Improved Skin Hydration Research Articles

A pramoxine-based anti-itch lotion is more effective than a control lotion for the treatment of uremic pruritus in adult hemodialysis patients

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a commercially available anti-itch lotion containing 1% pramoxine hydrochloride versus control lotion in the treatment of uremic pruritus in adult hemodialysis patients. Methods: This was a randomized, double-blind, controlled comparative trial set in a community hemodialysis center. The study population comprised 28 individuals (mean age 53.5) with moderate to severe uremic pruritus who had been receiving hemodialysis for at least 3 months. All participants were recruited from one community hemodialysis center. Topical anti-itch lotion containing 1% pramoxine was applied twice daily to all affected areas of pruritus for 4 weeks. The main outcome measure was a reduction in itch intensity. Secondary outcomes included increases in the investigator's global assessment and improvement in skin hydration. Results: There was a 61% decrease in itch intensity in the treatment group, whereas a 12% reduction in itch intensity was observed in the control group. The rate of decline in itching was also greater in the treatment arm versus the control arm. No significant differences were displayed in other studied disease-related variables. Conclusion: Our study shows that individuals using pramoxine 1% lotion experienced a reduction in pruritus to a greater degree than those using the control lotion. This safe, convenient and effective topical lotion may potentially benefit the large number of patients affected by pruritus associated with end-stage renal disease.

Gentle Cleansing and Moisturizing for Patients with Atopic Dermatitis and Sensitive Skin

Atopic dermatitis is a common condition characterized by pruritus, inflammation, and dryness of the skin. Inflammation disrupts the barrier function of the stratum corneum, predisposing the skin to be dry, and increases susceptibility to irritants and secondary bacterial infection. Sensitive skin is common, reported by 40-50% of women and 30% of men in the US, Europe, and Japan. Basic requirements in managing eczema and sensitive skin include effective cleansers that do not compromise skin barrier integrity, alleviation of skin dryness, and restoration of skin barrier function through the use of therapeutic moisturizers. The selection of a skin cleanser is therefore an important part of managing these conditions. Studies have reported clinical improvement with the use of soap-free cleansers in combination with topical treatments. While topical corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents are mainstays of treatment for atopic dermatitis, therapeutic moisturizers are important adjuncts. Moisturizers improve skin hydration, reduce susceptibility to irritation, restore the integrity of the stratum corneum, and enhance the efficacy of topical corticosteroids.

Preparation and characterization of herbal creams for improvement of skin viscoelastic properties

The aim of this study was to formulate and evaluate herbal cosmetic creams for their improvement of skin viscoelastic and hydration properties. The cosmetic cream formulations were designed by using ethanolic extracts of Glycyrriza glabra, Curcuma longa (roots), seeds of Psorolea corlifolia, Cassia tora, Areca catechu, Punica granatum, fruits of Embelica officinale, leaves of Centella asiatica, dried bark of Cinnamon zeylanicum and fresh gel of Aloe vera in varied concentrations (0.12-0.9%w/w) and characterized using physicochemical and physiological measurements. The ethanolic extracts of herbs were incorporated in a cream base that is prepared by a phase inversion emulsification technique. The cream base was prepared by utilizing oil of Prunus amagdalus, Sesamum indicum, honey, cetyl alcohol, stearic acid, polysorbate monoleate, sorbitan monostearate, propylene glycol and glycerin. Physicochemical assessments and microbiological testing were completed for all formulations according to the methods of the Indian Standard Bureau. The studies were carried out for 6 weeks on normal subjects (6 males and 12 females, between 22 and 50 years) on the back of their volar forearm for evaluation of viscoelastic properties in terms of extensibility via a suction measurement, firmness using laboratory fabricated instruments such as ball bouncing and skin hydration using electric (resistance) measurement methods. The physicochemical parameters of formulations CAA1-CAA6, i.e. pH, acid value, saponification value, viscosity, spreadability, layer thickness microbial count and skin sensitivity were found to be in the range of 5.01 +/- 0.4-6.07 +/- 0.6, 3.3-5.1 +/- 0.2, 20-32, 5900-6755 cps, 60-99%, 25-50 mum, 31-46 colony-forming units (CFU) and a 0-1 erythema score. The formulations, CAA4 and CAA5, showed an increase in percentage extensibility (32.27 +/- 1.7% and 29.89 +/- 1.64%, respectively), firmness (28.86 +/- 0.86% and 29.89 +/- 2.8%, respectively) and improved skin hydration (15.97 +/- 0.55 and 18.27 +/- 0.99%, respectively) and were found more effective compared with the control product (C7) after the 6- week study.

