Skin Barrier Research Articles

Lipid extract from Black Soldier Fly larvae: A high value excipient for solid lipid nanoparticles tailored to tackle atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder with a complex pathogenesis involving epidermal barrier dysfunction and aberrant lipid composition, particularly ceramides and fatty acids (FA). Conventional management options, such as topical glucocorticoids (GC), often lead to adverse effects upon prolonged usage, prompting the exploration of alternative therapeutic strategies. The lipid extract from Black Soldier Fly larvae (BSFL) biomass, holding a rich blend of FA, holds substantial potential as a novel ingredient to tackle skin barrier impairment. This study aimed to achieve proof-of-concept validation of innovative nanotechnology-based formulations tailored to enhance the topical management of AD. Specifically, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) with BSFL lipid extract were developed to perform both as a carrier for dexamethasone (DEX), a representative GC, and as skin barrier repair adjuvants. Through systematic optimization using Box-Behnken Design, BSFL lipid extract-based SLNs demonstrated favorable physicochemical properties for topical application and satisfactory stability over 2 months. Notably, these SLNs exhibited favorable drug release kinetics, delivering the total DEX payload within a therapeutically relevant timeframe. Furthermore, these nanocarriers showed the ability to permeate human keratinocytes without pronounced toxicity, suggesting their potential utility in enhancing drug delivery and cellular uptake. Overall, these findings suggest that BSFL lipid extract is a promising natural and sustainable ingredient for the development of nanotechnology-driven approaches to AD management, offering a potential avenue for addressing the unmet needs in this challenging dermatologic condition.

Aloe-emodin relieves allergic contact dermatitis pruritus by inhibiting mast cell degranulation

Urushiol-induced allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease in which skin barrier dysfunction leads to pruritus and eczematous lesions. ACD is triggered by immune imbalance. Aloe emodin is an anthraquinone derivative extracted from rhubarb, aloe and other traditional Chinese medicines. It has a wide range of pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-allergic effects. The purpose of our study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of aloe-emodin on urushiol-induced acute pruritus and allergic contact dermatitis. The results showed that urushiol could stimulate keratinocytes to release chemokines CXCL1, CXCL2, CCL2, TSLP, and TNF-α, which recruit or activate mast cells. Aloe-emodin treatment inhibited inflammatory-response-induced mast cell degranulation in skin lesions and suppressed the expression of inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-4, and interleukin-6. Therefore, the results indicate that aloe-emodin can improve urushiol-induced acute pruritus and allergic contact dermatitis in mice by inhibiting mast cell degranulation.

Dissolving alginate-based blend microneedles with enhanced mechanical performance for transdermal delivery of vitamin B12

Transdermal delivery of vitamin B12 (Vit-B12) is challenging due to its high hydrophilicity and molecular weight that limit permeation through the skin. Polymeric microneedles (MNs) have been demonstrated to facilitate enhanced transdermal delivery of various drugs with different properties, by piercing the outermost layer of the skin barrier in a minimally-invasive manner. Although sodium alginate (SA) has been widely investigated and used for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications, MNs made of pure SA, exhibit poor mechanical properties. Therefore, this study investigates the effect of incorporating different excipients into SA MNs, to enhance their insertion ability and mechanical performance, by a modified vacuum deposition micromolding method. Among these, poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-containing SA MNs at a ratio of 1:8 show improved mechanical strength with minimal height reduction (< 10%) at all tested forces, and higher insertion capabilities into a skin-simulant parafilm model (> 65% in the second layer), compared to control SA MNs. Consequently, Vit-B12 was successfully loaded and concentrated into the MN shafts of the lead formulations, by the addition of hydroxypropyl cellulose to the baseplate. Vit-B12 MNs were characterized by means of fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements, drug loading and dissolution kinetics. The MNs exhibited adequate mechanical properties and a complete drug release within 30 min, while a considerable fraction was released after few minutes. The present study shows promising findings regarding the potential use of SA in the preparation of dissolving MNs with enhanced mechanical performance for transdermal delivery of Vit-B12. However, further preclinical investigations are necessary to comprehensively evaluate their therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, this work suggests that alginate-based blend MNs may have a potential application in the delivery of other hydrophilic and large compounds for improved therapeutic outcomes.

