Skin Melanin Index Research Articles

The Impact of an After-School Garden Enhanced Education (GENE) on Skin Carotenoids as a Measure of Vegetable Consumption on Diverse, Low-Income Children

Abstract Objectives School gardens can have a positive impact on children's preference and intake of vegetables using a multi-component gardening curriculum. Reflection spectroscopy (RS) is a noninvasive method of measuring skin carotenoid levels which correlates with fruit and vegetable intake. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Houston (BGCGH) provide after-school and summer programs for diverse, low-income youth. The purpose of this study was to determine if a new nutrition garden program increased skin carotenoid scores of BGCGH children as a measure of vegetable consumption. Methods Children age 6–13 years participated in a ten-week Garden Enhanced Nutrition Education (GENE) Program adapted from the Texas AgriLife program “Learn, Grow, Eat and Go!”. The GENE curriculum was delivered by a Texas Woman's University (TWU) graduate student. During the fall of 2021, children at two after-school BGCGH clubs participated in the GENE study. The program consisted of hands-on gardening, nutrition instruction, and sampling of vegetables. Measurement of skin carotenoid scores using the Veggie Meter ® served as a marker of vegetable consumption. Skin melanin index was measured utilizing a Konica Minolta 600D spectrophotometer. Outcomes included changes in body height and weight. Wilcoxon signed rank tests compared pre and post GENE Program intervention. Results A total of 30 club members participated in the study. Children self-identified themselves as either Black (54%), Hispanic or Latino (24%), White (20%), or Multiracial (2%). Sex was distributed as 76% female and 24% male. Body mass index averaged 23.2 ± 5.6 at baseline. Height and weight of children increased significantly over the ten-week study. Individual skin carotenoid scores of several children in the treatment group (43%) increased. Group skin carotenoids score averages followed an upward trend (174 ± 55 pre to 192 ± 67 post), but changes were not significant. Melanin index was not correlated with skin carotenoid scores. A total of 49.7 pounds of produce were harvested at the BGCGH clubs over the ten-week study. Conclusions Skin carotenoid scores of ethnically diverse, low-income children increased when children participated in a ten-week garden nutrition program, though statistical significance was not shown. Funding Sources Moore-Khourie Grant.

Assessment of the Predictive Value of Spectrophotometric Skin Color Parameters and Environmental and Behavioral Factors in Estimating the Risk of Skin Cancer: A Case-Control Study.

Keratinocyte carcinomas are the most common cancers with different etiological risk factors. The aim of this study was to assess the predictive value of spectrophotometric parameters of skin color in correlation with environmental/behavioral factors to estimate the risk of skin cancer. The case–control study involved 389 patients. The analysis was performed on the training group to build a predictive model and on the testing group to check the quality of the designed model. Area under the curve based on the spectrophotometric skin parameters varied from 0.536 to 0.674. A statistically significant improvement of the area under curve was achieved by adding the number of sunburns for some models. The best single spectrophotometric measurement for estimating skin cancer is the skin melanin index measured on the arm or buttock. Spectrophotometric skin parameters are not very strong but are essential elements of models for estimating the risk of skin cancer. The most important environmental/behavioral factor seems to be the number of sunburns, but not the total exposure to ultraviolet radiation or usage of photoprotectors. Some other pigmentation predictors should be taken into account when creating new models, especially those that can be easily measured in objective and repeatable way. Spectrophotometric measurements can be employed as quick screening skin examination method.

Formula Development of Red Palm (Elaeis guineensis) Fruit Extract Loaded with Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Containing Creams and Its Anti-Aging Efficacy in Healthy Volunteers

Palm fruits (Elaeis guineensis) comprise antioxidants that can be used as skin care agents. This study developed a cosmeceutical cream containing E. guineensis extract, loaded with solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), and assessed its efficacy on female volunteers. The E. guineensis extract exhibited a good antioxidant activity with high levels of vitamin E, β-carotene, and palmitic acid. Day and night creams containing E. guineensis fruit extract, loaded with SLNs, were formulated and exhibited acceptable physical characteristics and good stability. Subsequently, their clinical efficacy and safety were evaluated on female volunteers. Both creams were non-irritating and had good cutaneous compatibility. Skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin elasticity, melanin index, and skin texture were measured before and 30 min after the first application, as well as after 7, 14, and 30 days of daily application. A satisfactory survey was implemented using a questionnaire, and volunteer satisfaction scores were high for the product’s performance. Overall, the results showed that skin hydration, TEWL, cutaneous elasticity, and melanin index were improved, compared to the baseline data, after 30 days. Thus, the formulated facial day and night creams made the skin moist, reduced wrinkles, increased elasticity, and cleared the skin to the consumers’ satisfaction.