The Influence of a Non-Occlusive Bi-Layer Composite Membrane on Skin Barrier Properties

The purpose of this placebo-controlled right-left intra-individual pre/post comparison study was to evaluate the efficacy of a new bi-layer composite membrane, composed of a layer of knitted cotton and a layer of semi-permeable polyurethane, developed in order to improve skin hydration. Eighteen healthy subjects entered the study. A T-shirt, dedicated to this study, was prepared and it was worn for 8 h, mimicking overnight wearing. Before and at the removal of the T-shirt an objective quantification of skin parameters was performed by measuring hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin surface pH, bilaterally, on the inner side of the forearm. Measurements were performed both at the interface between the skin and the bi-layer composite membrane or cotton and on the outer side of the membrane (to assess permeation of water and occlusive properties of the product) with and without a single application of a moisturizer. A statistically significant improvement of skin hydration, recorded on the stratum corneum underneath the bi-layer membrane versus cotton alone, was measured both with (p < 0.0001) and without application of the moisturizer (p < 0.002). TEWL was shown to decrease significantly on the side of the bi-layer membrane, if compared with cotton (p < 0.008), after application of the moisturizer. TEWL through the membrane showed no significant differences as compared to placebo, confirming the permeability of the fabric. Our data suggest that this bi-layer composite membrane can promote the hydration process of the stratum corneum, increasing the hydrating properties of the moisturizer agent.

Ceramide analogue 14S24 selectively recovers perturbed human skin barrier

Topical ceramide application is an effective therapeutic approach in skin disorders with disturbed barrier function, including atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. To evaluate ceramide analogue N-tetracosanoyl-(l)-serine tetradecyl ester (14S24) using a novel ex vivo model. Freshly excised human skin was disrupted by lipid extraction, tape stripping and sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) treatment. Barrier perturbation was evaluated by the measurement of transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration and the penetration of model compound, theophylline (TH), assessed by microdialysis. The effect of topical 5% 14S24 was compared with a commercial formulation containing a skin lipid mixture (LR) and control formulation with no skin lipids (L). Both LR and 14S24 produced significant recovery of TEWL and TH penetration in extracted and tape-stripped skin with 14S24 being significantly more effective. In SLS-treated skin, 14S24 decreased TEWL but not TH penetration; LR was inactive. L improved skin hydration but not barrier characteristics. Weak correlation between TEWL and TH penetration was observed in extracted and tape-stripped skin but not in SLS-treated skin. Cutaneous microdialysis can serve as a useful tool for the evaluation of skin barrier recovery by topical formulations ex vivo whereas TEWL may not be an appropriate measure of skin barrier function in such studies. The excellent barrier repair activity of 14S24 could be beneficial in skin disorders with ceramide deficiency.

An alkylpolyglucoside surfactant as a prospective pharmaceutical excipient for topical formulations: The influence of oil polarity on the colloidal structure and hydrocortisone in vitro/in vivo permeation

There is a growing need for research into new skin- and environment-friendly surfactants. This paper focuses on a natural surfactant of an alkylpolyglucoside type, which can form both thermotropic and lyotropic liquid-crystalline phases. The aim of this study was to relate some physicochemical properties (characterised by polarisation and transmission electron microscopy, thermal analysis and rheology) of the three formulations based on cetearyl glucoside and cetearyl alcohol, to the results of in vitro and in vivo bioavailability of hydrocortisone (HC). The three formulations contained oils of different polarity (medium chain triglycerides: MG, isopropyl myristate: IPM and light liquid paraffin: LP), respectively. In vitro permeation was followed through the artificial skin constructs (ASC), while the parameters measured in vivo were erythema index: EI (using instrumental human skin blanching assay), transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and stratum corneum hydration (SCH). The vehicles based on cetearyl glucoside and cetearyl alcohol showed a complex colloidal structure of lamellar liquid-crystalline and lamellar gel-crystalline type, depending on oil polarity. Rheological profile of the vehicle was directly related to the in vitro profile of the HC permeation. In vivo results suggested that the vehicle with MG retarded the HC permeation, whereas less polar IPM and non-polar LP enhanced it. It is suggested that the enhancement is achieved either by a direct interaction with lipid lamellae of the SC or indirectly by improving skin hydration. There were no adverse effects during in vivo study, which indicates a good safety profile of this alkylpolyglucoside surfactant.

