Skin Cream Research Articles

Application of Handheld X-Ray Fluorescence Analyzers to Identify Mercury in Skin-Whitening Creams in Cambodia

Background. A well-documented source of mercury contamination is skin-whitening cream. The heavy metal is sometimes added to the cream to block production of melanin. Past studies have shown that about one third of skin whitening creams for sale in Phnom Penh contained mercury levels considerably higher than both United States and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) guidelines. Developing nations such as Cambodia do not have the resources for monitoring and enforcement. Objectives. Evaluate the utility of handheld X-ray fluorescence analyzers for detection of mercury in skin-whiteners. Methods. A handheld XRF unit was used to measure the total mercury content of 676 skin-whitening creams collected from volunteers from a cross-section of Phnom Penh's residents. Results. About 16% of bleaching creams collected contained more than 20 ug/g of mercury. The highest concentration was about 35,000 ug/g. A third of the samples that were custom-made or modified by beauty shops contained more than 20 ug/g of mercury. Conclusions. The handheld XRF analyzer proved an excellent tool for screening mercury in skin creams, and could be particularly useful in developing countries because it is relatively inexpensive, requires no sample preparation or extraction, can be used by staff with little technical background, and can facilitate on-site education.

Therapy Management Patient Consensus (TheMaPaC): A patient perspective on published therapy management recommendations for TKI-treated patients with a special focus on sunitinib.

e19502 Background: Therapy management is an essential component of patient care for RCC or GIST patients (pts) treated with TKI (e.g. Sunitinib). Preventive measures and early intervention can reduce or eliminate specific adverse events (AE) allowing for adequate therapy duration and improved quality of life. Published recommendations (RECs) for AE management often rely on theoretical aspects and limited evidence leading to heterogeneous or contradicting RECs. To overcome these issues, a collaborative approach of physicians, pts and Pfizer was established. Here we report on an extensive survey to deepen the knowledge on the validity and practicability of published RECs in 27 TKI treated pts (20 RCC; 7GIST). Methods: RECs (n = 221) for AE management in pts receiving sunitinib or other VEGFR-targeted TKIs were retrieved from the literature since 2006 (approval of sunitinib). RECs were transferred into a detailed questionnaire (QU) using patient-friendly language. Pts receiving sunitinib assigned one of 5 rating categories to each REC (positive experience (self/others); no information; negative experience (self/others). Results: 47 pts received the QU, 27 (15 female; median age 62 yrs) returned evaluable QUs. The pts have been on sunitinib therapy for a median of 16 months. On average, 49% of RECs received positive ratings; 44% based on individual experience. 20 RECs were rated positively by >80% of pts. The results indicate that patients had the most positive experience with RECs about patient/physician information on AEs, care/protection of feet, skin ointment use, food preference, hydration and fatigue reduction. Other REC ratings were heterogeneous, with a preference for measures that can be easily applied in daily life. It is notable that 47% of published RECs were unknown to the participants. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first extensive patient survey on the validity and practicability of published RECs. The results identify a number of useful, established RECs from a real-life pts perspective. The results will be further evaluated and compared with an ongoing physician survey.

Simultaneous determination of retinoic acid and hydroquinone in skin ointment using spectrophotometric technique (ratio difference method)

An innovative spectrophotometric method was developed for simultaneous determination of compounds with interfering spectra in binary mixtures without previous separation, showing significant advantages over the conventional methods regarding minimal data manipulation and applicability. The proposed method was applied for the determination of retinoic acid and hydroquinone in laboratory-prepared mixtures with mean percentage recoveries 100.13±0.31 and 99.99±0.04, respectively, and in their pharmaceutical formulation with mean percentage recoveries 100.13±0.86 and 100.07±0.58, respectively. The method was validated according to USP guidelines and can be applied for routine quality control testing.