Comparative study of treatment for striae alba stage striae gravidarum: 1565-nm non-ablative fractional laser versus fractional microneedle radiofrequency.

Striae gravidarum is a common dermatologic condition for females caused by multiple factors during pregnancy. It remains a therapeutic challenge especially in the striae alba (SA) stage, generating psychological and emotional distress to those affected. This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of 1565-nm non-ablative fractional laser (NAFL) and fractional microneedle radiofrequency (MRF) for treatment of SA striae gravidarum. Fourteen Chinese women with SA striae gravidarum were included in this study. Patient abdomens were randomly divided into NAFL and MRF treatment sides, treated three times at 6-week intervals. Treatment efficacy was evaluated by subjective (clinical assessments, patient satisfaction rating, adverse effects assessment) assessments and objective (skin melanin index measurement, histological study) assessments. Clinical assessment suggested MRF was more effective (P = 0.0143) for improving the appearance of SA striae gravidarum. Both NAFL and MRF demonstrated effective improvement (P = 0.0082 and P = 0.0158, respectively), with no significant difference according to patient satisfaction ratings and changes in melanin index (P = 0.5900). Both treatments induced limited adverse reactions, but MRF treatment caused significant pain compared with the more moderate NAFL treatment (P = 0.0003). MRF treatment increased neocollagen and elastic fibers more significantly than NAFL, based on histological assessments (P = 0.0298 and P = 0.0048, respectively). MRF treatment improved collagen regeneration in SA striae gravidarum more than NAFL but caused considerable pain during treatment. Corresponding treatment or therapeutic strategies should be applied according to clinical scenario.

Body scrub containing Virgin Coconut Oil, coffee grounds (Coffea arabica Linn) and carbon active coconut shell (Activated carbon Cocos nucifera L) as a moisturiser and a skin brightener

Introduction: Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) contains a lot of medium chain fatty acids. VCO combined with coffee grounds (Coffea arabica Linn) and activated carbon (Activated carbon Cocos nucifera L) has the potential to form a preparation that can moisturise and brighten the skin. The purpose of this study was to make cosmetic cleansing preparations containing three natural ingredients. Methods: This study evaluated the organoleptic body scrub preparations, homogeneity, dispensability and pH for three different formulations. In vivo test for irritation (oedema and erythema) was carried out on albino rabbits (n = 3) for each treatment group. Clinical irritation testing was performed on the forearm of healthy volunteers, 17 - 45 years of age with no history of allergies (n = 30). Determination of skin moisture content and melanin index was carried out as a measure of effectiveness. Results: Organoleptic and homogeneity tests showed that preparations had dark black colour, the distinctive smell of coffee, it was homogeneous, spread ability was in the range of 4 cm with the pH at a safe pH for the skin. Irritation results also did not show any oedema and erythema in in vivo testing. In clinical testing no irritation occurred by testing the body scrub samples. Body scrubs routinely used by volunteers for 2 months increased moisture on the skin as well as brightness (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Body scrub creams containing VCO, coffee grounds and activated carbon are preparations that have the potential to be cosmetic cleansers.

Inhibitory Effect of <i>Perilla frutescens</i> L. Leaves Extract on Melanogenesis and Skin Whitening Efficacy in the Underarm Whitening Product Application

The effect of Perilla frutescens L. leaves extract (PFLE) on melanogenesis regulation in B16F10 cells was investigated. The extract had a significant inhibitory effect on melanogenesis in a dose-dependent manner without cytotoxicity at concentrations between 2.5 and 10 μg/mL. The PFLE was formulated as an underarm serum (PL serum) and evaluated for skin irritation and its skin whitening efficacy on 30 Thai women twice daily for 4 weeks. Changes in skin melanin and erythema index, L* a* values were studied. A gradual decrease in melanin index from 37.94±0.66 to 35.90±0.64 (5.38%), and a significant decrease in erythema index from 11.32±0.79 to 10.21±0.11 (9.80%) could be observed during a 4-week period. Therefore, the efficacy of PL serum in improving skin was demonstrated by a significant decrease in melanin and erythema index compared with initial values and skin tone was improved without skin irritation. Extract from Perilla frutescens L. leaves can be used as a novel whitening cosmeceutical ingredient.