Les ichtyoses du chien

Ichthyosis includes a group of hereditary disorders affecting the process of corneogenesis, characterised by scaling of the skin with or without epidermal proliferation or dermal inflammation. In dogs, ichthyosis varies in its clinical presentation (particularly the type of scaling), medical and zootechnical seriousness based on the breed, and therapeutic response. Also, certain types of canine ichthyosis may provide good spontaneous models to study ichthyosis in man. Epidermolytic ichthyosis is due to a lack of epidermal keratins (K10). Non-epidermolytic ichthyosis described in dogs is similar to lamellar ichthyosis in man, caused by a lack of activity of transglutaminases 1. Non-epidermolytic ichthyosis is associated with a dull coat and whitish or greyish scaling affecting the whole body. In hairless areas, the skin is rough, described as “ sandpaper skin”, and may become gradually pigmented. Digital pads and nose may be affected as well. Sometimes, hair anomalies (woolly, short, fine, or frizzy) are seen. General symptoms (growth retardation, bilateral keratoconjunctivitis sicca) are observed in certain Cavalier King Charles at a very young age (as early as 2 to 3 months). Epidermolytic ichthyosis is associated with scales in a striated pattern, often pigmented, with moderate exfoliation, and sandpaper skin. Digital pad involvement has not been described. Diagnosis is based on anamnesis (age of onset, breed), symptoms, and skin biopsies. Histopathology of the lesions is used to distinguish epidermolytic from non-epidermolytic forms. Ultrastructural studies of the biopsies may help define the type of ichthyosis. The prognosis depends on the type of ichthyosis and the breed. The objective of the treatment, which is exclusively symptomatic, is to correct the excessive production of scales and improve skin hydration with keratolytic shampoos containing sulphur, salicylic acid, and emollients.

Development and evaluation of topical formulation containing solid lipid nanoparticles of vitamin A

The purpose of this research was to investigate novel particulate carrier system such as solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) for topical application of vitamin A palmitate and to study its beneficial effects on skin. Topical gels enriched with SLN of vitamin A were prepared. The solid lipid nanoparticulate dispersion was prepared using high-pressure homogenization technique and was incorporated into polymeric gels of Carbopol, Pemulen, Lutrol, and Xanthan gum for convenient application. The nanoparticulate dispersion and its gels were evaluated for various parameters such as particle size, in vitro drug release, in vitro penetration, in vivo skin hydration, and skin irritation. The solid lipid nanoparticulate dispersion showed mean particle size of 350 nm. Differential scanning calorimetry studies revealed no drug-excipient incompatibility. In vitro release profile of vitamin A palmitate from nanoparticulate dispersion and its gel showed prolonged drug release up to 24 hours, which could be owing to embedment of drug in the solid lipid core. In vitro penetration studies showed almost 2 times higher drug concentration in the skin with lipid nanoparticle-enriched gel as compared with conventional gel, thus indicating better localization of the drug in the skin. In vivo skin hydration studies in albino rats revealed increase in the thickness of the stratum corneum with improved skin hydration. The developed formulation was nonirritant to the skin with no erythema or edema and had primary irritation index of 0.00. Thus it can be concluded that SLN represents a promising particulate carrier having controlled drug release, improved skin hydration, and potential to localize the drug in the skin with no skin irritation.

Glucosamine: an ingredient with skin and other benefits

Both glucosamine and its derivative N-acetyl glucosamine are amino-monosaccharides that serve key biochemical functions on their own and as substrate precursors for the biosynthesis of polymers such as glycosaminoglycans (e.g., hyaluronic acid) and for the production of proteoglycans. Glucosamine has an excellent safety profile and has been shown to provide benefits in several clinical disorders. Glucosamine compounds have been reported to have several beneficial effects on the skin or skin cells. Because of its stimulation of hyaluronic acid synthesis, glucosamine has been shown to accelerate wound healing, improve skin hydration, and decrease wrinkles. In addition, as an inhibitor of tyrosinase activation, it inhibits melanin production and is useful in treatment of disorders of hyperpigmentation. Mechanistically, glucosamine also has both anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective effects. Clinical trials have shown benefit in using oral glucosamine supplementation to improve symptoms and slow the progression of osteoarthritis in humans. Glucosamine has also been used to prevent and treat osteoarthritis in animals. Based on other observations, glucosamine has been suggested for additional clinical uses, including treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, migraine headaches, and viral infections. The current clinical uses for topical and oral glucosamine compounds and the mechanistic rationale for these uses are reviewed here.

