Cosmetic Preparations Research Articles

OPTIMIZATION OF HPMC IN SERUM GEL CONTAINING BUTTERFLY PEA FLOWER EXTRACT (CLITORIA TERNATEA L.) AS FACIAL MOISTURIZER AND IT’S PHYSICAL STABILITY

Skincare refers to a series of skin treatments (epidermis) and the middle layer of the skin (dermis) aimed at protecting and maintaining the body, and is categorized as a cosmetic product. One of the most commonly used cosmetic preparations is skincare serum, which helps maintain skin elasticity and hydration. A rising trend in the industry is the development of serums, and one potential plant to be used as a safe active ingredient in cosmetics is the butterfly pea flower (Clitoria ternatea L), which is rich in flavonoids with antioxidant activity. The objective of this study was to determine whether butterfly pea flower extract serum can be formulated into a facial serum with moisturizing properties and to evaluate the physical stability of the serum preparation. The method used is Laboratory experiments were performed. The butterfly pea flower extract was obtained through maceration with 70% ethanol and then formulated into facial serum using different concentrations of HPMC base at 3%, 4%, and 5%. The results of serum stability tests were obtained using physical stability methods. Physical property tests included organoleptic testing (lavender scent, deep blue color, slightly thick, or serum-like texture), with stable organoleptic properties observed during storage, without any changes ...

Nanotechnology: Current Developments, Applications and Patents for Non-invasive Topical Cosmetics and Dermatological Therapeutic Delivery

: Nanotechnology exhibits the advancement in the field of invention, by improving the potency of the formulation through the delivery of inventive solutions. To resolve several limita-tions related to conventional formulations, nanotechnology applications are increasing in the cosmetics and dermatological area. Cosmetic and dermatological preparations are considered a thriving branch of the body care arena and their usage has increased dramatically through the past years. Scientists are designing innovative delivery mechanisms and emerging innovations that are presently being utilized in the development of cosmetics. Inventive nanocarriers such as nio-somes, liposomes, microemulsions, nanoemulsions, solid-lipid nanoparticles, nanospheres, and nanostructured (lipid) carriers have substituted the use of traditional drug delivery. These innova-tive nanocarriers have the convenience of better skin permeation, sustained and controlled drug delivery, precise location, higher stability, and greater incorporated capability. Since the usage of cosmetics has increased, the usual delivery system has been substituted by modern delivery ap-proaches. The introduction of newer advancements and novel drug delivery systems make cos-metics and cosmeceuticals more popular with increased market share. This review article on nan-otechnology employed in cosmetics and dermatology emphasizes the numerous innovative nanocarriers designed for cosmetic and dermatologic drug delivery, their negative and positive aspects, and their toxicity.

Study of the antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of lipsticks and soaps made with phycoerythrin coated with chitosan extracted from the cyanobacterium Aliinostoc oryzae

The use of various artificial dyes in the preparation of cosmetics for over half a century has led to an increase in cancer diseases in humans. On the other hand, the excessive use of synthetic antibiotics available on the market, which have been used for treating humans and animals for over half a century, has significantly reduced the efficacy of many antibiotics due to the development of bacterial resistance. In contrast, phycoerythrin (PE) as a natural pigment possesses potential antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Therefore, this article aims to use PE to create soap and cosmetic lipsticks that not only ensure consumer health but also avoid the harmful effects of chemical compounds present in cosmetic products. In the present study, PE extracted from the cyanobacterium Aliinostoc oryzae was microencapsulated with chitosan and added to the formulation of solid soap and lipstick. All standard tests were performed at intervals of 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 days and compared with controls. The percentage change in the hardness of lipsticks enriched with PE was significantly higher than the control (p ≤ 0.05), while the amount of force required during use was significantly lower than the control (p ≤ 0.05). In soaps enriched with PE, the moisture reduction trend over time was steeper in soaps without PE. Additionally, the antioxidant activity and insoluble substances in alcohol in PE-enriched soaps were significantly higher than the control sample, while the percentage of lipid compounds and the unsaponifiable matter of free alkali in the control sample were significantly higher than the Soap + PE sample (p ≤ 0.05). Over time, the L* color component of all enriched products decreased significantly, while the a*, b*, and ΔE color components increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05). Moreover, the total microbial population, inhibition zone diameter, and peroxide index in enriched products were significantly lower than the control. Overall, the enriched products did not cause any skin sensitivity, and color changes and stability remained consistent over time. All these results confirm the claim that chitosan-coated PE, as an effective additive, has significant efficacy in cosmetic products.