Comparing effects of terpene-based deep eutectic solvent and solid microneedles on skin permeation of drugs with varying lipophilicity

Transdermal delivery of therapeutic molecules is often hindered by the properties of the skin, with the stratum corneum serving as the primary permeation barrier. To overcome this barrier, the integrity of the stratum corneum can be modified by chemical permeation enhancers, such as deep eutectic solvents (DESs), or by mechanically impairing the skin with microneedles (MNs). However, a systematic comparison between these strategies is currently lacking. Hence, this study examined the potential of DESs and MNs to promote the permeation and retention of drugs with varying lipophilicities – specifically, the hydrophilic drug metronidazole (logP ∼ 0), the moderately lipophilic drug lidocaine (logP ∼ 2.3), and the highly lipophilic drug clotrimazole (logP ∼ 5). A mixture of menthol and thymol was selected as a model terpene-based DES and delivery vehicle, while a DermaPen equipped with solid MNs was used to mechanically impair the skin. Permeation rates of model drugs applied to the skin with either DES, MNs, or both were compared to the rates determined for the drugs applied in control vehicles. Both strategies were found to compromise the skin barrier function, but their permeation-enhancing effect was dependent on the lipophilicity of tested model drug. The DES was most effective for the hydrophilic drug metronidazole, while the MNs were more effective in increasing the permeation of the highly lipophilic drug clotrimazole. For the moderately lipophilic drug lidocaine, neither the DES nor microneedles increased its permeation rate, as the drug permeated through the skin well on its own. Notably, the combination of both enhancement strategies did not result in significantly better permeation rates of the drugs compared to the individual approaches. In conclusion, both the terpene-based DES and solid MNs are effective strategies to enhance drug permeation through the skin, but our results suggest that the choice of strategy should be dictated by the drug’s lipophilicity. Moreover, from a permeation-enhancing perspective, there is no benefit in combining these two strategies.

Optimizing ex vivo penetration tests via quantitative confocal Raman spectroscopy: Impact of incubation time, skin hydration, surfactant treatment and UVA irradiation on caffeine distribution

Ex vivo penetration tests are important tools in cosmetic and pharmaceutical research. However, variability of experimental setups is challenging when reviewing literature. Different skin models, pre-treatments and experimental parameters render comparison difficult. Thus, our aim was to conduct ex vivo penetration tests using caffeine in different setups with varying incubation conditions (ambient vs. Franz cells, infinite vs. finite dose). Additionally, the impact of skin pre-treatment with different aggressors (surfactants, UVA irradiation) should be considered. Possible synergistic barrier damage of surfactants and UVA irradiation should be explored. Analysis was conducted using quantitative confocal Raman spectroscopy. Results showed that incubation time and extensive hydration (20 h in Franz cells) had the greatest impact on penetration behavior. Additional irradiation after pre-treatment with oil-in-water nanoemulsions showed no strong impact on caffeine penetration in general, irrespective of surfactant type. However, in case of sodium lauryl ether sulfate, a trend towards enhanced values was observed due to irradiation (1.3-fold). This suggests cumulative skin barrier damage of irritant surfactants and UVA irradiation, potentially due to stratum corneum alterations. Further studies using different irradiation regimens are planned to confirm this hypothesis.

Demonstrating the potential of bioactive glass-infused electrospun PVB fibrous patches in atopic dermatitis moisturizing therapy

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by pruritic and eczematous lesions. Current treatment modalities often focus on symptomatic relief through topical moisturizers to restore impaired skin barrier function. Bioactive glasses, such as 45S5 and 59S compositions, have gained attention for their potential therapeutic applications in dermatological conditions due to their biocompatibility, bioactivity, and ability to promote wound healing. In this study, we explore the feasibility and efficacy of utilizing electrospun polyvinyl butyral (PVB) fibrous patches infused with bioactive glass particles as a novel approach for moisturizing therapy in AD. The electrospun PVB fibrous patches were fabricated through a simple and scalable electrospinning technique, incorporating bioactive glass particles. Physicochemical properties, including morphology, mechanical strength, and bioactive properties, were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), tensile testing, and in- vitro bioactivity. Additionally, the protein absorption kinetics of the fibrous patches were evaluated. Furthermore, in-vitro hemocompatibility, cell viability studies and live/dead assay were conducted to assess the biocompatibility of the bioactive glass-infused PVB fibrous patches. Our findings demonstrate that the incorporation of bioactive glass particles into electrospun PVB fibrous patches confers enhanced mechanical properties and sustained release of bioactive ions, providing a promising platform for prolonged moisturizing therapy.