Moisturizing effect of cosmetic formulations containing Aloe vera extract in different concentrations assessed by skin bioengineering techniques

The polysaccharide-rich composition of Aloe vera extracts (Aloe barbadensis Miller), often used in cosmetic formulations, may impart moisturizing properties to the product. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cosmetic formulations containing different concentrations of freeze-dried Aloe vera extract on skin hydration, after a single and a 1- and 2-week period of application, by using skin bioengineering techniques. Stable formulations containing 5% (w/w) of a trilaureth-4 phosphate-based blend were supplemented with 0.10%, 0.25% or 0.50% (w/w) of freeze-dried Aloe vera extract and applied to the volar forearm of 20 female subjects. Skin conditions in terms of the water content of the stratum corneum and of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) (Corneometer CM 825 and Tewameter TM 210) were analysed before and after a single and 1- and 2-week period of daily application. After a single application, only formulations supplemented with 0.25% and 0.50% (w/w) of Aloe vera extract increased the water content of the stratum corneum, while after the 2-week period application, all formulations containing the extract (0.10%, 0.25% and 0.50%) had the same effect, in both cases as compared with the vehicle. TEWL was not modified after a single and after 1- and 2-week period of application, when compared with the vehicle. Our results show that freeze-dried Aloe vera extract is a natural effective ingredient for improving skin hydration, possibly through a humectant mechanism. Consequently, it may be used in moisturizing cosmetic formulations and also as a complement in the treatment of dry skin.

Assessment of effects of an additional dietary natural mineral water uptake on skin hydration in healthy subjects by dynamic barrier function measurements and clinic scoring

The skin protects the body's organs and tissues from damage and physical, chemical and bacteriological injuries. It also prevents the transcutaneous loss of water. The present study was conducted to assess the effects of additional dietary natural mineral water uptake on skin hydration and cutaneous well-being in subjects with dry skin. Eighty subjects (44 women and 36 males, mean age 56+/-5.6 years) were included in the study, randomised per forearm and stratified by gender. Skin surface hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), sorption-desorption test, skin colour, thickness and micro-relief were evaluated on the forearms. Clinical scoring of dryness, roughness and elasticity was performed by a dermatologist. An improvement of skin hydration was observed after additional water uptake, statistically modifying the hydration level as well as TEWL, the water-binding capacity of the uppermost layers of the stratum corneum. Improvements of softness, smoothness and skin-moisturising effect were perceived by healthy subjects, and skin micro-relief was improved. We suggest that natural mineral water supplementation may be used in order to improve the hydration of skin dryness as a complementary cosmetic approach.

The management of dry skin with topical emollients – recent perspectives

Dry skin (xerosis) is a common symptom of a number of chronic skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, but can also be caused by environmental factors, such as cold weather and frequent showering. The condition can cause unsightliness of the skin, discomfort, itching, and can have a negative impact on patients' quality of life. This article will cover recent developments in the understanding of xerosis and its management with emollients. The stratum corneum consists of corneocytes and lipid-enriched intercellular bilayers. These are both produced from keratinocytes in a process called epidermal differentiation. Disturbed epidermal differentiation, resulting in the impairment of stratum corneum intercellular lipid bilayers and natural moisturizing factor, is the root cause of xerosis. The constituent ingredients of emollients should, therefore, address the different factors that contribute to dry skin and, most importantly, attempt to restore epidermal differentiation. The use of lipids, physiological lipids, humectants and antipruritics will help to restore the lipid lamellae, improve skin hydration, skin elasticity and prevent itching. The ideal emollient will include these ingredients plus an agent to support epidermal differentiation. Selecting the correct emollient product and using it regularly are vital factors in the management of xerosis.

Clinical and instrumental evaluation of a food supplement in improving skin hydration

Topically applied cosmetic products can be helpful in improving skin hydration. The study shows how oral supplementation could be helpful in improving and preventing the skin dehydration. A total of 32 healthy female volunteers entered the study. Of which, 16 were treated with a food supplement based on vegetable ceramides, amino acids, fish cartilage, antioxidants and essential fatty acids for 40 days and 16 with placebo. The results of the clinical and instrumental evaluations carried out in this study, have highlighted how the active treatment is effective in improving skin hydration and in reducing the cutaneous smoothness and roughness and the depth of furrows, in comparison to the placebo. In fact, concerning several important parameters, as stratum corneum hydration and skin roughness, the improvement measured exceeded 25%. We therefore suggest that a combination of treatments (oral and topical) can be more effective in improving skin hydration.

