Improvement In Skin Appearance Research Articles

Combined approach of nanoemulgel and microneedle pre-treatment as a topical anticellulite therapy

Background and purpose: Cellulite is caused by changes in the metabolism of the fatty tissue beneath the skin. Methylxanthines and retinoids are commonly added to the different anticellulite products. However, their topical permeation into the dermis is limited. Thus, the objective of this research is to formulate a nanoemulgel (NEG) containing a triple therapy of caffeine, aminophylline, and tretinoin as a topical anticellulite product to improve their skin permeation. Furthermore, the influence of microneedles (MNs) as skin pre-treatment on the permeation of the NEG was investigated. Experimental approach: Various nanoemulsion (NE) formulations were prepared using high-energy ultrasonication with different compositions and sonication amplitudes. Several characterisation tests were employed to select the optimum NE formulation. Then, the optimised NE formulation was incorporated with hyaluronic acid to prepare the NEG, which was, in turn, subjected to various evaluations. An ex vivo permeation study using human skin was performed for the NEG compared to a control preparation of plain gel. Additionally, a microneedling pen was applied as a skin pre-treatment at varying lengths prior to NEG application to examine its impact on the NEG’s permeation. Key results: The selected NEG has a homogenous and consistent texture with no coarse particles, a droplet size of 175.8 nm and polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.19, an optimum pH value of 5.28, high drug content of caffeine, aminophylline, and tretinoin (99.35, 98.48 and 98.05 %, respectively), high drug release values of approximately 100 % within 6 hours, appro-priate viscosity, minimum skin irritation, and adequate short-term stability. The ex vivo permeation study showed that caffeine, aminophylline, and tretinoin permeated more and deposited in the skin with higher percentages from the NEG than plain gel. This skin deposition within the dermis was increased by applying the microneedling pen at varying lengths of 0.5, 1, and 2 mm as a skin pre-treatment. Conclusion: This combined approach of NEG formulation containing a triple therapy of caffeine, aminophylline, and tretinoin, along with MNs application, has the potential to serve as a topical anticellulite product, reducing cellulite formation and improving skin appearance.

Metabolomic analysis of HUVEC after Thermal denaturation UHPLC-MS/MS-based metabolomics.

Preserving denatured dermis has been shown to promote wound healing and improve skin appearance and function. Angiogenesis is crucial for the healing of burn wounds. However, the metabolic mechanisms underlying angiogenesis during burn recovery remain unclear. In this study, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed six distinct metabolites in a heat-denatured cell model. A bioinformatics approach was used to predict the differentially expressed metabolites, and four metabolic pathways closely related to trauma repair were identified. These pathways might play a significant role in the regression of thermally injured endothelial cells. We also found that increasing D-mannose level promoted the angiogenic activity of human umbilical vein endothelial cells in the heat-denatured cell model, enhancing cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation. In summary, these findings revealed changes in metabolites and metabolic pathways in thermally injured endothelial cells, and demonstrated that D-mannose could promote angiogenesis during the recovery of thermally injured endothelial cells.

Bipolar Radiofrequency Combined with Non-Crosslinked Hyaluronic Acid Mesotherapy: A Protocol for Skin Enhancement

Changes associated with aging, such as alterations in epidermal hydration, pigmentation, thickness, and cell renewal, impact skin appearance and may result in laxity, dryness, and uneven skin tone. This case series aimed to evaluate the combined effects of bipolar radiofrequency and non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid mesotherapy on skin appearance, with the goal of achieving synergistic benefits. This retrospective data analysis included subjects aged 33-67 years with facial skin dryness and laxity. Subjects received treatment with a bipolar radiofrequency device on the face, followed immediately by mesotherapy with 2.5 ml of non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid. Photographic documentation and skin analysis were conducted before treatment and 30 days post-treatment. Fourteen subjects with a mean age of 45 years (range 33-67) and presenting with dry, lax facial skin were included. All measured indicators showed significant improvement following the combined radiofrequency and mesotherapy protocol. The combined protocol also correlated with greater improvement in both patient and physician satisfaction, observed immediately after the procedure and at 30 days post-procedure. The treatment was well tolerated, and no adverse events were reported. The combination of bipolar radiofrequency and non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid mesotherapy resulted in significant improvements in skin appearance, firmness, tone, and overall subject satisfaction compared to the baseline condition. The treatments were well received, leading to noticeable enhancements in facial aesthetics. No adverse events were reported, confirming the safety of the protocol.

