Skin Feeling Research Articles

The SKIN-Q: An Innovative Patient-Reported Outcome Measure for Evaluating Minimally Invasive Skin Treatments for the Face and Body.

Background: As the aesthetics field continues to innovate, it is important that outcomes are carefully evaluated. Objectives: To develop item libraries to measure how skin looks and feels from the patient perspective, that is, SKIN-Q. Methods: Concept elicitation interviews were conducted and data were used to draft the SKIN-Q, which was refined with patient and expert feedback. An online sample (i.e., Prolific) provided field-test data. Results: We conducted 26 qualitative interviews (88% women; 65% ≥ 40 years of age). A draft of the SKIN-Q item libraries were formed and revised with input from 12 experts, 11 patients, and 174 online participants who provided 180 survey responses. The psychometric sample of 657 participants (82% women; 36% aged ≥40 years) provided 713 completed surveys (facial, n = 595; body, n = 118). After removing 14 items, the psychometric analysis provided evidence of reliability (≥0.85) and validity for a 20-item set that measures how skin feels and a 46-item set that measures how skin looks. Short-form scales were tested to provide examples for how to utilize the item sets. Conclusion: The SKIN-Q represents an innovative way to measure satisfaction with skin (face and body) in the context of minimally invasive treatments.

Formulation and Evaluation of Polyherbal Face Toner Containing Chrysanthemum Indicum

In ancient times, people depended on naturally accessible resources to improve their appearance. Herbal cosmetic was utilized to impart beauty and were at first made from natural ingredient. These herbal cosmetics, also known as natural cosmetics, have gained popularity due to their lack of adverse effects. The early beginnings of herbal cosmetics can be traced back to ancient knowledge gathered through the Ayurvedic system. Ayurvedic cosmetics utilized herbs and plants to create effective beauty treatments, not only enhancing the skin’s appearance but also protecting the body from environmental influences. Herbal toners are considered a natural and gentle option for various skin types. Herbal materials work harmoniously with the human body, providing essential nutrients and beneficial minerals without adverse effects. The study has a aimed to developed an effective herbal toner using natural extract known for skin beneficial properties. Various formulation was created by combining the specific herbal extract. Parameter such as organoleptic property, Surface tension, Viscosity, pH, skin irritation, was assessed to determine the optimal formulation. Herbal toners in skincare includes benefits such as balancing the skin’s pH, tightening pores, and providing a refreshing sensation. They are often used to remove traces of makeup and dirt, leaving the skin feeling rejuvenated. The result highlighted a promising formulation with notable skin friendly attributes, suggesting its potential as a natural alternative in the skin care industry. Keywords: Toner, rejuvenation,

Herbal Vanishing Creams: A Comprehensive Review of Natural Ingredients, Formulation Techniques, and Therapeutic Applications in Skincare

This review paper introduces the concept of a Herbal Vanishing Cream, an innovative product that combines the benefits of modern cosmetic science with the power of natural herbal extracts.Herbal vanishing creams represent a breakthrough in skincare technology, offering a balanced approach to achieving radiant and blemish-free skin. This cream is formulated using a proprietary blend of carefully selected herbal extracts, each chosen for its specific skin-enhancing properties. These botanical ingredients are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that work synergistically to rejuvenate the skin, fade dark spots, and reduce the appearance of scars. One of the key advantages of this herbal vanishing cream is its versatility in addressing a wide range of skin issues. The cream's lightweight and non-greasy texture allows for easy absorption, leaving the skin feeling refreshed and nourished. Furthermore, its herbal composition promotes gradual improvement, aligning with the body's natural processes and minimizing the risk of adverse reactions. As consumers increasingly seek natural alternatives in their skincare routines, the Herbal Vanishing Cream presents a promising option that bridges the gap between traditional remedies and modern scientific advancements. Its ability to harness the inherent goodness of botanicals in an efficacious formulation signifies a step forward in holistic skincare. This abstract invites further exploration into the formulation, benefits, and potential applications of the Herbal Vanishing Cream, as it offers a natural pathway to achieving radiant and flawless skin. Keywords: - Herbal vanishing cream, Botanical extracts, Antioxidants, Holistic skincare, Nourishment

Analysis on the Methods and Techniques of Sunscreen Enhancement

In recent years, sunscreen products have been the research focus in the field of daily chemicals. Sunscreen products with high sun protection factor (SPF), fresh skin feeling and high safety are the market hotspots of sunscreen products. This article systematically sorts out the key points of sunscreen synergistic technology from the aspects of sunscreen compound synergism, the influence of plant-derived active ingredients on sunscreen, the carrier modification of sunscreen microcapsules, the solid lipid particles and sunscreen product formulation system. This article explained the future development direction of sunscreen enhancement, hoping to provide scientific basis for the research and development of sunscreen product formula.