P15 A randomized double‐blind controlled trial comparing extra‐virgin coconut oil with mineral oil as a moisturizer for mild to moderate xerosis

Coconut oil, a traditional moisturizer used for centuries by people in the tropics, does not have any clinical studies documenting its effectivity and safety. This study aims to determine effectivity and safety of coconut oil compared to mineral oil as moisturizer for mild to moderate xerosis. A review board‐approved randomized double‐blind controlled trial was conducted in 34 patients after negative patch‐testing. Patients applied either coconut or mineral oil twice a day for two weeks. Quantitative outcomes for effectivity, measured at baseline and each weekly visit, were skin hydration (Corneometer CM825®) and skin lipids (Sebumeter SM810®); for safety, transepidermal water loss [TEWL](Tewameter TM210®) and skin surface pH (Skin pH meter PH900®). Patients and investigator evaluated symptoms of dryness, scaling, roughness, and pruritus using visual analogue scales (VAS) and grading of xerosis. Both groups showed significant improvement in skin hydration and increased skin surface lipid levels. TEWL and Skin pH were not affected. Objective instrumental determinations showed no significant difference between both groups. Patient and investigator subjective grading of xerosis and VAS showed general trend toward better, though not statistically evident, with coconut over mineral oil. Coconut oil is as effective and safe as mineral oil as a moisturizer.

A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial Comparing Extra Virgin Coconut Oil with Mineral Oil as a Moisturizer for Mild to Moderate Xerosis

Xerosis is a common skin condition (1) characterized by dry, rough, scaly, and itchy skin, (2) associated with a defect in skin barrier function, and (3) treated with moisturizers. People in the tropics have effectively used coconut oil as a traditional moisturizer for centuries. Recently, the oil also has been shown to have skin antiseptic effects. A moisturizer with antiseptic effects has value, but there are no clinical studies to document the efficacy and safety of coconut oil as a skin moisturizer. This study aimed to determine the effectivity and safety of virgin coconut oil compared with mineral oil as a therapeutic moisturizer for mild to moderate xerosis. A randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial was conducted on mild to moderate xerosis in 34 patients with negative patch-test reactions to the test products. These patients were randomized to apply either coconut oil or mineral oil on the legs twice a day for 2 weeks. Quantitative outcome parameters for effectivity were measured at baseline and on each visit with a Corneometer CM825 to measure skin hydration and a Sebumeter SM 810 to measure skin lipids. For safety, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was measured with a Tewameter TM210, and skin surface hydrogen ion concentration (pH) was measured with a Skin pH Meter PH900. Patients and the investigator separately evaluated, at baseline and at each weekly visit, skin symptoms of dryness, scaling, roughness, and pruritus by using a visual analogue scale and grading of xerosis. Coconut oil and mineral oil have comparable effects. Both oils showed effectivity through significant improvement in skin hydration and increase in skin surface lipid levels. Safety was demonstrated through no significant difference in TEWL and skin pH. Subjective grading of xerosis by the investigators and visual analogue scales used by the patients showed a general trend toward better (though not statistically evident) improvement with coconut oil than with mineral oil. Safety for both was further demonstrated by negative patch-test results prior to the study and by the absence of adverse reactions during the study. Coconut oil is as effective and safe as mineral oil when used as a moisturizer.

Cleansing without compromise: the impact of cleansers on the skin barrier and the technology of mild cleansing.

Cleanser technology has come a long way from merely cleansing to providing mildness and moisturizing benefits as well. It is known that harsh surfactants in cleansers can cause damage to skin proteins and lipids, leading to after-wash tightness, dryness, barrier damage, irritation, and even itch. In order for cleansers to provide skin-care benefits, they first must minimize surfactant damage to skin proteins and lipids. Secondly, they must deposit and deliver beneficial agents such as occlusives, skin lipids, and humectants under wash conditions to improve skin hydration, as well as mechanical and visual properties. While all surfactants tend to interact to some degree with lipids, their interaction with proteins can vary significantly, depending upon the nature of their functional head group. In vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies have shown that surfactants that cause significant skin irritation interact strongly with skin proteins. Based on this understanding, several surfactants and surfactant mixtures have been identified as "less irritating" mild surfactants because of their diminished interactions with skin proteins. Surfactants that interact minimally with both skin lipids and proteins are especially mild. Another factor that can aggravate surfactant-induced dryness and irritation is the pH of the cleanser. The present authors' recent studies demonstrate that high pH (pH 10) solutions, even in the absence of surfactants, can increase stratum corneum (SC) swelling and alter lipid rigidity, thereby suggesting that cleansers with neutral or acidic pH, close to SC-normal pH 5.5, may be potentially less damaging to the skin. Mildness enhancers and moisturizing agents such as lipids, occlusives, and humectants minimize damaging interactions between surfactants, and skin proteins and lipids, and thereby, reduce skin damage. In addition, these agents play an ameliorative role, replenishing the skin lipids lost during the wash period. The present review discusses the benefits of such agents and their respective roles in improving the overall health of the skin barrier.