Improvement Across Dimensions of Disease with Lebrikizumab Use in Atopic Dermatitis: Two Phase 3, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Monotherapy Trials (ADvocate1 and ADvocate2).

Atopic dermatitis is a complex, chronic, inflammatory skin disease thatrequires long-term control of symptoms like itch and sleep loss and improvement in quality of life, in addition to reduction of clinical signs. Lebrikizumab is a selective interleukin-13 inhibitor approved in the European Union, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Canada, and Japan for treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in adults and adolescents. Here, we assess the magnitude of changes across signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis with lebrikizumab monotherapy over the 16-week induction period in two phase 3 studies, ADvocate1 and ADvocate2. Eligible adults (aged≥18years) and adolescents (aged 12 to<18years and weighing≥40kg) with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis were randomized to receive either 250mg of lebrikizumab or placebo subcutaneously every two weeks. Least squares mean percentage change from baseline through week 16 was compared between lebrikizumab and placebo using mixed model repeated measure analysis for the following endpoints: Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), Pruritus Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Sleep-Loss Scale, Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM), and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). In both trials, significant (P<0.05) improvements were observed for lebrikizumab treatment compared with placebo at each 2-week timepoint for EASI, Pruritus NRS, Sleep-Loss Scale, and POEM, and at each 4-week timepoint for DLQI, through week 16. Statistically significant (P<0.001) improvements were observed at 16weeks for lebrikizumab treatment versus placebo in ADvocate1/ADvocate2 for EASI (71.9%/75.0% vs. 35.6%/43.3%), Pruritus NRS (53.3%/46.3% vs. 21.4%/18.0%), Sleep-Loss Scale (57.7%/55.6% vs. 23.9%/25.5%), POEM (54.4%/45.8% vs. 18.8%/16.9%), and DLQI (64.2%/60.5% vs. 28.5%/32.2%). Patient photos show improvements in skin appearance when disease measures improve. Lebrikizumab monotherapy resulted in significant and fast improvements in multiple dimensions of disease (clinical signs, symptoms, and quality of life) over 16weeks in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers, NCT04146363; NCT04178967.

Unlocking the psycho-social-dermal axis: A double blinded randomized placebo controlled study unveiling the influence of a novel topical formulation on skin quality, attractiveness, quality of life, and sexual satisfaction.

Improved skin appearance is closely linked to higher self-esteem, favorable first impressions, and enhanced quality of life, with skincare products often being formulated with biostimulatory and regenerative ingredients to both enhance skin health and provide psychological benefits. Certain components, such as phospholipids and botanicals, may not only improve skin quality, but also impact mood, romantic bonding, and sexual attraction. To assess whether a novel topical skin care product formulated with a proprietary combination of proteins, lipids, and botanical derivatives, can potentially result in a robust psycho-social-dermatological benefit via modulation epidermal oxytocin and pheromonal pathways. In this single-center prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blinded study, 40 female subjects were randomly assigned to use of either active novel skincare products, or placebos, for 4-8 weeks. Skin assessments, standardized photography, first impression ratings, and questionnaires on confidence and sexual satisfaction were conducted. Thirty-nine subjects completed the study and demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in skin quality following 4 and 8 weeks of use, with improvements of greater magnitude demonstrated with a longer duration of use. Product users projected a better first impression and appeared on average 3 years younger than their actual age, with 86% of subjects reporting increased confidence. Product users found random people of the opposite sex to be more attractive 88% of the time and reported improvement in sexual satisfaction in 90% of the categories. The use of this novel topical product culminated in statistically significant improvements in skin quality, confidence, sexual relationship satisfaction, perceived attractiveness, and youthfulness, highlighting its potential in anti-aging and mood enhancement.