Canada Clears Siloxane D5

A decision by the Canadian government clears the way for continued use of decamethyl­cyclopentasiloxane, or D5, in personal care products such as skin creams, antiperspirants, and shampoos. The compound is not harmful to the environment, and any bioaccumulation does not pose a danger to biodiversity, a review panel found. Canada accepts the finding, Environment Minister Peter Kent says. Regulators had been concerned that D5 poses a danger by accumulating in marine environments. A ban in Canada could have triggered reformulation across the global cosmetics industry. “The silicones industry welcomes the minister’s declaration that D5 is safe for the environment and fully supports the removal of D5 from a proposed list of toxic substances,” says Karluss Thomas, executive director of the Silicones Environmental, Health & Safety Council of North America. Beta Montemayor, director of environmental sciences and regulations at the Canadian Cosmetic, Toiletry & Fragrance Association, says the review of D5 ...

Wound healing promoting activity of stem bark extract of Semecarpus anacardium using rats

The wound healing promoting property of stem bark methanol extract of Semecarpus anacardium was evaluated at three different dosages by excision, incision and dead space wound models using Wistar albino rats. Framycetin skin ointment was used as standard. LD50 of methanol extract was determined to be 500 mg kg−1. In methanol extract (20% ointment) treated group, epithelialisation of the incision wound was faster with a high rate of wound contraction. The tensile strength of the incision wound was significantly increased when compared to other treated groups. The histological examination of the dead space wound model granulation tissue of the methanol extract (100 mg kg−1) treated group showed increased cross-linking of collagen fibres and absence of monocytes as compared to control. Methanol extract at 100 mg kg−1 exhibited significant wound healing activity but was lesser than standard; whereas, in animals treated with 50 and 75 mg kg−1 showed moderate activity. This investigation supported the ethnomedicinal claims of S. anacardium.

Sir David Jack

Sir David Jack

Application of Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy in Food Sciences: (A Study on Cucurbita Maxima)

The study of this research is based on the determination of multi-trace elements in cucurbita maxima (pumpkin) by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. The elements, K, Ca, Mg, P, Zn, Cu, Ni, Fe, Co, and heavy metals, Pb and Cd were determined in the seed, pulp and skin (peel) of three pumpkins, one from each of the three counties of Guyana. There was a significant difference in the means for each of the elements of interest. There was no significant difference in the means of each element in the seed for the Berbice, Essequibo and the Demerara pumpkins, likewise for the pulp and skin samples. In term of the distribution of the elements in the different parts of the pumpkin, it was found that there was a significant difference in the means for each element. They were in higher quantities in the seed than in the skin and pulp samples, respectively. The results show some elements essential to the human diet such as K, Cu, Zn, P, Fe are abundant in the seeds of the pumpkins, implying that the nutritive value of pumpkin seeds is high. Traces of all the elements were found in the skin samples, justifying some of the use of pumpkin skin, such as, as an ingredient in skin creams. The heavy metals cadmium and lead were present with the latter only being found in the skin samples, making it harmful as a food since lead is toxic at even small levels. The Cadmium levels were the more significant of the two, suggesting significant pollution of the soils and water around the areas of production of the crop. However, at levels below 0.500 ppm it helps prevent growth of prostate cancer cells in human beings.

Usage of skin care products and risk of rheumatoid arthritis: results from the Swedish EIRA study