A comparison between silicone-free and silicone-based emulsions: Technological features and in vivo evaluation.

ObjectiveNowadays, the use of silicones in cosmetic formulation is still controversial, given that “natural” or “biodegradable” components are preferred. Often, the exclusion and/or the discrimination of these excipients from cosmetic field are unmotivated because all things cannot be painted with the same brush. Hence, we want to bring to light and underline the advantages of including silicones in cosmetic emulsions, refuting and debunking some myths related to their use.MethodsSilicone‐free and silicone‐based emulsions were obtained within an easy homogenization process. Droplet size distribution was assessed by laser diffraction particle size analyser Mastersizer 2000™, and by optical microscopy. The long‐time stability profiles were investigated thanks to the optical analyser Turbiscan® Lab Expert. Diffusing wave spectroscopy (DWS) by Rheolaser Master™ and frequency sweep measurements by Kinexus® Pro Rotational Rheometer were carried out to assess a full rheological characterization. In vivo studies were carried out by the evaluation of Trans Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL) over time on healthy human volunteers. A skin feeling rating was collected from the same volunteers by questionnaire.ResultsFrom size distribution analysis, a better coherence of data appeared for silicone‐based emulsion, as the size of the droplets was kept unchanged after 1 month, as well as the uniformity parameter. Morphological investigation confirmed a homogenous droplet distribution for both samples. Silicones enhanced the viscosity, compactness and strength of the cream, providing a suitable stability profile both at room temperature and when heated at 40°C. The solid‐like viscoelastic behaviour was assessed in the presence of dynamic oscillatory stresses. The monitoring of TEWL over time demonstrated non‐occlusive properties of emulsions containing silicones, the values of which were comparable to the negative control. Silicone‐based emulsions gained higher scores from the volunteers in silkiness, freshness and softness features, while lower scores were obtained in greasiness compared to silicone‐free emulsions. No cases of irritation were recorded by the candidates.ConclusionThe presence of specific silicones inside a cosmetic product improved its technological characteristics. The rheological identity and the stability feature showed the real suitability of prepared emulsion as a cosmetic product. Moreover, this study demonstrated that silicone‐based emulsions are safe for the skin and did not cause skin occlusion. Improved skin sensations are registered by potential consumers when silicones are included in the formulation.