Effects of Mineral and Almond Oil Administration on Transepidermal Water Loss and Skin Acidity in Chronic Renal Failure Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis

Introduction: Patients undergoing hemodialysis experience decreased moisture content in the dermis due to fluid transfer during the dialysis process, causing xerosis, pruritus, and damage to the skin barrier. Almond oil and mineral oil are well-known moisturizers used in skin care products. Objectives: To compare the effect of almond oil with mineral oil on transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin acidity in hemodialyzed chronic renal failure (CRF) patients. Methods: An experimental study was conducted on patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) undergoing hemodialysis at Dr. Moewardi Hospital in Indonesia. The study involved applying mineral and almond oils twice daily on the right and left forearms for four weeks. We measured TEWL and pH levels before and after the treatment. Results: There is a significant difference in TEWL between before and after mineral oil application (p=0.036), but not in the almond oil arm (p=0.394). Subsequently, the change of TEWL value significantly differed between mineral oil and almond oil (p=0.043). However, the effects of mineral oil and almond oil on pH were insignificant (p=0.574 and 0.268, respectively). Conclusion: After undergoing hemodialysis, CRF patients experienced a statistically significant reduction in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) when using mineral oil compared to both baseline and almond oil.

Omega Fatty Acids and Its Role in Amelioration of Canine Dermatological Disorders

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (FA) are crucial dietary components for dogs, playing a vital role in maintaining healthy skin. Omega-3 FA possess anti-inflammatory properties, potentially aiding in managing conditions like allergies and atopic dermatitis that cause itching and irritation. Omega-6 FA contribute to healthy skin barrier function, protecting against environmental allergens and pathogens. However, excessive omega-6 intake can promote inflammation. An optimal ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids in a dog's diet is essential. Omega-3s are found in fatty fish (salmon, mackerel) and fish oil, while omega-6s are abundant in vegetable oils (sunflower, soybean). If homemade foods are not properly balanced, they may easily be deficient in many essential nutrients. Various skin problems like alopecia, scaly skin, dry, pruritic and skin infections can result from this. Proper dietary management with balanced omega-3 and omega-6 intake can significantly benefit dogs suffering from skin conditions. A well-balanced diet is essential for maintaining the health of the skin.

Changes in skin barrier integrity by electrical impedance spectroscopy during dupilumab treatment on a child with severe atopic dermatitis

Background. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by epidermal skin barrier dysfunction and altered immune response. Electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) has been used as a novel tool to detect skin barrier changes in AD. EIS is a non-invasive measure of the electrical impedance of tissue and is sensitive to cellular structure and extracellular environment. Case Presentation. An 8-year-old girl presented with severe AD, starting at 3 years of age. She also had allergic rhinitis, food allergies, and sensitization to mites, eggs, and nuts. Unresponsive to other treatments, she was administered 300 mg of dupilumab, a monoclonal antibody inhibiting IL-4 and IL-13 activity. Patient’s response to the treatment and skin barrier integrity was followed for 6 months: First at the baseline (before dupilumab) and then again at the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5.5th month after dupilumab with SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD), as well as measurements of moisture by MoistureMeterSC (Delfin®) and EIS by Nevisense® (SciBase) on the forearm and antecubital fossa of the same arm. At the end of 6 months, her SCORAD improved from 96 to 37. The moisture measurements were variable. The EIS by Z1 score in the forearm increased from 72 to 141 and EIS by MIX scores increased from 2.7 to 6.2. The correlation between SCORAD and forearm EIS by Z1 and MIX scores were significant: r=-0.913, (p=0.03) and r=-0.881, (p=0.049). The correlation between forearm MIX scores with sleeplessness and itching was significant: r=-0.956, (p=0.011), r=-0.942, (p=0.017). Conclusion. As higher EIS scores reflect stronger barrier integrity, the increase in Z1 and MIX obtained from Nevisense® implies an improvement in the skin barrier integrity during dupilumab treatment. This report highlights the potential use of EIS in atopic dermatitis patients to evaluate treatment efficacy. We urge rapid and non-invasive use of EIS in pediatrics to be further investigated in clinical settings.