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to investigate the association between exposure to cosmetics, often containing mineral oil, and the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The study was performed against the background that occupational exposure to mineral oil has recently been shown to be associated with an increased risk for RA in man, and that injection of or percutaneous exposure to mineral-oil-containing cosmetics can induce arthritis in certain rat strains.MethodsA population-based case-control study of incident cases of RA was performed among the population aged 18 to 70 years in a defined area of Sweden during May 1996 to December 2003. A case was defined as an individual from the study base, who received for the first time a diagnosis of RA according to the 1987 American College of Rheumatology criteria. Controls were randomly selected from the study base with consideration taken for age, gender and residential area. Cases (n = 1,419) and controls (n = 1,674) answered an extensive questionnaire regarding environmental and lifestyle factors including habits of cosmetic usage. The relative risk of developing RA was calculated for subjects with different cosmetic usage compared with subjects with low or no usage. Analysis was also performed stratifying the cases for presence/absence of rheumatoid factor and antibodies to citrulline-containing peptides.ResultsThe relative risks of developing RA associated with use of cosmetics were all close to one, both for women and men, for different exposure categories, and in relation to different subgroups of RA.ConclusionThis study does not support the hypothesis that ordinary usage of common cosmetics as body lotions, skin creams, and ointments, often containing mineral oil, increase the risk for RA in the population in general. We cannot exclude, however, that these cosmetics can contribute to arthritis in individuals carrying certain genotypes or simultaneously being exposed to other arthritis-inducing environmental agents.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is an increasingly popular ingredient in a variety of household and cosmetic products, including shampoos, massage oils, skin and nail creams, and laundry detergents. Known for its potential antiseptic properties, it has been shown to be active against a variety of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and mites. The oil is extracted from the leaves of the tea tree via steam distillation. This essential oil possesses a sharp camphoraceous odor followed by a menthol-like cooling sensation. Most commonly an ingredient in topical products, it is used at a concentration of 5% to 10%. Even at this concentration, it has been reported to induce contact sensitization and allergic contact dermatitis reactions. In 1999, tea tree oil was added to the North American Contact Dermatitis Group screening panel. The latest prevalence rates suggest that 1.4% of patients referred for patch testing had a positive reaction to tea tree oil.

Skin fragility in obese diabetic mice: possible involvement of elevated oxidative stress and upregulation of matrix metalloproteinases

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that obese diabetic mice exhibit marked skin fragility, which is caused by increased oxidative stress and increased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) gene expression in the subcutaneous adipose tissue. Scanning electron microscopy of skin samples from Tsumura-Suzuki obese diabetic (TSOD) mice revealed thinner collagen bundles, and decreased density and convolution of the collagen fibres. Furthermore, skin tensile strength measurements confirmed that the dorsal skin of TSOD mice was more fragile to tensile force than that of non-obese mice. The mRNA expressions of heme oxygenase 1 (Hmox1), a marker of oxidative stress, Mmp2 and Mmp14 were increased in the adipose tissue of TSOD mice. Antioxidant experiments were subsequently performed to determine whether the changes in collagen fibres and skin fragility were caused by oxidative stress. Strikingly, oral administration of the antioxidant dl-α-tocopherol acetate (vitamin E) decreased Hmox1, Mmp2 and Mmp14 mRNA expressions, and improved the skin tensile strength and structure of collagen fibres in TSOD mice. These findings suggest that the skin fragility in TSOD mice is associated with dermal collagen damage and weakened tensile strength, and that oxidative stress and MMP overexpression in the subcutaneous adipose tissue may, at least in part, affect dermal fragility via a paracrine pathway. These observations may contribute to novel clinical interventions, such as dietary supplementation with antioxidants or application of skin cream containing antioxidants, which may overcome skin fragility in obese patients with diabetes.

Protecting Children From Toxicants

Protecting Children From Toxicants

Experimental study on the effects of GuiJi cream in anti-fissure and permeability of skin