Rotational radiofrequency-based technology leads to adipose tissue reduction and contouring effect in the thighs, abdomen, and flanks.

Excess body adiposity and skin irregularities represent a major problem in today's society. Currently, radiofrequency-based devices constitute an increasingly popular medical-aesthetic application and a powerful non-invasive method to combat this problem. This study aims to determine the efficacy and safety of the high-frequency device Zionic™ (Termosalud, Inc., Gijón, Spain) in reducing body contouring and improving skin appearance in the abdomen/flanks or thighs. Thirty nine individuals were treated with the Zionic™ device in the abdomen/flanks or thighs. A total of 8 sessions of 40-50 min each, 72/96 h apart were performed. At baseline, body measurements were taken including photographs, body contours, and ultrasound scans to assess dermal thickness, dermal echogenicity, and subcutaneous fat thickness. The measurements were repeated after the eight sessions for comparison and analysis. Quantitative data was complemented with a customized survey to evaluate participants satisfaction level. At the follow-up visit, a significant average reduction of 3% in abdomen/flanks circumferences and 2% in thighs contours was noticed. Abdomen/flanks and thighs subcutaneous fat layer thickness was significantly reduced by 8% and 6%, respectively. Dermal echogenicity changes, related to skin collagen content and organization, showed non-significant increasing tendencies of 7% for abdomen/flanks and 8% for thighs. Thighs dermal thickness was significantly increased by 6%. Results were associated to a high satisfaction level (80%) and no severe adverse events. Zionic™ treatment is a safe, effective, and well-tolerated noninvasive procedure for body contouring and improvement of skin properties in abdomen, flanks, and thighs.

A Comprehensive Review Article on Herbal Cosmetics

Nowadays, Herbal cosmetic is growing rapidly as most women prefer natural products rather than chemicals products for their personal care. Herbal cosmetic contains natural nutrients to improve and provide consumers satisfaction due to relatively fewer side effects compared to synthetic cosmetics. The herbal Cosmetics have been the first choice of the customers, for being more potent, easily available and thought to be less side effective. These were used for food, medicine, or cosmetics. Flower, leaf, fruit, root, bark, inner stem, wood, beans, rhizome, endosperm, bulb, seed or whole plant are used to produce bioactive ingredients Herbal cosmetic are the beauty products, which having a physiological activities, such as smoothening, appearance, enhancing and conditioning properties, because of Herbal excipients. The bioactive components from botanicals contains vitamins, alkaloids, proteins, and terpenoid which serve as cosmetics for caring of body and it’s body part. The Herbal cosmetic contains herbal shampoo, herbal hair conditioner, herbal soap, herbal face wash etc. That’s are used to improve skin appearance. Used in skin care and used in hair herbal cosmetic products avoid the adverse effects such as itching, burning or irritation the skin. Cosmeceuticals is the fastest growing segment of the personal care products these are cosmetic preparations which contain biologically active principles or ingredients of plant origin. In recent years there is an increased demand for the use of herbs in cosmetics due to their mild action and less toxic in nature and they are found to be more effective.

Patient preferences for treatment attributes in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: a discrete choice experiment