ENHANCING TRANSDERMAL DELIVERY OF POORLY WATER-SOLUBLE NSAIDS: EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES

Transdermal drug delivery offers significant advantages for administering non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and anti-complementary drugs, particularly those with poor water solubility. This delivery route bypasses first-pass metabolism and gastrointestinal degradation, enhancing bioavailability and patient compliance. However, the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin, poses a formidable barrier to drug permeation. To address this challenge, several innovative strategies have been developed to improve the transdermal delivery of these poorly soluble drugs. Chemical enhancers, such as alcohols, fatty acids, and surfactants, can disrupt the lipid structure of the stratum corneum, increasing drug solubility and permeability. Nanoformulations, including liposomes, niosomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, and nanoemulsions, enhance drug solubility, provide protection against degradation, and facilitate controlled release with deeper skin penetration. Prodrugs, designed to convert into the active drug within the skin, can improve solubility and permeability. Physical methods like microneedles, iontophoresis, and phonophoresis create micropores or use electrical and ultrasound waves to enhance permeation without compromising skin integrity. Cyclodextrins form inclusion complexes with drugs, boosting solubility and stability. Hydrogels and polymer-based formulations create a moist environment for sustained drug release and better absorption. Co-solvents and surfactants, such as ethanol and DMSO, further enhance solubility and disrupt the stratum corneum to facilitate drug penetration. Electroporation and thermal ablation transiently disrupt the skin barrier, significantly improving drug permeation. These strategies, individually or in combination, hold promise for optimizing the transdermal delivery of poorly water-soluble NSAIDs and anticomplementary drugs, ensuring effective therapeutic outcomes and improved patient compliance.

The Role of Vitamin D3 Deficiency and Colonization of the Oral Mucosa by Candida Yeast-like Fungi in the Pathomechanism of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with complex pathogenesis and variable severity. Performed studies have indicated the impact of vitamin D3 deficiency on the pathogenesis of psoriasis and its severity. However, there is no clear evidence of the influence of the mucosal microbiome on the onset and progression of psoriasis. This review aims to present the current evidence on the role of vitamin D3 and colonization of the oral mucosa by Candida yeast-like fungi in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Candida albicans is a common yeast that can colonize the skin and mucosal surfaces, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems or compromised skin barriers. In psoriasis, the skin’s barrier function is disrupted, potentially making patients more susceptible to fungal infections such as Candida. Since patients with psoriasis are at increased risk of metabolic syndrome, they may experience the vicious circle effect in which chronic inflammation leads to obesity. Vitamin D3 deficiency is also associated with microbiological imbalance, which may promote excessive growth of Candida fungi. Under normal conditions, the intestinal and oral microflora support the immune system. Vitamin D3 deficiency, however, leads to disruption of this balance, which allows Candida to overgrow and develop infections.

Assessment of Pelargonium graveolens flower essential oil: Antimicrobial, antioxidant, enzyme inhibition and in vivo topical analgesic and anti-inflammatory efficacy as treatment for atopic dermatitis

Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by pruritus and skin barrier dysfunction. This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic potential of Pelargonium graveolens (Geraniaceae) in managing AD symptoms through its essential oil. Methods The chemical composition of Pelargonium graveolens flower essential oil (PFEO) was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties were assessed, along with the inhibitory effects of PFEO on key enzymes involved in skin repair: tyrosinase, elastase, and collagenase. An in vivo evaluation of a gel formulation containing PFEO was also conducted to assess its anti-inflammatory and analgesic efficacy. Results GC-MS analysis identified major compounds in PFEO, including Geraniol (22.83%), beta-citronellol (19.51%), naphthalenemethanol (15.36%), and Geranyl tiglate (9.38%), with minor constituents such as linalool (3.81%) and neryl formate (1.31%). PFEO exhibited bacteriostatic activity against various bacterial and fungal strains, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Bacillus anthracis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Candida albicans, and Malassezia spp. The essential oil also demonstrated significant antioxidant properties and inhibited key enzymes linked to skin alterations in AD. Conclusions PFEO shows promising therapeutic potential for managing symptoms of atopic dermatitis due to its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its analgesic effects. The findings support further exploration of PFEO as a natural alternative in the treatment of AD.

Comparative study on albino and pigmented rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): growth, non-specific immunity, disease resistance, and related gene expressions

Comparative study on albino and pigmented rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): growth, non-specific immunity, disease resistance, and related gene expressions

Semi Solid Dosage from Ointments

Oinment are semisolid formulation commonly used topic administration active pharmacutical ingredient And theraputic uses of oinment in trating various Dermatological and systematic condition oinment are primarily composed base (such as petroleum lanolin or emulsifying wax ) the skin barrier for localized or systemic effect..