Objective To study the effect of Guiji cream in the treatment of fissure and permeability of skin.Methods The models of fissure Japonic rabbits were established to observe the effects of skin cream on inhibiting fissure.Rabbits back area was divided into 6 blocks and given different medicines in six different groups:GuiJi cream group of low dosage,middle dosage and high dosage (0.05、0.1、0.2 g/m-2 crude drug of Bletilla colloid respectively),urea frost cream group(0.1 g/m-2),normal saline group and control group.Observe the changes of skin surface symptoms every day.The permeability test was performed on 36 KM mouse and randomly divided into control group,GuiJi cream group and urea frost cream group(0.2 g/m-2).Apply drugs to the back and observe the permeability change of cilia capillary,and auricle swelling degree in mice of each group.Results The curative criteria for Guiji groups was 3.8～4.1,the inhibition rate of auricular swelling was 75％.GuiJi cream could inhibit xylene-induced ear edema (P＜0.05) ; the Inhibition rate of vascular permeability was 45.08％,The ear swelling induced by xylene and increased capillary permeability induced by acetic acid in mice were inhibited significantly (P＜0.05) by Guiji cream which had obvious effects on fissure as well as the permeability.Conclusion Guiji chapped skin cream played significant functions in treating fissure and acting anti-inflammatory. Key words: Guiji skin cream; Anti- fissure; Permeability of skin

Nanotribological and nanomechanical properties of skin with and without cream treatment using atomic force microscopy and nanoindentation

Various beauty care products involve surface interaction between the product and the skin surface they are applied to. Friction, adhesion and wear during sliding between the treated surface and the rubbing surfaces need to be optimized. Skin cream is used to improve skin health and create a smooth, soft, and flexible surface with moist perception by altering the surface roughness, friction, adhesion, elastic modulus, and surface charge of the skin surface. Rheology of skin cream as a function of cream thickness and strain rate and the binding interaction between skin cream and skin surface and operating environment are some of the important factors affecting the smooth feel and repair of the skin surface.Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and nanoindentation have recently become important tools for studying the micro/nanoscale properties of human hair, hair conditioner, skin, and skin cream. In this paper, we present an overview of the nanotribological and nanomechanical properties of skin with and without cream treatment as a function of operating environment. Relevant mechanisms are discussed. Next, the result of a triboelectrification study of skin with and without cream treatment is presented. Finally, an overview of attempts to develop a synthetic skin for research purposes is presented.

Preventing Pressure Ulcers in Long-term Care

Pressure ulcers are common in many care settings, with adverse health outcomes and high treatment costs. We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of evidence-based strategies to improve current prevention practice in long-term care facilities. We used a validated Markov model to compare current prevention practice with the following 4 quality improvement strategies: (1) pressure redistribution mattresses for all residents, (2) oral nutritional supplements for high-risk residents with recent weight loss, (3) skin emollients for high-risk residents with dry skin, and (4) foam cleansing for high-risk residents requiring incontinence care. Primary outcomes included lifetime risk of stage 2 to 4 pressure ulcers, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and lifetime costs, calculated according to a single health care payer's perspective and expressed in 2009 Canadian dollars (Can$1=US$0.84). Strategies cost on average $11.66 per resident per week. They reduced lifetime risk; the associated number needed to treat was 45 (strategy 1), 63 (strategy 4), 158 (strategy 3), and 333 (strategy 2). Strategy 1 and 4 minimally improved QALYs and reduced the mean lifetime cost by $115 and $179 per resident, respectively. The cost per QALY gained was approximately $78000 for strategy 3 and $7.8 million for strategy 2. If decision makers are willing to pay up to $50000 for 1 QALY gained, the probability that improving prevention is cost-effective is 94% (strategy 4), 82% (strategy 1), 43% (strategy 3), and 1% (strategy 2). The clinical and economic evidence supports pressure redistribution mattresses for all long-term care residents. Improving prevention with perineal foam cleansers and dry skin emollients appears to be cost-effective, but firm conclusions are limited by the available clinical evidence.

Cosmetic powder suspensions in compliant, fingerprintlike contacts

Cosmetic powders are regularly employed in skin creams and cosmetic formulations to improve performance and enhance skin feel. A previous study investigated the effect of particle concentration and size on the lubricating properties of powder suspensions in smooth, compliant contacts [Timm et al., Tribol. Int. (2011)]. In this paper the tribological properties of cosmetic powder suspensions are investigated in compliant contacts having model fingerprintlike surface topography. Friction coefficients were measured for a series of powder suspensions with varying particle size and concentration in a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)/PDMS contact. A commercial tribometer (MTM, PCS Instruments) was employed to measure friction as a function of rubbing time (20 min), under pure sliding (50 mm/s) and low load (0.5 N) conditions. Compared to results using smooth surfaces, it was clear that surface topography has a pronounced affect on the time-dependent tribological behavior of the cosmetic powder suspensions studied. A two-stage friction coefficient versus time curve was observed. By varying the particle size and concentration it was shown that the duration and magnitude of each stage can be controlled.