Hypersensitivity to Lanolin: An Old-New Problem.

Lanolin is a fatty substance derived from sheep's fleece. The ancient Greeks used the moisturizing and skin-protective properties of this substance. The technique of industrial production of lanolin was developed in Germany in the 19th century. Since then, this natural wax has become an extremely popular base for many different cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparations intended for the treatment and care of the skin. In addition to its medicinal and cosmetic applications, lanolin is also widely used for industrial purposes. Hypersensitivity to lanolin has raised many questions and controversies for almost 100 years. Although lanolin has significant dermoprotective properties and when applied to intact skin without inflammatory changes, it lubricates it, improves its lipid barrier, and maintains proper moisture, it can also cause contact hypersensitivity when in contact with pathologically changed or damaged skin. It can, in the same person, both protect and damage the skin, depending on the condition of the skin to which the cosmetic or medicine containing lanolin is applied. The nature of the observed reactions and the circumstances of their occurrence, as well as the lack of a clear answer to the question of whether this wax causes allergies or not, make this phenomenon one of the so-called dermatological paradoxes. Although unusual reactions to lanolin have been the subject of research for many years, they still raise many questions to which there is still no clear answer. This is mainly due to the imperfection and incompleteness of the available publications. Although many different studies have been published on hypersensitivity to lanolin, most of them are retrospective analyses of the results of routinely performed epidermal patch tests or descriptions of clinical cases. Such reports and analyses, although undoubtedly very important, are a poor tool for assessing the sensitizing potential of lanolin and/or its derivatives. It is difficult to determine the causative factors, to define lanolin allergens, to investigate immunological mechanisms, or to assess the clinical significance of this phenomenon. There is a definite lack of standardized studies on the nature of lanolin hypersensitivity involving well-selected groups of patients and healthy volunteers, which would be conducted in a reproducible manner under laboratory and/or clinical conditions. As of today, lanolin hypersensitivity seems to be both an old and new problem that still remains unresolved.

Development of Coffee Fruit Skin (Coffea canephora) formula as Antioxidant peel-off Masks.

The outer skin of robusta coffee bean (Coffea canephora) was a processing waste containing phenolic compounds with antioxidant role. This activity is relevant when used in cosmetic preparations such as peel-off masks, which form a thin elastic layer on the facial surface and are easy to remove. One of the important ingredients of peel-off masks is plasticizer such as sorbitol characterized by flexibility, not easily fragile, and elasticity. Therefore, this research aimed to develop peel-off formula from robusta coffee skin by influencing sorbitol variations on the characteristics of masks in the form of gel. A total of six gel masks formulas were made with sorbitol variations of 10%, 12.5%, and 15%. The two types of gel base used were Carbopol 940 and HPMC (Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose), at concentrations of 0.25% and 4%, respectively. The results showed that sorbitol variations affected the physical characteristics (p > 0.05) but did not influence antioxidant activity of robusta coffee skin extract peel-off masks.

Serum Gel Formulation of Mundu Fruit Extract (Garcinia dulcis (Roxb.) Kurz) as Antioxidant and Anti-elastase

UV radiation can generate ROS, thereby damaging neutrophils, leading to the uncontrolled release of elastase, and causing aging. This study intends to examine the antioxidants and anti-elastase activity of the skin of Garcinia dulcis (Roxb.) Kurz fruit in serum gel extract preparation. The methods used in this research are microwave-assisted extraction and antioxidants using the ABTS (2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) method. Three formulas were made with 100 x IC50, 200 x IC50, and 300 x IC50. The test results for the three formulas showed the best antioxidant and anti-elastase activity values in formula 3, with IC50 values ​​of 66.26 ppm and 111.48 ppm. This indicates that the higher the extract concentration in the formulation provides better activity in the serum gel preparation. In the third formulation, evaluation observations were made on the preparation, and a pH value close to the skin’s pH was produced, namely in formula 3. Therefore, it can be concluded that the Mundu fruit peel extract has antioxidant and anti-elastase activity. The extract is applied to cosmetic preparations and still provides good antioxidant and anti-elastase activity results.

Antiaging Properties of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana Ethanol Extract-Ex Vivo and In Vitro Studies.