Skin health promoting effects of a proprietary nutraceutical ingredient (SesZen-BioTM): a placebo controlled, double-blind, and randomized clinical study

Background: This study evaluated the skin health benefits of SesZen-BioTM, a 0.5% natural biotin supplement derived from Sesbania grandiflora, previously linked to hair growth, in healthy adults aged 30-55 with mild skin ageing. Methods: In a single-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, participants between ages 30-55 years with mild skin ageing received either SesZen-BioTM or a placebo, with assessments conducted on days 0, 28, and 56. Parameters measured included facial wrinkles, fine lines, skin elasticity, hydration, skin barrier function and overall skin health. Results: Significant reduction (p&lt;0.01) in crow’s feet area by 27.11% (day 28) and 48.14% (day 56) and 17.95% and 51.17% reduction in fines lines were observed in the treatment group as compared to 12.1% reduction for placebo group at day 56. Physician global assessment (PGA) scores showed improvement in skin condition by 14.07% (day 28) and 20.58% (day 56) for SesZen-BioTM treatment group. The facial skin tone assessment described by individual typology angle (ITA) showed lighter skin tone by 30.55% (day 28) and 58.23% (day 56) (p&lt;0.01). Treatment group showed decrease in retraction time for skin elasticity on day 56, decreased skin roughness and increased skin hydration. Both groups showed decreased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) on both visits (days 28 and 56) as compared to baselines (p&lt;0.01). The placebo group showed no improvement in PGA score, skin tone lightness (L*) and ITA score, skin hydration, or skin elasticity. Conclusions: SesZen-BioTM appears to effectively promote skin health, reducing fine lines and improving skin tone, elasticity, and hydration, suggesting a viable strategy for combating skin aging and enhancing overall skin appearance.

Air pollution and skin aging

Air pollution is a leading environmental health risk worldwide, with detrimental effects not only on human health but also on skin aging. This review explores the link between air pollution and skin aging, focusing on the harmful effects of particulate matter (PM) and other pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), nitrogen oxides (NO2), and ozone (O3). These pollutants penetrate the skin, inducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which accelerates the degradation of collagen and elastin in the extracellular matrix. This contributes to premature aging, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and inflammatory skin conditions. The smallest fractions of PM, particularly PM2.5, are the most harmful, causing significant cellular damage. Long-term exposure to these pollutants also disrupts the skin's microbiome, leading to dysbiosis and further weakening the skin's protective barrier. Current therapeutic strategies focus on protecting the skin using antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E, as well as probiotics and moisturizers that support the skin's natural defenses. Sunscreens also play a vital role in protecting the skin from UV-induced oxidative stress, further mitigating pollution-related damage. This review highlights the importance of developing comprehensive skincare regimens that target both pollution-induced oxidative stress and the maintenance of a healthy skin barrier. It also emphasizes the need for further research into personalized approaches to counteract the aging effects of air pollution on the skin.

Role of Vitamin D in Allergic Diseases

Introductions: Vitamin D has gained recognition in recent decades not only as a key regulator of calcium and phosphorus metabolism and bone health but also as an important factor modulating the immune system. Research indicates that vitamin D influences both innate and adaptive immune responses, which is significant in the treatment of allergic and inflammatory diseases. Vitamin D has a beneficial effect on asthma exacerbations and may help reduce respiratory inflammation, as well as alleviate symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of food allergies, worsen symptoms of atopic dermatitis, and contribute to the transition from acute to chronic urticaria. Conversely, supplementation may help prevent allergies, reduce the severity of atopic dermatitis by supporting skin barrier function and antimicrobial peptide production, and relieve symptoms in patients with chronic urticaria. Purpose of the study: The review article aims to present the current state of knowledge on the role of vitamin D in the treatment of asthma, allergic rhinitis, food allergies, atopic dermatitis, chronic urticaria, and eczema. Material and methods: To summarize the current knowledge on the topic, a literature review of English language papers with a focus on the most current literature was performed. The review was conducted with the PubMed database with 64 works used, accessed before October 2024. Conclusions: Although the impact of blood vitamin D levels on the development and progression of allergic diseases has not yet been fully clarified, scientific studies suggest its significant role in modulating immune responses. Due to its immunoregulatory properties, vitamin D offers new hope for more effective treatment and prevention of allergic diseases.

The healing process of diabetic ulcers correlates with changes in the cutaneous microbiota.