Product Design of Cosmeceuticals Using the Example of Skin Cream

AbstractCosmeceuticals (Wirkkosmetika) sind komplex zusammengesetzte dermatologische Produkte, die den Bereich zwischen Pflege und Heilung abdecken. Sie enthalten mehrere Stoffe in wirksamen Konzentrationen, die eine optimale Versorgung beanspruchter Haut mit Feuchtigkeit und Lipiden sowie mit Vitaminen sicherstellen. Zusätzlich können Spezialsubstanzen, z. B. für die Reduzierung der Hautalterung, wichtige Bestandteile der Rezeptur sein. Zusatzstoffe, die nicht der Gesundheit dienen, wie Parfüme und Farbstoffe, werden weggelassen. Nach der diskontinuierlichen Herstellung der Emulsionen in Rührkesseln mit Rotor‐Stator‐Emulgatoren erfolgt die Abfüllung vorzugsweise in hygienische Spender, die eine Entnahme ohne Luftzutritt ermöglichen. Die Produkte lassen sich daher konservierungsmittelfrei oder mit nur geringen Mengen an Konservierungsmitteln formulieren.

Mercury Levels in Locally Manufactured Mexican Skin-Lightening Creams

Mercury is considered one of the most toxic elements for plants and animals. Nevertheless, in the Middle East, Asia and Latin America, whitening creams containing mercury are being manufactured and purchased, despite their obvious health risks. Due to the mass distribution of these products, this can be considered a global public health issue. In Mexico, these products are widely available in pharmacies, beauty aid and health stores. They are used for their skin lightening effects. The aim of this work was to analyze the mercury content in some cosmetic whitening creams using the cold vapor technique coupled with atomic absorption spectrometry (CV-AAS). A total of 16 skin-lightening creams from the local market were investigated. No warning information was noted on the packaging. In 10 of the samples, no mercury was detected. The mercury content in six of the samples varied between 878 and 36,000 ppm, despite the fact that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that the limit for mercury in creams should be less than 1 ppm. Skin creams containing mercury are still available and commonly used in Mexico and many developing countries, and their contents are poorly controlled.

Formulation and comparative evaluation of poly herbal anti-acne face wash gels

Context: Rauvolfia serpentina (L). Benth. ex Kurz. (Apocynaceae) possessing antibacterial properties are widely used in modern herbal medicines. Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae), a readily available antiseptic, possess antioxidant, antibacterial, blood purifying and antiinflammatory properties and used in various skin creams. Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (Meliaceae) possess astringent, antiviral, discutient, stimulant and antibacterial properties and works excellently well against acne and keeps the skin healthy.Objective: Acne is the common skin problem that 85% of the teenagers face today. In this study, poly herbal anti-acne face wash gels were prepared using two polymers Carbopol and hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) along with the extracts of plants Rawvolfia serpentina, Curcuma longa, and Azadiracta indica.Materials and methods: The gel formulations were prepared in four different concentrations of 50, 100, 200 mg/ml as Gel-CRB 100, Gel-HPMC 50, Gel-HPMC 100, Gel-HPMC 200, respectively. The formulations were tested for the anti-acne activity by turbidimetric method.Results: Results showed that the gels were non-irritant, stable and posses anti-acne activity. The efficacy when tested with a standard was almost same to that of Clindamycin gel.Discussion and conclusion: From this study, Gel-HPMC 100 was proved to be stable and considered as an effective herbal formulation for acne treatment.