Purpose: Evidence on treatment preferences of patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in the United States (US) is limited and an assessment of treatment preferences in this group is warranted.Materials and methods: An online discrete choice experiment survey was conducted (June 2023) among US adults with self-reported moderate-to-severe AD or experience with systemic therapy who had inadequate response to topical treatments. Preference weights estimated from conditional logistic regression models were used to calculate willingness to trade off and attributes’ relative importance (RI).Results: Participants (N = 300; mean age: 45 years; 70% females; 52% systemic therapy experienced) preferred treatments with higher efficacy, lower risk of adverse events (AEs), and less frequent blood tests (p < .05). Treatment attributes, from high to low RI, were itch control (38%), risk of cancer (23%), risk of respiratory infections (18%), risk of heart problems (11%), sustained improvement in skin appearance (5%), blood test frequency (3%), and frequency and mode of administration (2%); together, AE attributes accounted for more than half of the RI.Conclusions: Participants preferred AD treatments that maximize itch control while minimizing AE risks, whereas mode of administration had little impact on preferences. Understanding patients’ preferences may help improve shared decision-making, potentially leading to enhanced patient satisfaction with treatment, increased engagement, and better clinical outcomes.

Optimization of rice bran oil nanoemulgel as anti-aging using Box–Behnken design

Background The accelerated aging caused by reactive oxygen species is a major concern to many people. Antioxidants present in natural products like rice bran oil (RBO) absorb and neutralize free radicals, improving skin appearance and slowing the aging process. However, RBO has limited use on the skin due to greasy sensation, oxidation, and low penetration. Objective This study aimed to develop a RBO nanoemulgel and evaluate its anti-aging effects on volunteer skin. Patients and methods Nanoemulsion optimized using Box–Behnken design to optimize RBO (x1), surfactant (x2), and cosurfactant (x3) factors towards transmittance response. Nanoemulsion prepared using high-pressure homogenizer and ultrasonication methods. Results and conclusion The optimal formula contained 2% oil, 14.732% tween 80, and 1.227% span 80, with characterization of 96.6% transmittance, particle size of 17.8±0.1 nm, polydispersity index of 0.51±0.00, zeta potential of −3.56±0.70, and pH of 6.19±0.05. The optimal formula was further incorporated with CMC-Na base and evaluated it anti-aging effects on upper arm skin volunteer. After 4 weeks of RBO nanoemulgel usage, there was a significant increase on oil content and elasticity parameters on skin volunteers, but not on moisture content. This study highlights the potential of the optimized nanoemulgel formula as an anti-aging solution, addressing signs of aging.

546 - Patient preferences for treatment attributes in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: a discrete choice experiment

Abstract Introduction/Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) affects approximately 5-10% of adults worldwide, significantly burdening affected patients. Newer treatments for moderate-to-severe AD, including biologic therapies and Janus-kinase (JAK) inhibitors, are associated with varied levels of efficacy, safety, monitoring, and administration requirements. Yet, patient preferences for different treatment options are not well characterized. Objectives A discrete choice experiment (DCE) was designed to quantify the extent to which AD patients in the United States (US) value different treatment attributes. Methods An online DCE survey was conducted in June 2023. Eligible participants included US adults (≥ 18 years) with self-reported moderate-to-severe AD or experience with systemic therapy, diagnosed with AD for ≥1 year, with inadequate response to topical treatments. DCE attributes were selected based on qualitative interviews with patients and clinical input, including attributes related to efficacy (i.e., sustained improvement in skin appearance, itch control), safety (i.e., risk of respiratory infection, cancer, and heart problems), treatment administration, and blood test frequency. Participants were presented 12 choice tasks, each presenting two hypothetical treatment profiles, and selected one profile from each task that reflected their preferred option. A conditional logit regression model was used to assess patient preferences for attributes. Sensitivity analyses were conducted, excluding patients who failed validity tests. Results A diverse group of 300 participants completed the survey (mean age: 45 years; 22% non-white or mixed; 70% female; 66% employed). Approximately half received their first AD treatment of any kind 5 or more years ago (50%), had experienced severe symptoms (50%), and had experience with systemic therapy (52%). Participants preferred treatments with higher efficacy, lower risk of AEs, and less frequent blood tests (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Frequency and mode of administration (i.e., oral vs. injectable) did not impact preferences (p &amp;gt; 0.05). On average, participants were willing to accept a reduction of 35.4, 17.7, and 1.2 percentage points in the probability of achieving itch control to receive a treatment with 1 percentage point less risk of cancer, heart problems, and respiratory infections, respectively. Treatment attributes, from high to low relative importance, were itch control (38%), followed by risk of cancer (23%), risk of respiratory infections (18%), risk of heart problems (11%), sustained improvement in skin appearance (5%), blood test frequency (3%), and frequency and mode of administration (2%). Results were similar in sensitivity analyses, indicating the robustness of the findings. Conclusions Patients with moderate-to-severe AD preferred treatments that maximize itch control while minimizing the risk of AEs (cancer, respiratory infections, heart problems), whereas mode of administration had little impact on preferences. Understanding patients’ preferences may help improve shared decision-making.

