stable nitroxide, which exhibits excellent antioxidant effects in several human disorders, such as osteoarthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases. Considering the few existing studies on dermatological pathologies, this study aimed to evaluate tempol, in a cream formulation, in a murine model of AD. Dermatitis was induced in mice via dorsal skin application of 0.5% Oxazolone, three times a week for two weeks. After induction, mice were treated with tempol-based cream for another two weeks at three different doses of 0.5%, 1% and 2%. Our results demonstrated the ability of tempol, at the highest percentages, to counteract AD by reducing the histological damage, decreasing mast cell infiltration, and improving the skin barrier properties, by restoring the tight junction (TJs) and filaggrin. Moreover, tempol, at 1% and 2%, was able to modulate inflammation by reducing the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of the activated B cell (NF-κB) pathway, as well as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β expression. Topical treatment also attenuated oxidative stress by modulating nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), and heme oxygenase I (HO-1) expression levels. The obtained results demonstrate the numerous advantages provided by the topical administration of a tempol-based cream formulation, in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress through modulation of the NF-κB/Nrf2 signaling pathways. Therefore, tempol could represent an alternative anti-atopic approach to treating AD, thereby improving skin barrier function.