Fabrication of Au‐Nanoparticle/TiO2‐Nanotubes Electrodes Using Electrochemical Methods and Their Application for Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Hydroquinone

AbstractGold nanoparticle (Au‐NPs)‐Titanium oxide nanotube (TiO2‐NTs) electrodes are prepared by using galvanic deposition of gold nanoparticles on TiO2‐NTs electrodes as support. Scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy results indicate that nanotubular TiO2 layers consist of individual tubes of about 60–90 nm diameters and gold nanoparticles are well‐dispersed on the surface of TiO2‐NTs support. The electrooxidation of hydroquinone of Au‐NPs/TiO2‐NTs electrodes is investigated by different electrochemical methods. Au‐NPs/TiO2‐NTs electrode can be used repeatedly and exhibits stable electrocatalytic activity for the hydroquinone oxidation. Also, determination of hydroquinone in skin cream using this electrode was evaluated. Results were found to be satisfactory and no matrix effects are observed during the determination of hydroquinone content of the “skin cream” samples.

Determination of Benzotriazole and Benzophenone UV Filters in Sediment and Sewage Sludge

Benzophenones and benzotriazoles are widely used as ultraviolet (UV) light filters and stabilizers in cosmetics, skin creams, and body lotions and as corrosion inhibitors in building materials, automobile components, and automotive antifreeze cooling systems. Benzophenones and benzotriazoles have been reported to occur in the environment. Some of these UV filters have been reported to possess significant estrogenic activity. Despite this, very few studies have examined their occurrence and profiles in the environment. In this work, we determined five benzophenone-type UV filters and two benzotriazole-type corrosion inhibitors, namely, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (2OH-4MeO-BP), 2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone (2,4OH-BP), 2,2'-dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (2,2'OH-4MeO-BP), 2,2',4,4'-tetrahydroxybenzophenone (2,2',4,4'OH-BP), 4-hydroxybenzophenone (4OH-BP), 1H-benzotriazole (1H-BT), and 5-methyl-1H-benzotriazole (5Me-1H-BT), in sediment and sewage sludge samples, using liquid-liquid extraction and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). In addition, four benzotriazole-type UV stabilizers, namely, 2-(3-t-butyl-2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)-5-chlorobenzotriazole (UV-326), 2,4-di-t-butyl-6-(5-chloro-2H-benzotriazole-2-yl) phenol (UV-327), 2-(2H-benzotriazole-2yl)-4,6-di-t-pentylphenol (UV-328), and 2-(5-t-butyl-2-hydroxyphenyl) benzotriazole (TBHPBT) were determined by gas chromatography (GC)-mass spectrometry (MS). The limits of quantitation (LOQ) were in the ranges of 0.06-0.33 ng g⁻¹ dry weight (dw) and 0.1-1.65 ng g⁻¹ dw for sediment and sludge samples, respectively. Recoveries of target compounds spiked into sample matrices and passed through the entire analytical procedure ranged from 70% to 116% (RSD: 3.32-13.8%) and from 82% to 106% (RSD: 2.89-8.09%) for the compounds analyzed by LC-MS/MS and GC-MS, respectively. The methods were applied to the analysis of sediment samples from the Songhua, Saginaw, and Detroit Rivers; the sum concentrations of target compounds were 3.29-9.93, 5.81-22.5, and 190-389 ng g⁻¹ dw, respectively. Five sludge samples collected from five wastewater treatment plants in northeastern China contained the sum concentrations of target compounds in the range of 104-6370 ng g⁻¹ dw. The concentration of UV-328 in sludge was the highest (mean: 1300 ng g⁻¹ dw) among the target compounds. To our knowledge, this is the first work to report the occurrence of 2OH-4MeO-BP, 2,4OH-BP, 2,2'OH-4MeO-BP, 2,2',4,4'OH-BP, and 4OH-BP in sediment and sludge samples.