Sluggish metabolism keeps Greenland sharks going on meagre meals

Apparently, Greenland shark is an acquired taste. The meat of these leviathans, tainted with urea and toxic trimethylamine N-oxide, requires fermentation and drying before it is safe to consume. But the long-lived giants of the deep are coming under increasing threat as they compete with humans for their own preferred delicacy, Greenland halibut. And their Arctic home is one of the fastest warming regions on the planet, putting these monsters in even more danger. ‘If we understand their energy requirements in the wild, we can estimate how much food they need to eat and hypothesise about their survival strategies’, says Eric Ste-Marie from The University of Windsor, Canada, adding that it is increasingly important to predict how they will be impacted by these threats. Together with Nigel Hussey (University of Windsor), Yuuki Watanabe (National Institute of Polar Research, Japan), Marianne Marcoux (Fisheries and Ocean Canada), in collaboration with Jayson Semmens (University of Tasmania, Australia), Ste-Marie headed north to Nunavut to go shark fishing.Working with local hunters and trappers, the team set long fishing lines baited with shark treats in the Scott Inlet, Nunavut, and further north in Tremblay Sound, capturing 30 sharks over a 5 year period before carefully hauling the animals to the surface, measuring their length and attaching a temperature and motion sensor behind the head to monitor their activity. ‘Seeing a Greenland shark up close is a unique experience. Their movements are slow but powerful, their eyes are typically cloudy and their skin feels like sandpaper’, says Ste-Marie, adding that the animals were usually calm once secured alongside a boat. The team then retrieved each tag when it detached up to 48 h later. ‘Arctic field work poses unique challenges: wind, water and ice conditions often change quickly, making tag recovery difficult, especially on days when we had multiple tags to recover or when sharks swam tens of kilometres away’, says Ste-Marie.Having previously learned from Watanabe how to extract information from the movements recorded by motion sensors, Ste-Marie painstakingly analysed the lethargic sharks’ manoeuvres and calculated how fast they beat their tails. In addition, he estimated each animal's mass, based on their length, and calculated their metabolic rate as they propelled themselves through the depths. After months of patient calculation, Ste-Marie determined that the shark's metabolic rate is ∼21.7 mg O2 h−1 kg–0.84, compared with 187–506 mg O2 kg−0.86 for bull sharks, although the metabolic rate that he determined for a smaller group of sharks wearing an activity monitor for a whole year was slightly higher (∼25.5 mg O2 h−1 kg–0.84).But how much food does that translate into? Converting the metabolic rate into energy use and then into the amount of fish a shark would have to consume to provide that energy, Ste-Marie calculated that an average 224 kg shark must consume 164–193 g of fish each day. So, a shark could keep going for 5–6 days on a 1 kg Greenland halibut meal, while a 15 kg narwhal snack would support a shark for up to 175 days and 15 kg of ringed seal could sustain an animal for up to 250 days – over 8 months – before it needed to dine again.‘Our estimates of field metabolic rate were very low across the sharks in our study. They likely do not require much energy and food to fuel their daily lives, which may allow them to survive extended periods without feeding’, says Ste-Marie, who is keen to find out how often these massive fish depend on scavenging or pursuing tasty treats to satisfy their meagre appetites.

An auxiliary device for double-blind placebo acupuncture research

This device is an auxiliary device with reasonable design for placebo acupuncture research, so as to make double-blind placebo acupuncture control possible. This new auxiliary acupuncture device includes an acupuncture device and a placebo acupuncture device with exactly the same appearance. Both of them are composed of a hemispherical base and a telescopic tube. Through the rotation of the telescopic tube in the notch of the base, the insertion angle of needles can be adjusted from 15 degrees to 165 degrees. The operation of twisting and lifting and inserting can be carried out through the horizontal rotation and vertical sliding of the telescopic tube. A silicone needle pad is arranged in the base, which can simulate the blocking feeling of skin and muscle during needle insertion. The bottom of the base is attached with hydrogel, which has good fixity. The auxiliary device is applicable to multiple parts of the human body and can effectively reduce the risk of unblinding.

Seeds, and: Tianguis, and: Ribbon, and: Floating, and: Everyday Things, and: A Slice of Night

Seeds, and: Tianguis, and: Ribbon, and: Floating, and: Everyday Things, and: A Slice of Night Teresa Tristan (bio) Seeds On my journey north, I run into God.He tells me the origin of my nameand I stitch it to my tongue. He warns it should only be spokenwhen the moon is full and the bloomshave closed their petals in prayer. Before he leaves, he dips his fingerin coyote blood and paints a crosson my forehead, my mouth, my chest. There is a lie in being saved.My aunt dies waiting for a voiceto guide her into whatever's next but the only sound in the roomis the morphine drip countingthe minutes in between pain. Her mouth can no longer praise,her eyes the yellow of a harvest moonopening and closing. I press my forehead to her head, whisper my name over and overand hope the seeds of my voice growinto the pinks and reds of wildflowers. [End Page 31] Their roots pushing through the tender soilof her ear, swelling into her brainand traveling down her body. They rip it open with an exhale,suffocate the cancerous cells inside her,they stop her breath, they bloom. Tianguis Before the black of night falls,the women gather their goodsfrom the sidewalk: embroidered handkerchiefs, stone necklaces,and rag dolls with colorful ribbonswoven into their braids like my mother laced in mine.A memory of Mexico. Something sweetfor the tourist to take home. Women built enterprises on these streetswith ashen hands and soles as strongas Chichen Itzá stone. I lean close to Agustina, her voiceraspy and sturdy, with the assuranceof a woman that carries the country strapped to her back in a red rebozo.She wraps a turquoise necklace on my collar,says a blessing for my name and tells me [End Page 32] to make my feet strong with the earthso when I cross the border north,I don't forget where my heart has roots. Ribbon I know the taste of longingat the tip of my tonguelike I know my mother's laughter.The memory is pleasure and paintightly wrapped with a black silk ribbon.My grandmother pulling a ribbonaround my waist, she says I need to payattention to my shape, she pulls me closerto myself, constricting, taking my breath.My mother is measuring my beautywith her sewing tape. The tape is tightaround my hips, my breasts, my armsand she is writing down all the waysI am not like her, all the ways I will fail her.My lover pulls the ribbon end loose,unspools my breath to his facewrapping his arms around my torsotighter and tighter, until it is too hot,until there is nothing between usbut the feeling of skin, until I am lost. [End Page 33] Floating My father told me, no matter how hard he tries,he always makes a mess, after he painted the living roomin my house, soft white fingerprints on my furniture,the imprint of his shoes on the wooden floor. It does not matter. I have learned this is how he loves.We talk about repairs to be done and he shows mehow to repair damaged drywall, how to createa smooth wall out of a broken one. Floating drywall is one of the first things he learned.He took construction jobs in the US to pay for college,followed a group of men around Texas, home to homecovering up imperfections, laughing, drinking, everyday cleaning the paint from under his fingernails,his hair, a new layer of mud and paint on his clothes.He knew it was temporary, this was not home.I never bothered with learning English, he said, what for. He muddies the seam between two pieces of drywall,I slide the tape from ceiling to floor, cutting the bottomwith a box cutter. Another slop of mud from his puddy knife,the tape disappears. I don't know he says, I never thought I'd be here. Everyday Things I've spent too much...