Species of the genus Kalanchoe have a long history of therapeutic use in ethnomedicine, linked to their remarkable medical properties. These species include Kalanchoe blossfeldiana succulents, which grow in tropical regions. Despite the great interest in this plant, there are no reports about its therapeutic effects on the skin. In this study, the antioxidant properties of K. blossfeldiana ethanol extracts and the skin permeation of a topical hydrogel containing the extract (HKB) were assessed. Additionally, the content of active compounds in the K. blossfeldiana extract was evaluated by UHPLC-MS and HPLC-UV. The extract was analyzed with three antioxidant assays: ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP. Furthermore, the antielastase and antihialuronidase properties of the tested extract were assessed. Ex vivo penetration studies were performed using the Franz diffusion cells. The estimation of the cytotoxicity of HKB was performed by using an MTT assay ((4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) on the human fibroblasts HFF-1. The results obtained show that the antioxidant properties of K. blossfeldiana extract were similar to those of ascorbic acid, while antielastase and antihialuronidase tests indicated the strong antiaging and anti-inflammatory activity of the extract (IC50 was 26.8 ± 0.13 and 77.31 ± 2.44 µg/mL, respectively). Moreover, active ingredients contained in K. blossfeldiana extract penetrated through the human skin and accumulated in it. The cytotoxicity test showed that HKB had no significant effect on human fibroblasts at a concentration up to 0.5%. In conclusion, the hydrogel containing the K. blossfeldiana extract can be considered as an interesting and new alternative to dermatologic and cosmetic preparations.

Potensi Antioksidan Dari Ekstrak Etanol Kulit Buah Asam Jawa (Tamarandus Indica L.) sebagai Anti Aging Dalam Sediaan Kosmetik Gel

Skin aging can be caused by intrinsic factors which are aging processes that take place naturally and extrinsic factors caused by environmental influences such as sunlight, air, chemicals and the surrounding environment. Prevention of premature aging can be done by giving anti-oxidants, especially herbal skin care products and anti-oxidant cosmetic preparations. plants and spices. One plant that functions as an anti-oxidant is tamarind fruit (Tamarindus indica L.) is a plant with the family Mimosaceae. The method used in this study is a preparation made based on the standard formula of Na-CMC gel base according to Muttiin (2021), a gel standard formula based on Sodium Carboxymethyl cellulose (Na-CMC) based on % w/w. The results of research on the physical characteristics of gel preparations concluded that the gel preparation of Java Tamarind Fruit Skin Ethanol Extract (Tamarindus Indica L.) has met the physical quality standards of facial gel preparations. Gel preparation of Java Tamarind Fruit Skin Ethanol Extract (Tamarindus Indica L.) can provide anti-aging effects which can improve skin condition in the first week.

Formulation and Evaluation of Alovera Perfume Lotion

Liquid preparations called lotions are designed to be applied externally without causing friction. They're used straight onto the skin with the aid of some absorbent material that has been soaked in it, such as gauze or cotton wool. The market for natural products and natural extracts in cosmetic formulations was driven by consumer desire for herbal products. Natural herbs and their products are employed for their aromatic value in cosmetic preparation. The most widely used medical plant in the world and the oldest known medicinal plant is aloe vera.

Analysis of Rhodamine B Content in Eyeshadow Cosmetic Preparations with UV-Vis Spectrophotometer and Butterfly Pea Flower (Clitoria ternatea L.) Extract

In the modern era, maintaining a good appearance is crucial. Many people are out there vying for the most outstanding looks. Many are also eager to spend money to improve their appearance, such as by undergoing various treatments and purchasing numerous cosmetic preparations. One type of cosmetics most often used by people is eyeshadow. As a decorative cosmetic, of course, eyeshadow has colouring content. However, Rhodamine B is still misused, a dangerous dye in eye shadow preparations, because most eye shadow palettes have a red base colour. As a result, the author recognizes the importance of researching to differentiate eyeshadow cosmetics containing Rhodamine B from those that do not, using natural ingredient indicators, given Indonesia's abundance of biodiversity. Rhodamine B may be detected using anthocyanins, natural pigments in various plants; one is butterfly pea flowers. The results of visual observations of the reaction of butterfly pea flower extract and cosmetic samples will then be confirmed using a UV-Vis Spectrophotometer. The qualitative analysis revealed that all eyeshadow samples tested positive for Rhodamine B, as shown by the colour change in the butterfly pea flower extract from blue to purple to pink. The quantitative examination revealed that Rhodamine B concentrations in five samples ranged from 0.419 mg/L to 15.891 mg/L. According to BPOM, cosmetic products should not include Rhodamine B (≤ 0 mg/L).