Relationship between skin melanin index and nicotine pharmacokinetics in African American smokers

Blacks bear a disproportionate burden of smoking-related diseases and experience greater difficulty quitting smoking than Whites. Nicotine has a high affinity for melanin, and it has been hypothesized that melanin levels might influence nicotine pharmacokinetics and enhance dependence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hypothesis that melanin affects nicotine disposition kinetics in humans. Forty-four Black participants were administered intravenous infusions of deuterium-labeled nicotine and cotinine. Plasma concentrations of nicotine and cotinine were measured, and pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated. The constitutive and facultative melanin indexes were measured using a dermaspectrophotometer. The median constitutive melanin index was 60.7 (32.8-134.7) and the median facultative melanin index 68.1 (38.6-127.1). The mean (±SD) nicotine elimination half-life was 136 min (±33.5), clearance was 1237 mL/min (±331), and Vss was 204 L (±66), or 2.6 L/kg (±0.7). No evidence of significant differences was found in nicotine pharmacokinetic parameters by comparing participants in different melanin index quartiles (outliers with very high melanin index had similar pharmacokinetic values to others). Differences were not statistically significant when adjusted for age, BMI, sex and CYP2A6 genotype or the nicotine metabolite ratio (NMR), and no evidence of significant correlations were found between melanin (facultative or constitutive) and the pharmacokinetic parameters of nicotine or cotinine or tobacco dependence measures. Based on our finding in this group of Black smokers, we could not confirm the hypothesis that melanin significantly affects nicotine disposition kinetics or measures of tobacco dependence.

<p>Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of a triple combination cream (hydroquinone, tretinoin, and fluocinolone) for treatment of melasma in Middle Eastern skin</p>

Background: Melasma is the most common pigmentary skin disorder, especially in females and those with darker complexion. The current study evaluated the safety and efficacy of a triple combination cream containing hydroquinone 4%+tretinoin 0.05%+fluocinolone acetonide 0.01% (Januluma® cream produced by Janus Pharmaceutical Co, Tehran, Iran) in the treatment of melasma.Patients and methods: Twenty-two female volunteers (mean±standard deviation of age: 39.20±4.16 years) who fulfilled the eligibility criteria participated in this study after signing the informed consent. They were requested to apply the Januluma®cream every night for 8 weeks. Modified melasma area and severity index (mMASI), skin lightness (L value), and severity of pigmentation (E value) by Visio Face, and skin biophysical parameters including pH, melanin index, erythema index, sebum, hydration, trans epidermal water loss, thickness and density of epidermis, and dermis (using 22 MHz ultrasonography) were measured before and 4 and 8 weeks after treatment. Also patients’ satisfaction was assessed 4 and 8 weeks after treatment using visual analog score.Results: mMASI decreased significantly from 3.37 to 2.60 at week 4, and to 2.40 at week 8 (P-values=0.00 and 0.01, respectively). Also, E and L values improved significantly after 8 weeks of treatment (P=0.01 and 0.00, respectively). Skin melanin index decreased from 237.49 AU to 196.30 AU at week 8 (P=0.01). Also echo density of dermis increased significantly after 8 weeks of treatment (P=0.029). Almost all participants experienced some degrees of pruritus, scaling, and erythema, esspecially during the first month of application, which were generally mild and tolerable. The mean satisfaction of patients with the treatment was 6.77.Conclusion: The triple combination formula was reasonably safe and effective for treatment of melasma in Middle Eastern patients.

The clinical effect of glutathione on skin color and other related skin conditions: A systematic review.

Glutathione is one of agents which is commonly used to lighten skin color in Asia as a dietary supplement. Previous studies suggest its potential effect of glutathione on skin color. However, the clinical efficacy of glutathione in oral form is still questionable due to its limited absorption and bioavailability. To determine the clinical effects of glutathione on skin color and related skin conditions. A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, EMBASE and Cochrane library were searched from inceptions to October 2017. All clinical studies evaluating the effect of glutathione on any skin effects in healthy volunteer were included. A total of four studies were included. Three studies were RCTs with placebo control, while one was a single-arm trial. One study used topical form, while others used oral form of glutathione with 250 to 500mg/day. We found that both oral glutathione with the dosage of 500mg/day and topical 2.0% oxidized glutathione could brighten skin color in sun-exposed area measured by skin melanin index. No significant differences in the reduction in skin melanin index were observed in sun-protected area for any products. In addition, glutathione also has a trend to improve skin wrinkle, skin elasticity, and UV spots. Some adverse events but nonserious were reported. Current evidence of the skin whitening effect of glutathione is still inconclusive due to the quality of included studies and inconsistent findings. However, there is a trend that glutathione might brighten skin color at skin-exposed area.