27887 Skin exfoliation with low concentrations of alpha hydroxy acids and poly hydroxy acids when incorporated into wash-off or leave-on products using a novel abbreviated model to measure cell turnover rate

Alpha hydroxyacids (AHAs) and polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) are known for enhancing skin cell turnover rate. Typically, 8-10% concentrations have been evaluated for their exfoliation potential. Glycolic acid and gluconolactone at 2% in a cleanser and leave-on cream along with a 1% lactobionic acid cream were assessed for cell turnover rate. A novel, abbreviated clinical method to assess skin cell turnover rate using fluorescence staining of the stratum corneum was conducted. Dansyl chloride 5% was applied to volar forearms under occlusion for an abbreviated time of 6 hours. Digital photographs were taken under ultraviolet light over 7 days; images were analyzed to determine fluorescent intensity. Products in standardized vehicles were applied twice daily. Additionally, a 2% gluconolactone body lotion was evaluated for consumer perception of benefit after 2 weeks of daily use. Cell turnover rate was significantly increased for all formulations at these lower concentrations (P ˂ .05). The 2% glycolic acid cleanser (n = 34) and cream (n = 31), the 2% gluconolactone cleanser (n = 34) and cream (n = 32) and the 1% lactobionic acid cream (n = 32) all demonstrated an increase in exfoliation (time to 50% reduction of dye) compared with untreated (P ˂ .05). Consumers noted corresponding skin cell turnover benefits of the 2% gluconolactone body lotion (n = 34) including: skin is lightly exfoliated (94%); skin feels renewed (100%); dry, dull skin is revitalized (97%); and skin texture is smoother (100%). AHAs and PHAs are well-known exfoliators. In cleanser or cream form and at concentrations of 1-2%, meaningful increases in cell turnover rate were noted with consumer perceivable exfoliation benefits.

New methods for assessing secondary performance attributes of sunscreens suitable for professional outdoor work