Placental Extracts, Proteins, and Hydrolyzed Proteins as Active Ingredients in Cosmetic Preparations for Hair Loss: A Systematic Review of Available Clinical Evidence

Placentae and their derivatives have been used in both traditional and modern medicine, as well as in cosmetic sciences. Although hair loss is frequently mentioned among problems for which the placenta is supposed to be a remedy, the evidence seems rather scarce. The aim of this study was to highlight the clinical evidence for the efficacy of placenta products against baldness and hair loss. Methods: This systematic review was performed according to PRISMA and PICO guidelines. Database searches were conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus. Results: Among the 2922 articles retrieved by the query, only 3 previously published clinical trials on placental products were identified. One study was a randomized controlled trial, in which the efficacy of a bovine placenta hair tonic was found to be comparable to that of minoxidil 2% in women with androgenic alopecia. Another controlled study showed that a porcine placenta extract significantly accelerated the regrowth of shaved hair in healthy people. The third study was an uncontrolled trial of a hair shampoo and tonic containing equine placental growth factor in women with postpartum telogen effluvium with unclear and difficult-to-interpret results. Due to the design and methodology of these studies, the level of evidence as assessed with the GRADE method was low for the first study and very low for the other two. Conclusions: The very limited scientific evidence available to date appears, overall, to indicate the efficacy of placental products in both inhibiting hair loss and stimulating hair growth. Unfortunately, the number of clinical studies published to date is very limited. Further, carefully designed, randomized controlled trials of well-defined placental products are needed to definitively address the question of the value of the placenta and its derivatives in hair loss.

Analysis of Rhodamin B Levels in Lipbalms Sold Online Using Uv-Vis Spectrophotometry

A frequent cosmetic preparation for moisturizing and shielding dry lips is lip balm. The textile industry uses a synthetic dye called rhodamine B. Because rhodamine B is a synthetic dye having carcinogenic qualities that can encourage the formation of cancer cells if used repeatedly, the Indonesian Food and Drug Administration (BPOM) forbids its usage as a cosmetic colorant. The purpose of the study is to ascertain, both qualitatively and quantitatively, if five distinct lip balm brands sold online contain the dangerous synthetic pigment Rhodamine B. The study was conducted quantitatively using UV Vis spectophotometry and qualitatively using the Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) test and color response test with the reagents used, 10% NaOH. One of the five samples (sample B) tested positive for Rhodamine B according to the color response and TLC tests. With an Rf value of 0.91, which is near the typical Rhodamine B Rf value of 0.96, this was demonstrated by a color shift to red-orange upon the addition of 10% NaOH. Visual inspection of Sample B revealed a pink area as well. Rhodamine B was not detected in samples A, C, D, or E.Sample B had an average Rhodamine B content of 3,2281 mg/g.

Zinc in Dermatology: Exploring Its Emerging Role in Enhancing Botulinum Toxin Formulations and Clinical Efficacy.

This literature review provides a novel exploration of zinc's multifaceted roles in dermatology, with a particular focus on its potential integration into botulinum toxin formulations-an area that remains relatively underexplored in clinical practice. Zinc is widely recognized for its critical functions in skin health, including morphogenesis, regeneration, and protection, and its use in aesthetic medicine offers a unique opportunity for innovation. Specifically, incorporating zinc into botulinum toxin formulations could enhance the efficacy and stability of these treatments. Although zinc has historically been used in topical dermatological products and systemic health interventions, its potential in cosmetic preparations, such as anti-aging therapies or non-invasive aesthetic treatments, remains under-researched. Emerging patents suggest promising formulations combining zinc with botulinum toxin that may improve product stability and extend therapeutic effects. While current studies on oral zinc supplementation present mixed results concerning its ability to prolong botulinum toxin effects, this underscores the need for more rigorous investigation in the realm of aesthetic medicine. Zinc's well-established role in stabilizing dermatological products, such as sunscreens, and its applications in wound healing and skin regeneration, further highlights its potential for broader therapeutic uses beyond cosmetic applications. This review identifies a critical gap in the literature and calls for future research to optimize zinc concentrations and delivery methods specifically for aesthetic medical procedures, offering new insights into improving dermatological treatments beyond the scope of traditional cosmetic preparations.