Skin microbiota plays an essential role in the development and function of the cutaneous immune system, in the maintenance of the skin barrier through the release of antimicrobial peptides, and in the metabolism of some natural products. With the aim of characterizing changes in the cutaneous microbiota specifically associated with wound healing in the diabetic condition, we performed a 16S rRNA gene Next Generation Sequencing of skin swabs taken within the ulcer bed of ten diabetic patients before (t0) and after 20 days of therapy (t20) with a fluorescein-based galenic treatment. Considering the twenty most representative genera, we found at t20 an increase of Corynebacterium, Peptostreptococcus, and Streptococcus, and a decrease of Enterococcus, Finegoldia, and Peptoniphilus genera. However, differences were not significant due to the high variability among samples and the small patient cohort. S. aureus was the most abundant species at t0 and was reduced by therapy in four patients. Comparing the microbiome in the ulcer bed and in the perilesional tissue of the same patient at t0, no major differences were observed. Taken together, our data indicate that in the absence of antibiotic-based therapy the healing process of diabetic ulcers is accompanied by changes in the microbiome composition.

Scalp condition improvement with botanical extracts possessing chemical and physical antioxidant activity.

Oxidative stress is implicated in scalp and hair health manifesting in several ways, including skin barrier, hair retention, healthy hair appearance and scalp sensation. We previously linked markers of oxidative damage to dandruff and skin barrier impairment and have linked key anti-dandruff technologies to the resolution of these issues. Here we expand the therapeutic space demonstrating many botanical extracts offer protective benefits against ROS stress via both chemical and biological antioxidant mechanisms. Chemical antioxidant activity of 10 botanical extracts was measured using oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and biological antioxidant activity was measured using a Nrf-2 cell assay. A three-dimensional human keratinocyte skin equivalent model from MatTek was used to measure efficacy of reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) from both the botanicals added as a solution and from a shampoo product. A 4-week consumer study with 56 panels was conducted with a leave-on treatment containing a botanical extract. Measurement of the oxidized lipids (9 and 13-Hydroxy-10E 12Z-octadecadienoic acid, HODE) extracted from scalp tape strips was made using gradient reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS/MS). We demonstrated invitro that many botanical extracts exert antioxidant activity by quenching radicals in ORAC testing as well as activating biological antioxidant pathways via nrf-2 up-regulation in a cellular reporter system. Furthermore, we demonstrate these antioxidant activities for these botanicals in 3D skin models and ultimately show the reduction of lipid oxidation products in a consumer use context with a rosemary extract. Improved scalp condition can be achieved with incorporation of botanicals having the potential to exert antioxidant activity in hair/scalp care products.

Moisturizing and antioxidant factors of skin barrier restoring cream with shea butter, silkflo and vitamin E in human keratinocyte cells.

Moisturizers are integral to daily skincare routines, reflecting the increasing trend among people towards cosmetic products, particularly for skin care. They significantly contribute to preserving skin health, particularly by regulating the epidermal barrier and moisture levels within the skin. This study aims to explore the moisturizing and antioxidant effect of skin barrier restoring cream Moiz MM (MZ) with shea butter, silkflo and vitamin E by investigating its protective effect against oxidative stress-induced cellular damage and therapeutic mechanisms in human keratinocytes cells (HaCaT). The invitro antioxidant activity of MZ was evaluated by DPPH, ABTS and NO assays. For the cell culture study, HaCaT cells were cultured and stimulated using H2O2 and then treated with different concentrations of MZ. Then, it was subjected to DCFH-DA staining, reverse transcriptase PCR and western blot analysis for the evaluation of various skin-moisture-related components in human keratinocyte cells. Type I procollagen was examined using ELISA technique. The results highlighted that oxidative stress in HaCaT cells decreased type I procollagen synthesis, while MZ treatment significantly increased the synthesis. Moreover, the viability of HaCaT cells was not affected in the presence of MZ, which demonstrates its non-toxic effect. Furthermore, MZ can counteract H2O2-mediated oxidative stress by enhancing the antioxidant enzyme activity such as superoxide dismutase and catalase, and decrease reactive oxygen species generation in skin cells. Additionally, MZ greatly promotes hyaluronic acid production by enhancing the expression of the hyaluronic acid synthase-1 gene and Aquaporin 3 protein. This study suggests that MZ has the potential to serve as a moisturizing and antioxidant skincare formula.