BackgroundOutdoor workers (OW) are highly exposed to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and thus at increased risk for developing skin cancer. An essential part of an overall strategy to reduce workplace UVR-exposure to OW’s skin is the usage of sunscreens. However, compliance with regular sunscreen usage seems to be low, as products are usually designed for recreational sun exposure and thus do not meet the requirements of physically active OW. To date, no standardized test procedures assess the suitability of sunscreens for professional use. The aim of this pilot study was to develop standardized methods of testing secondary performance attributes (PA) to represent real-life working conditions of outdoor work.MethodsTen sunscreen products, carefully selected after a detailed market survey of all relevant producers available on the German market, were evaluated regarding their suitability for professional outdoor work on 24 healthy volunteers in a newly designed test procedure. In addition to three standardized efficacy characteristics, i.e., sun protection factor, water-resistance, and UVA protection, we evaluated each PA involving parameters typically associated with outdoor workplaces.ResultsWe developed standardized methods for objectifying the suitability of sunscreen products for professional outdoor work. The test procedures used are well feasible and appropriate for testing the PA because they represent practical working conditions in detail – although the degree of discriminability of single test methods varied. The claimed sun protection factor (SPF) of the products was confirmed; bio-stability of the SPF after physical activity was achieved in most cases. While most products hardly irritate the eyes and are quickly absorbed, the evaluation of the subjective skin feeling and non-slip grip is inconsistent.ConclusionsIn this pilot study, for the first time secondary PA are defined and examined. Although further objectification of the PA assessment as well as the establishment of minimum standards should be sought, the new methods could already complement the so far mandatory labels and in this way provide a significant impetus for the current scientific and political focus on the improvement of occupational health in highly UVR-exposed OW.

Agarose Stearate-Carbomer940 as Stabilizer and Rheology Modifier for Surfactant-Free Cosmetic Formulations

Some commonly used surfactants in cosmetic products raise concerns due to their skin-irritating effects and environmental contamination. Multifunctional, high-performance polymers are good alternatives to overcome these problems. In this study, agarose stearate (AS) with emulsifying, thickening, and gel properties was synthesized. Surfactant-free cosmetic formulations were successfully prepared from AS and carbomer940 (CBM940) mixed systems. The correlation of rheological parameter with skin feeling was determined to study the usability of the mixed systems in cosmetics. Based on rheological analysis, the surfactant-free cosmetic cream (SFC) stabilized by AS-carbomer940 showed shear-thinning behavior and strongly synergistic action. The SFC exhibited a gel-like behavior and had rheological properties similar to commercial cosmetic creams. Scanning electron microscope images proved that the AS-CBM940 network played an important role in SFC’s stability. Oil content could reinforce the elastic characteristics of the AS-CBM940 matrix. The SFCs showed a good appearance and sensation during and after rubbing into skin. The knowledge gained from this study may be useful for designing surfactant-free cosmetic cream with rheological properties that can be tailored for particular commercial cosmetic applications. They may also be useful for producing medicine products with highly viscous or gel-like textures, such as some ointments and wound dressings.

Psychosocial needs of adolescents and young adults with eczema: A secondary analysis of qualitative data to inform a behaviour change intervention

This study aimed to explore adolescents and young adults' experiences of symptoms related to their eczema in order to determine their psychosocial needs. A secondary qualitative analysis of two data sources collected through semi-structured interviews for two different projects, SKINS project and Eczema Care Online project. In total, there were 28 transcripts with adolescents and young adults with eczema having a mean age of 19.5years available to analyse. Interview data were collected from face-to-face interviews that were recorded and transcribed. Inductive thematic analysis explored data about symptoms and organized according to psychosocial needs. Adolescents and young adults with eczema experience both visible symptoms (such as flaky, dry, and inflamed skin) and invisible symptoms (such as itch, pain, exhaustion, and mental distress) that elicit different psychosocial needs. These psychosocial needs are to (i) be understood; (ii) be perceived as normal; and (iii) receive emotional support. Interviewees described a struggle between wanting their peers and family to understand but take their eczema seriously whilst not wanting to stand out and instead to be perceived as 'normal', which they would define as being perceived as other adolescents. This has implications on behaviours, such as seeking support, avoiding going out, hiding their skin, as well as emotional implications, such as social isolation and feeling anxious and low. Having a better understanding of young people's experiences and psychosocial needs will provide a framework on how best to support adolescents and young adults when managing symptoms related to eczema. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? Eczema has a high impact on children and is considered a burden by children and adults with eczema. However, it is unclear what impact eczema has on adolescents and young adults. Adolescents and young adults with chronic conditions are known to be vulnerable to negative psychosocial outcomes but psychosocial needs and how to best support this age group with eczema are unknown What does this add? Three psychosocial needs were developed from evaluating the impact of visible and invisible symptoms of eczema: The need to feel understood (mostly reflective of invisible symptoms such as itch and pain and visible symptoms such as scratching). The need to be perceived as 'normal': visible symptoms such as flaky, inflamed skin make them stand out in comparison with their peers and a need emerged to blend in. The need for emotional support: adolescents and young adults searched for this from their health care providers, from shared experiences and from online resources. Adolescents and young adults with eczema appear to feel ambivalent about wishing the impact of the condition to be acknowledged whilst wishing the condition to be invisible to others. This ambivalence had further impact on feeling self-conscious, seeking support, and dealing with unsolicited advice.