Evaluation of the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) Test for Butterfly Pea Flower (Clitoria ternatea L.) Extract Lip Tint Preparations

A lip tint is a cosmetic preparation that colors lips while shielding them from UV light and free radical damage. The butterfly pea blossom is one plant that possesses sunscreen properties and can be used as a natural dye. The purpose of this study is to ascertain how the concentration of butterfly pea flower extract affects the SPF activity of lip tint products containing this extract. This study's design is entirely random, making it an experimental investigation. The in vitro SPF test results using Uv-Vis spectrophotometry show that at a concentration of 5%, 1.618162 SPF falls into the less group; at a concentration of 10%, 4.770857 SPF falls into the medium category; and at a concentration of 15%, 6.1224069 SPF falls into the extra category. The SPF value of lip tint preparations is influenced by the varied concentrations of butterfly pea flower extract, as indicated by the statistical analysis results, which indicate significant variations between the three concentrations (p<0.05).

Assessment of the Antioxidant and Photoprotective Properties of Cornus mas L. Extracts on HDF, HaCaT and A375 Cells Exposed to UVA Radiation.

The influence of UV radiation on skin discoloration, skin aging and the development of skin cancer is widely known. As a part of this study, the effect of extracts from three varieties of Cornus mas L. (C. mas L.) on skin cells exposed to UVA radiation was assessed. The analyses were performed on both normal and cancer skin cells. For this purpose, the potential photoprotective effects of the obtained extracts (aqueous and ethanolic) was assessed by performing two cytotoxicity tests (Alamar blue and Neutral red). Additionally, the antioxidant capacity was compared using three different assays. The 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (H2DCFDA) probe was used to evaluate the intracellular level of free radicals in cells exposed to the simultaneous action of UVA radiation and dogwood extracts. Additionally, the ability to inhibit excessive pigmentation was determined by assessing the inhibition of melanin formation and tyrosinase activity. The obtained results confirmed the strong antioxidant properties of dogwood extracts and their photoprotective effect on normal skin cells. The ability to inhibit the viability of melanoma cells was also observed. Additionally, a reduction in oxidative stress in skin cells exposed to UVA radiation and a strong inhibition of melanin formation and tyrosinase activity have been demonstrated. This study shows that dogwood extract could be a valuable cosmetic raw material that can play both a photoprotective and antihyperpigmentation role in cosmetic preparations.

Vitamin C and its derivatives in maintaining the good skin condition

Vitamin C is one of the most important and necessary nutrient for human health, which has great potential as cosmeceutic, which protects health and the skin good condition. Thru the collagen biosynthesis stimulation it affects to the physiology of human skin, participating in the hydroxylation process of proline and lysine, and participates in tissue reconstruction while wound healing. Deficiency of vitamin C causes irregularities in the blood vessels functioning, epidermis and dermis. Is an effective antioxidant neutralizing free radicals, prevents inflammatory and carcinogenic processes. The epidermis and dermis are most exposed to free radicals from the external environment and from the inside of the body. In inflammatory diseases of the skin, such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, in the proper skin the levels of vitamin C are reduced. Therefore, delivering it to the skin using cosmetic preparations is important not only for cosmetic, but also health effect. The problem associated with the introduction of vitamin C in cosmetics is its limited penetration through the stratum corneum. Current studies are focused on searching for stable compounds of ascorbic acid and new media, which will allow for better way of delivery of ascorbic acid to the dermis in the future.

Plant-Origin Additives from Boswellia Species in Emulgel Formulation for Radiotherapy Skin Care

The research objective of this study was to include plant-origin additives of the Boswellia species in the formulation of topical preparations for skin care after radiotherapy. The main factor damaging the skin during radiotherapy is the free radicals that form from water molecules and granulocytes in the inflammatory area; hence, the use of substances with antioxidant properties, including plant extracts rich in antioxidants, seems to be an alternative therapy in radiodermatitis treatment. A series of cosmetic preparations containing plant-origin additives from Boswellia species and corresponding placebo formulations were prepared. In order to assess the applicability of emulgels as oncocosmetics, their stability, physicochemical properties, rheological properties, and antioxidant capacity were determined. Somatosensory analysis was also performed. An attempt was also made to correlate the effect of plant-derived additives on the functional properties of the product determined via instrumental methods and the sensory properties. The most promising preparation was the emulgel containing the Soxhlet extract and essential oil (Em_SO) due to its high antioxidant properties compared to other preparations (% inhibition of 11.69) and polyphenol content (3.63 mg/dm3). Additionally, probands positively assessed all its features, including consistency (4.00), absorption (4.43), and hydration (4.71). The presence of significant correlations for % inhibition and polyphenols content with sensory and physicochemical characteristics of samples was indicated. There were low ratings for placebo preparations by probands, and the demonstrated correlations of odor with moisturization and distribution, oiliness and hydration with the % inhibition of the sample, and the content of polyphenols with the pH and size of the dispersed phase droplets proved the positive effect of the addition of plant-origin additives from Boswellia to the emulgel formulation on the functional and sensory properties.