A Clinical Trial Shows Improvement in Skin Collagen, Hydration, Elasticity, Wrinkles, Scalp, and Hair Condition following 12-Week Oral Intake of a Supplement Containing Hydrolysed Collagen.

Hydrolysed collagen supplements are reported to fight the signs of aging and improve skin appearance, but more authoritative clinical evidence is needed to support efficacy. This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated the efficacy of a supplement containing hydrolysed collagen and vitamin C (Absolute Collagen, AC) on biophysical parameters and visible signs of aging for skin, scalp, and hair, when taken daily or every 48 hours. We measured dermal collagen using confocal microscopy and high-resolution ultrasound. Hydration, elasticity, wrinkles, and clinical trichoscopy were measured in parallel to expert visual grading. Efficacy measures were recorded at baseline, week 6, and week 12. Following 12 weeks daily use of the AC supplement, using confocal microscopy, we observed a significant 44.6% decrease in fragmentation vs. placebo (p < 0.01). We also measured a change in the ultrasound LEP (low echogenic pixel) ratio comparing upper and lower dermis (-9.24 vs. -7.83, respectively, p=0.05), suggesting collagen improvements occurred more in the upper dermal compartment. After 12 weeks vs. placebo, skin hydration was increased by 13.8% (p < 0.01), R2 elasticity index was increased by 22.7% (p<0.01), and Rz profilometry index was decreased by 19.6% (p < 0.01). Trichoscopy showed an average 11.0% improvement in scalp scaling and a 27.6% increase in the total number of hairs counted vs. placebo (p=n.s.). This was associated with a 31.9% increase in clinical grading score for hair healthy appearance (p < 0.01). The AC supplement has shown clinical benefits for skin, scalp, and hair, when used either daily or every 48 hours, over a 12-week period.

Evaluating new cosmeceuticals

AbstractEvaluating cosmeceuticals can be challenging, as this category of functional cosmetics is rapidly changing and complex. The following nine steps can be followed to logically evaluate a new cosmeceutical and determine its value for a given patient: (1) Examine the packaging. (2) Note what claims are being made. (3) Read the ingredient disclosure to obtain a basic understanding of what skin benefit the product delivers. (4) Identify those active ingredients designed to improve skin appearance. These ingredients should provide longer‐lasting cumulative improvement with continued use. (5) Identify those inactive ingredients that are part of the vehicle providing improvement in skin texture and feel. These are more temporary in nature. (6) Perform an Internet search on those ingredients with which you are unfamiliar. (7) Evaluate the research supporting the product benefits to include white papers or published papers. (8) Determine the mechanisms of action for the ingredients and what the product actually accomplishes on the skin surface. (9) Put some product on the back of your hand and assess dry‐down characteristics, smell, viscosity, and so forth.