Effects of Formulation Excipients on Skin Barrier Function in Creams Used in Pediatric Care.

Semisolid dosage forms are recommended for the dermal care of babies and children. If we look at the ingredients of these preparations, there are still many cases in which there are substances (occlusive agents, preservatives) that no longer meet certain requirements of the modern age, so it is timely to replace them with other substances. The aim of this work was to formulate a science-based formulation with new components that keep or improve its moisturizing properties, rheological parameters, and microbiological stability. Occlusive oils, like white petrolatum and liquid paraffin and the preservative parabens are traditional ingredients in oil in water creams, were replaced with white beeswax, sunflower oil, and phenoxyethanol, respectively. Cocoa butter, urea, and glycerol were added to improve long-lasting hydration and support the barrier function of the reformulated creams. The rheological properties of the formulations were determined. The effects of the preparations on skin hydration and on the barrier function of the skin were tested. Furthermore, microbiological stability was investigated. The result of the reformulation was an o/w cream that provided a good longer-lasting hydration effect; supported the barrier function of the baby skin without occlusion; and had adequate consistency, easy spreading, a pleasant skin feeling, proper pH, and good microbiological stability.

P067: Ondansetron and rehydration in pediatric gastroenteritis

Introduction: Gastroenteritis (GE) is one of the most common causes of emergency room visits, especially in pediatrics. The Canadian Paediatric Society and Choosing Wisely have issued high-grade recommendations to physicians working in the Emergency Department. It suggests, trying oral ondansetron followed by oral rehydration before installing venous rehydration in children with GE with adequate hydration or mild to moderate dehydration. This quality of medical care evaluation aims to determine if these recommendations were being applied for children aged 6 months to 12 years, with adequate hydration status or mild to moderate dehydration, who presented to the Chicoutimi emergency room between November 2016 and November 2018. Methods: Practice conformity was assessed according to two explicit criteria: prescription of oral ondansetron and appropriate mean of rehydration. A data collection tool was created and files were reviewed by investigators after standardization. Several secondary outcomes were assessed, including, among others, duration of symptoms, the number of vomiting and diarrhea. The hydration status was measured according to the capillary refill, feeling of skin to the touch, condition of buccal mucosa, tears, heart rate and mental status. These variables were analyzed to understand their impact on practice conformity. We excluded cases in which there was infections needing antibiotics, hypoglycemia, hemodynamic instability, no vomiting in the last 24 hours, convulsions and history of diabetes. Results: A total of 270 patient files were analyzed, 181 of which were included. Oral ondansetron was tried in 49 % of children. Rehydration was adequate in 55% of cases. The hydration level was written in 18% of files and the hydration status noted by the emergency room physician overestimated the dehydration score in 16% of cases. When hydration status was well assessed, adequate rehydration was observed in 63% of cases, while ondansetron was attempted in only 44% of cases. Conclusion: Use of oral ondansetron and adequate mean of rehydration to treat children aged 6 months to 12 years with GE in Chicoutimi emergency department is suboptimal. The difficulty of adequate dehydration assessment may be one of the causes. Concerted dehydration assessment grid and a group prescription for the administration of ondansetron during the nurse triage may constitute potential solutions.

Tactile sensor to evaluate the tactile feeling of bare skin

Tactile sensor to evaluate the tactile feeling of bare skin

A bionic tactile plastic hydrogel-based electronic skin constructed by a nerve-like nanonetwork combining stretchable, compliant, and self-healing properties