OPTIMIZATION OF VCO LOTION PREPARATIONS WITH VARIATIONS CETYL ALCOHOL AND CARRAGEEN CONCENTRATIONS USING SLD METHOD

Lotion is a cosmetic preparation of an emollient group that contains a large amount of water. This formulation possesses several properties, namely, as a source of moisture for the skin, providing an oily layer that makes the hands and body soft. VCO is utilized as a natural skin moisturizer to prevent tissue damage and protect the skin. VCO has a very high moisture content, which prevents skin dryness. A lotion was formulated with an emulsifying agent to stabilize the emulsion system. One of the constituent ingredients of the lotion is cetyl alcohol, which functions as an emulsifying agent. Cetyl alcohol can be substituted by carrageenan, which serves the same function with the added benefit of being a humectant. The aim of this study was to identify the formulation of VCO lotion and to investigate the effect of different concentrations of the emulsifying agents cetyl alcohol and carrageen on physical evaluation tests, namely organoleptic tests, homogeneity tests, spreading tests, pH tests, adhesion tests, emulsion type tests, and viscosity tests in lotion formulations. An experimental method was employed in this study. The research was carried out by making lotions from various ingredients containing the active ingredient VCO at a concentration of 7%, as well as varying concentrations of cetyl alcohol (range 2-5%) and carrageenan (range 1-3%) as an emulsifying agent and additional ingredients for the preparations whose optimization had been determined using the simplex lattice design method ...

ADOLESCENTS KNOWLEDGE ON THE USE OF COSMETIC AND DERMATOLOGICAL PREPARATIONS IN THE TREATMENT OF ACNE VULGARIS

Acne vulgaris is a common, chronic, inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit that affects most teenagers with inflammatory lesions on the face and trunk. They are mainly caused by increased sebum production, hyperkeratinization of the follicle, inflammation, hormonal changes, misuse of cosmetic and dermatological preparations. This condition is more common in adolescents, but it also occurs in patients in their twenties and thirties too. These changes in the skin affect emotional stress and quality of life. Dermocosmetics play a special role in the care and treatment of acne-prone skin. A series of complementary dermocosmetics are available, which include products with cleansing, active, soothing and moisturizing properties. Dermocosmetics formulated with active substances can be used in acne monotherapy based on the effectiveness of specific active ingredients in alleviating acne symptoms without any adverse effects reported so far. Effective skincare serves not only as a preventative measure by addressing the underlying causes of acne, but also helps mitigate the negative effects of pharmacological therapy and helps manage complications such as scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This study aims the evaluation of the awareness of adolescents in relation to the treatment of acne and their knowledge about the use of cosmetic and dermatological preparations. Based on our results 40% of teenagers didn’t consult a dermatologist but used preparations that they see on social media and that their effectiveness was lower than 30%. 38% of the teenagers have used the therapy and the food regime that the dermatologist recommended which lead to a 75% effectiveness on treatment, 12% have used lotions recommended by their pharmacists and didn’t follow the food regime from which they had an effectiveness of only 42%. We also noticed that the patients who followed the instructions of the dermatologist and the pharmacist had more efficiency, while the others had less efficiency. From this we can conclude that any change in the skin for better efficiency should be managed by a dermatologist.

Vaccinium Species-Unexplored Sources of Active Constituents for Cosmeceuticals.

The genus Vaccinium is represented by shrubs growing in a temperate climate that have been used for ages as traditional remedies in the treatment of digestive problems, in diabetes, renal stones or as antiseptics due to the presence of polyphenols (anthocyanins, flavonoids and tannins) in their fruits and leaves. Recent studies confirm their marked potential in the treatment of skin disorders and as skin care cosmetics. The aim of this review is to present the role of Vaccinium spp. as cosmetic products, highlight their potential and prove the biological properties exerted by the extracts from different species that can be useful for the preparation of innovative cosmetics. In the manuscript both skin care and therapeutic applications of the representatives of this gender will be discussed that include the antioxidant, skin lightening, UV-protective, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and chemopreventive properties to shed new light on these underestimated plants.