Dynamics of the ultrasonographic picture of the skin and subcutaneous tissue in the physiotherapy treatment of cellulite by compression microvibration: а non-randomized prospective study

BACKGROUND: Various methods are offered to effectively eliminate cellulite and improve skin appearance; however, its treatment remains one of the most difficult tasks in aesthetic medicine. The arsenal of tools that allow an objective assessment of cosmetic and esthetic therapeutic measures is very limited.&#x0D; AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of the compression microvibration method to treat structural and functional skin changes in women with gynoid lipodystrophy of different age groups.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-center, nonrandomized, prospective study of the effectiveness of the compression microvibration method (Endospheres Therapy) was carried out in 27 women (4069 years old) with mild-to-moderate gynoid lipodystrophy under the control of ultrasonographic skin examination before treatment, after 12 procedures, and after 2 months. After a course of therapy, skin ultrasonography was performed using a specialized high-resolution digital ultrasound system DUB SkinScanner (tpm GmbH, Germany) equipped with a 75 MHz transducer with a resolution of 21 m and a scanning depth of 46 mm. Additionally, anthropometric parameters were measured, and the body mass index was calculated.&#x0D; RESULTS: Changes in body mass index (BMI) revealed a trend toward weight loss in most of the participants. The circumference of the hips and waist in participants aged 4049, 5059 and 6069 years decreased by 3.01.1 and 5.31.1, 2.20.9 and 4.11.3 and 2.50.9 and 6.31.5 cm, respectively. It was found that after the course of Endospheres Therapy in patients of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd age groups in the areas of the anterior, inner, posterior surface of the thigh and the anterior surface of the abdomen, the thickness of the dermis decreased by 15.6, 9.5 and 18.1%; 10.9, 10.5 and 19.3%; 6.1, 15.7 and 13.8%, 23.4, 14.7 and 14.5% (p 0.05), respectively; increased echogenicity of the dermis in the areas of the anterior, inner, posterior thigh and anterior abdominal surface by 2, 1.4 and 1.3; 1.2, 1.4 and 1.2; 1.4, 1.4 and 1.5; 1.3, 1.5 and 1.7 times (p 0.05), respectively. The echogenicity of the hypodermis decreased in the studied areas by 30.8, 27.6 and 31.2% (p 0.05); 20.1, 37.3 and 40.4% (p 0.05); 43.2, 57.8 (p 0.05) and 9.3%; 23.6, 15.2 (p 0.05) and 9.3%, respectively. The effect persisted 60 days after the course of therapy.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: These results have convincingly demonstrated the effectiveness of Endospheres Therapy in women with mild-to-moderate gynoid lipodystrophy for body shaping and skin improvement in the long term without revealing any side effects.

Combining Diamond-Tip Dermabrasion Treatments and Topical Skincare in Participants with Dry, Hyperpigmented, Photodamaged or Acne-Prone/Oily Facial Skin: A Clinical Usage Study.

An in-office diamond tip microdermabrasion device (DG) was designed to simultaneously exfoliate, extract, and infuse topical cosmetic serums into the skin to improve its appearance. Combining in-office procedures with take-home skincare may enhance treatment outcomes. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a novel combination of DG treatments with a take-home cosmetic skincare regimen (DGR) to address facial dryness, hyperpigmentation, photodamage, or acne-prone/oily skin. In this 12-week, open-label, single-center study, participants were assigned to 1 of 4 groups according to skin presentation: dry, hyperpigmented, photodamaged, or acne-prone/oily. All participants received 6 bi-weekly DG treatments with tailored DGR topical products. During the DG treatment, the dry, hyperpigmented, photodamaged, and acne-prone/oily groups received hydrating, brightening, antioxidant, and pore-clarifying serums, respectively. Study endpoints included investigator grading, standardized photography, and participant questionnaires. Sixteen participants aged 22 to 70 years with Fitzpatrick Skin Types I-V completed the study. Immediately after the first DG treatment, significant improvements in dryness, radiance, texture, photodamage, and fine lines were achieved (P<0.01). At 72 hours, significant improvements were maintained in all these parameters except fine lines (P<0.05). The DG and DGR combination provided significant long-term improvements at week 12 compared to baseline for dryness, radiance, texture, hyperpigmentation, photodamage, skin tone unevenness, and periocular/perioral fine lines (P<0.05). The combination of DG and DGR showed significant immediate and long-term improvements in skin appearance. These results show that the DG and DGR combination is a well-tolerated and effective intervention to enhance different aspects of facial skin quality.