To completely mimic the tactile sensing of natural skin, flexible conductive hydrogels (CHs) have been assembled into bionic skin. However, most CHs cannot perfectly rebuild the feeling of human skin due to their highly linear structure. In addition, CHs are difficult to meet the super-stretchable, rapid self-healing properties at the same time. Here, we innovatively incorporated a proanthocyanins/reduced graphene oxide (PC/rGO) composite with a nerve-like nanonetwork into a glycerol-plasticized polyvinyl alcohol-borax (PVA-borax) hydrogel system to obtain a bionic tactile PC/rGO/PVA hydrogel-based electronic skin, which perfectly simulates the tactual sensation of human skin and integrates excellent stretchability (>5000%), compliance (1 mm), self-healing (3 s, 95.73%) ability for the first time. Due to its unique structure and mechanical properties, this electronic skin has remarkable wearable and strain-sensitive (GF = 14.14) properties, which can mimic and detect some real skin epidermis movements such as finger bending, facial expression changes, and throat vocalization. Interestingly, the hydrogel can also be used as an adhesive electrode for the accurate detection of electrocardiograph (ECG) and electromyography (EMG) signals. More importantly, this work provides a new route in mimicking the natural skin’s tactile ability through a hierarchical design of hydrogel networks.

Main features and applications of organogels in cosmetics.

Cosmetic treatments aim at improving skin appearance through vehicles of good sensory properties. Those vehicles are mainly emulsions and gels designed to deliver safe and effective compounds to skin. Creams and serums are widely used to achieve these goals, but recently a new type of formulation known as organogels triggered scientific attention, particularly in the design of both topical and cosmetic formulations. It has been established that the lipophilic nature of organogels makes it an excellent candidate for the delivery of cosmetic molecules through skin. In this review, we discuss the properties and characteristics of organogels and present the advantages of the application of these systems in cosmetics.

Personal-Care Products Formulated with Natural Antioxidant Extracts

The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential use of some vegetal raw materials in personal-care products. Four ethanolic extracts (grape pomace, Pinus pinaster wood chips, Acacia dealbata flowers, and Lentinus edodes) were prepared and total phenolics, monomeric sugars, and antioxidant capacity were determined on alcoholic extracts. Six of the most important groups of cosmetics products (hand cream, body oil, shampoo, clay mask, body exfoliating cream, and skin cleanser) were formulated. Participants evaluated some sensory attributes and overall acceptance by a 10-point scale; the results showed differences among age-intervals, but not between males and females. The results confirmed that all extracts presented characteristics appropriate for their use in cosmetic formulations and their good acceptability by consumers into all cosmetic products. Texture/appearance, spreadability, and skin feeling are important attributes among consumer expectations, but odor and color were the primary drivers and helped differentiate the natural extracts added into all personal-care products.

Observer-blind randomized controlled study of a cosmetic blend of safflower, olive and other plant oils in the improvement of scar and striae appearance.

The normal process of skin tissue repair following injury invariably results in visual scarring. It is known that topical treatment with hydrophobic cosmetics rich in silicone and mineral oil content can improve the appearance of scars and striae. Given lifestyle preferences of many cosmetic consumers towards so-called natural treatments, the objective of this controlled randomized study was to investigate the efficacy of a plant body oil rich in oleic and linoleic acids (Bio Skin Oil® ) for improving the appearance of scars and striae. A panel of 80 volunteers with non-hypertrophic scars (40) or stretch marks (40) not older than 3 years applied a cosmetic face and body oil for 8 weeks. Compared to an untreated scar/stretch mark region, a blinded investigator as well as volunteer assessments with given observed parameters demonstrated the efficacy of the oil under test. On the Observer Scar Assessment Scale (OSAS), the mean score was reduced on the product-treated area by approximately 5% (P = 0.006). The untreated area remained unchanged. Observed effects by volunteers were more pronounced - Patient Scar Assessment Scale (PSAS) giving a reduction of approximately 20% on the treated area, and on the control untreated area a reduction of approximately 6%. The overall product effect of 14% was shown to be clearly significant (P = 0.001). All statements relating to product traits achieved higher frequencies of agreements than of non-agreements and were therefore assessed positively by the volunteers. Highest frequencies of agreements occurred in statements that the test product provides a long-lasting, soft and supple skin feeling (93%); caring effect (87%); and quick absorbance (84%). Agreement was also found for statements that the product improves the skin appearance (61%) and that scars/striae appear less pronounced (51%). Only 17% of volunteers felt the oil had no benefit to the appearance of their scars/striae. The oil blend under test is effective in improving the appearance of non-keloid scars and striae. Further work is required to understand the mechanisms of how plant oil fatty acids ameliorate scar and striae appearance.

Altered Sensory Phenomena Experienced in Bipolar Disorder.

Altered Sensory Phenomena Experienced in Bipolar Disorder.