Repair of acetone- and sodium lauryl sulphate-damaged human skin barrier function using topically applied emulsions containing barrier lipids.

It is generally acknowledged that well-formulated moisturizing skin care products can restore disturbed barrier function that can be assessed by transepidermal water loss (TEWL) measurements. When ceramides and/or other barrier lipids are incorporated, it is, however, not always clearly demonstrated which ingredients of the formulation exert the beneficial effects. In this study the effects of topically applied ceramide-containing mixtures on the barrier repair of sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS)- and acetone-induced skin damage have been studied in human volunteers. TEWL and stratum corneum hydration measurements were carried out. The emulsions applied contained either a mixture of two types of ceramides, CerIII and CerIIIB (emulsion 1) or a complete mixture of ceramides III, IIIB and VI together with phytosphingosine, cholesterol and the free fatty acid linoleic acid (emulsion 2). After SLS damage, it was observed that barrier recovery was significantly accelerated by topical application (14 days, 2 x/d) of emulsion 2 compared with the results obtained with emulsion 1. Corneometrical results were not relevant due to the occurrence of scaly fissured skin, failing to provide a good skin/probe contact. Although no effect on TEWL could be observed, the improvement of skin hydration after acetone treatment and a single application of the emulsions, was significantly more positive for emulsion 2 than for emulsion 1. The investigative methods used in this study show that ceramides combined with other skin lipids can improve barrier repair after damage.

Photodamage pilot study: A double-blind, vehicle-controlled study to assess the efficacy and safety of tazarotene 0.1% gel

Background: Tazarotene, a potent acetylenic retinoid for topical use, might be expected to benefit photodamaged skin, including improving the classical signs of fine wrinkles, mottled hyperpigmentation, and roughness. Objective: Our purpose was to determine the efficacy and safety of tazarotene 0.1% gel in the treatment of photodamaged dorsal forearm skin. Methods: Ten healthy female volunteers, aged 45 to 65 years, with moderately photodamaged forearm skin applied tazarotene 0.1% gel to one arm and vehicle gel to the other once daily for 12 weeks. The study was a double-blind, randomized, paired-comparison evaluation conducted at a single site. Results: Tazarotene showed beneficial effects for several efficacy variables. It was more efficacious than vehicle in reducing skin roughness and fine wrinkling based on objective measurements. Tazarotene also corrected epidermal atrophy and atypia and improved skin hydration properties. Conclusion: In this 12-week pilot study tazarotene redressed abnormalities associated with photo-damaged skin. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2000;43:656-63.)

The Effects of Areca Catechu L Extract on Anti‐Aging

The anti-aging effects of Areca catechu L extract (CC-516) on skin were investigate both in vitro and in vivo. The CC-516 has a high proportion of proline (13%) of free amino acid content. The inhibitory effect of CC-516 on the elastase exhibited 37 to 90% inhibition by 10 to 250 mug/ml concentration; the IC _ 50 values with 40.8 mug/ml for porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) and 48.1 mug/ml for human leukocyte elastase (HLE), respectively. One of the effects of elastase is that it is known to reduce the number of elastin fibers at the level of the enzyme deposition. The number of elastin fibers was increased when we drift from the deposit number of elastase with 100 mg/ml of CC-516. CC-516 showed protection of elastic fiber against degradation by the enzyme in an ex vivo assay. The CC-516 increased proliferation of human fibroblast cell by 85% at 10 ; -4 concentration, compared with control, whereas the increase by ascorbic acid was 50%. The collagen synthesis was increased by 40% at 10 ; -4% concentration of CC-516. The treatment with CC-516 improved skin hydration, the skin elasticity, and skin wrinkles. From this study, we suggest that CC-516 can be used as a new anti-aging component for cosmetics.

A lipid mixture improves skin hydration in ichthyosis vulgaris

A lipid mixture improves skin hydration in ichthyosis vulgaris