Combined Bipolar Radiofrequency and Non-Crosslinked Hyaluronic Acid Mesotherapy Protocol to Improve Skin Appearance and Epidermal Barrier Function: A Pilot Study.

Age-associated changes in epidermal hydration, pigmentation, thickness and cell renewal influence skin appearance and can lead to laxity, dryness and poor skin tone. The aim of this pilot study was to assess the synergistic effects of a new bipolar radiofrequency plus non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid (HA) mesotherapy protocol compared with radiofrequency alone on skin appearance and markers of epidermal function. This prospective, single-center, split-face pilot study recruited women aged 25-65 years with dryness and laxity of the facial skin defined by a trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) value of ≥26 g/m2/h. Subjects were treated with a bipolar radiofrequency device on both sides of the face. This was immediately followed by needle hyaluronic acid (HA) treatment on one side of the face with 2.5 mL of a non-crosslinked HA. Photographic documentation, analysis of epidermal barrier function parameters, and high frequency (HF) ultrasound analysis were performed prior to treatment and at 28 days. Twenty female subjects with a mean age of 46 (range 29 to 54) years and dry and lax facial skin were included. TEWL was reduced and skin hydration improved to a greater extent with the combined radiofrequency plus mesotherapy protocol compared with radiofrequency alone (-5.8% vs. +3.9% and +23.1% vs. +1.0%, respectively). The combined protocol was also associated with greater improvements in melanin (-7.5% vs. -1.5%) and erythema values (-7.2% vs. +3.0%), respectively. Ultrasound measures of epidermal thickness and epidermal density were greater after the combined protocol compared with radiofrequency alone (12.0% vs. 5.6% and 57.7% vs. 7.1%, respectively). Both treatments were well-tolerated. The combined bipolar radiofrequency and HA mesotherapy protocol provided greater improvements in skin hydration, firmness and tone compared with radiofrequency alone. The combination treatment was also associated with greater epidermal thickness and density and increased keratinocyte differentiation suggesting a synergistic effect of both treatments on epidermal homeostasis and barrier function. Both treatments were well-tolerated and led to improvements in facial appearance.

Using 3% retinol peeling and cosmeceuticals for the aesthetic wellness of the oncological patient after precautionary endocrine treatment: A case series.

Roughness, sagging, and skin rash are common in patients with breast cancer treated with LH-RH analog plus tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors as adjuvant postsurgical endocrine therapy. The use of topical retinol (vitamin A) has shown to be an efficacious cosmetic treatment. Peeling with an advanced retinol peel formulation based on 3% retinol, 4% triethyl citrate, 0.1% aminophil, bisabolol, and 1% vitamin E acetate, in a vehicle in an alcoholic solution has been successfully used to ameliorate skin appearance on subjects with photodamage and in the aged population. We aimed to verify its use during adjuvant chemotherapy. Four subjects experiencing skin issues during postsurgical adjuvant therapy for their breast cancer received retinol peel at least 6 weeks after stopping their postsurgery therapy as a low invasive aesthetic medical treatment to be used both at the dermatology desk and at home. Retinol peel was effective, safe, and well-tolerated, improving skin brightness and firmness in all the patients, since 4 weeks after the beginning of the treatment. Patients declared to be satisfied with the treatment and their skin appearance letting them feel better for cancer recovery, too. These preliminary observations suggest that the use of an advanced retinol peel formulation might improve skin appearance in women experiencing skin damages caused by adjuvant therapy after breast cancer surgery.

Exploring Olive Pomace for Skincare Applications: A Review

The cosmetic industry is continuously searching for new active ingredients in an effort to attend to consumer demands which, in recent years, are focused on more natural and environmentally friendly products, obtained from sustainable resources. Nevertheless, they are required to provide cosmetologically appealing skincare products, ultimately with the purpose of improving skin appearance. The olive oil industry generates a large amount of liquid and semi-solid by-products such as olive pomace. Their phytotoxicity impairs safe disposal, so valorization strategies that promote by-product reuse are needed, which may include skincare products. Hydroxytyrosol is the main phenolic compound present in olive pomace and possesses biological effects that make it a desirable active compound for cosmetic formulations such as antioxidant and anti-aging activities as well as photoprotector, depigmenting, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions. Other compounds present in olive pomace can also have functional properties and skin-related benefits. However, the application of this by-product can be a challenge in terms of formulation’s design, stability, and proven efficacy, so appropriate methodologies should be used to validate its incorporation and may include extraction and further encapsulation of bioactive compounds in order to achieve effective and aesthetic appealing skincare products.

In Vivo Investigation of the Biostimulatory and Rejuvenating Effects of Small-Particle Cross-linked Hyaluronic Acid Injections in Photoaged Human Skin.

Injection of cross-linked hyaluronic acid (CLHA) has been traditionally utilized to treat wrinkles and provide volume. Recent studies have also shown that intradermal placement of CLHA provides lasting secondary effects and may be a useful method for improving skin appearance and physiology. The aim of this study was to investigate the biostimulatory effects and potential underlying mechanisms induced by repeated intradermal microinjections of small-particle cross-linked hyaluronic acid (SPCLHA) for skin rejuvenation. Eight patients with photoaged forearm skin underwent three intradermal microinjections of SPCLHA and isotonic sodium chloride (control). At 0, 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks, biophysical parameters were measured, and skin biopsies were obtained at 12 and 24 weeks for assessment employing histological and immunohistochemical analyses, transmission electron microscope, and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction. SPCLHA treatments significantly improved skin appearance and physiologic functions starting at 8 weeks. Histologic examination revealed thickening of the epidermis, more red-stained collagen fibers in the dermis, and increased formation of blood vessels in SPCLHA-treated skin. Immunohistochemical evaluation showed increased collagen deposition, proliferation of keratinocytes and fibroblasts, and cutaneous vascularity in SPCLHA-treated skin compared with controls. Fibroblasts appeared morphologically stretched with well-developed rough endoplasmic reticulum. Gene expression concerning various extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and growth factors was upregulated at 12 weeks and several genes remained upregulated at 24 weeks. Intradermal microinjections of SPCLHA can stimulate production of collagen and other ECM components, restore the structural integrity of dermal microenvironment, and may be considered an effective method for skin rejuvenation.

A New Model to Investigate the Effects of Cosmetics on Skin Microorganisms In Vitro

The use of prebiotic substances in cosmetic products in order to improve skin appearance by influencing the skin microbiome has become quite common. As known from the food industry, prebiotic cosmetics aim for specific support of beneficial microorganisms, while others, especially pathogenic bacteria, are sought to be inhibited. To develop such products and evaluate their efficacy, it is crucial to understand the mode of action of prebiotic substances already before an in vivo use phase, e.g., by applying appropriate lab methods. We describe the development of a suitable in vitro model in order to test the efficacy of prebiotic substances incorporated in different types of formulas. A leather surface inoculated with different bacterial species of the human residential skin microbiota proved effective in simulating the action of prebiotic agents on the skin. It could be shown that the growth of bacteria was positively or negatively influenced by cosmetic formulas containing prebiotic substances. Thus, the model allows the investigation of prebiotic agents in cosmetic formulas with respect to their efficacy on a skin-like surface.

300 Clinical assessment of low level microcurrent of short duration in enhancing allantoin penetration and improving the appearance of skin cellulite, radiance, texture, and firmness

Low level DC microcurrent is used to enable electrically conductive drug delivery in skin wounds and ulcerations. However, it is not clear from the literature whether very low level DC current of short-term duration can improve the delivery of active ingredients contributing to the improvement of skin appearance. We conducted a 12-week study in 30 females using a non-invasive negative DC microcurrent device to deliver allantoin from a topical serum followed by a moisturizer. Consistent areas on the upper thigh and upper arm were evaluated visually for improvement in skin cellulite, radiance, texture, and firmness.