The study of safety and skin whitening efficacy of melinjo (Gnetum gnemon L.) seed extract-loaded lipid particle gel

Background: Melinjo (Gnetum gnemon L.) seed extract (MSE) is potential as skin-whitening agent because it contains trans-resveratrol and its derivatives, to inhibit tyrosinase in melanogenesis process. Using MSE in cosmetic products will be challenging due to resveratrol chemical instability and bioavailability in the skin. Many cosmetic products have been developed using lipid particle technology to improve their limitation. The objective of this research was to examine the skin safety and whitening efficacy of MSE-loaded lipid particle gel in healthy human subjects. Materials and Methods: Single occlusive closed patch test for 24 h was used as the skin irritation analysis. Irritation responses were graded after patch removal and compared to the control for evaluation. The efficacy study was performed using Mexameter to measure skin melanin index on 25 female volunteers. Results: The result showed the test product did not induce skin irritation effect. The skin melanin index was statistically significant decreased (P Abbreviations Used: α-MSH: α-melanocyte stimulating hormone; MITF: Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor; MSE: Melinjo seed extract.

Study on the Safety and Efficacy of Indonesian Combination Plant Extract in Cosmetics

: Objective: To look for antioxidant, lightening and anti aging effects from combination of Indonesian plant consist of Centella asiatica, Camellia sinensis and Glycine max extract in propanediol (CCGE). Methodology: The study was carried out using DPPH scavenging activity for antioxidant effect and anti tyrosinase activity for lightening effect. The efficacy test on volunteers was performed using Mexameter MX 16 and Cutometer MPA 580 to measure skin melanin index, elasticity and firmness respectively. The dermatological safety test was conducted using Repeated Opened Patch Test (ROPT) and Single Closed Patch Test (SCPT), while HETCAM test was performed to evaluate irritation at ocular level. Result: At the concentration of 2%, CCGE has DPPH scavenging activity and anti tyrosinase activity of 70.56% and 52.76% respectively compared to ascorbic acid and kojic acid. The efficacy test showed that CCGE significantly increased skin elasticity and firmness after two and four weeks of application compared to base, but showed no significant effect on skin lightening. The dermatological safety test showed that CCGE did not cause any irritation or allergic skin reaction at the concentration of 5% for the ROPT and up to 3% for the SCPT. Meanwhile at the concentration of 5%, CCGE could cause allergic reaction in 4.0% of all subjects. The HETCAM test showed that CCGE is not irritant at the ocular level. Conclusion: These results concluded that CCGE is proven to be safe for human skin as well as at ocular level and could be used as cosmetic active ingredient for anti aging.Key words: Centella asiatica, Camellia sinensis, Glycine max, Antioxidant, Lightening, Anti aging, Cosmetic.

Genetic and Environmental Influences on General Skin Traits: Healthy Twins and Families in Korea.

Family study can provide estimates of overall genetic influences on a particular trait because family relationships provide accurate measures of average genetic sharing. However, evidence of genetic contributions to skin phenotypes is limited, which may preclude genetic studies to identify genetic variants or to understand underlying molecular biology of skin traits. This study aimed to estimate genetic and environmental contributions to selected dermatologic phenotypes, that is, to melanin index, sebum secretion, and skin humidity level in a Korean twin-family cohort. We investigated more than 2,000 individuals from 486 families, including 388 monozygotic twin pairs and 82 dizygotic twin pairs. Variance component method was used to estimate genetic influences in terms of heritability. Heritability of skin melanin index, sebum secretion, and skin humidity (arm and cheek) were estimated to be 0.44 [95% CI 0.38-0.49], 0.21 [95% CI 0.16-0.26], 0.13 [95% CI 0.07-0.18], and 0.11 [95% CI 0.06-0.16] respectively, after adjusting for confounding factors. Our findings suggest that genetics play a major role on skin melanin index, but only mild roles on sebum secretion and humidity. Sebum secretion and skin humidity are controlled predominantly by environmental factors notably on shared environments among family members. We expect that our findings add insight to determinants of common dermatologic traits, and serve as a reference for biologic studies.

Selected gene polymorphisms effect on skin and hair pigmentation in Polish children at the prepubertal age.

Background: Human pigmentation, similarly as many other biological features, changes in the course of post-natal ontogenesis, while in case of hair, pigmentation changes are more distinctive than in the skin or the iris. It is therefore extremely important to identify the genes, involved in the constitution of human pigmentation features at various stages of ontogenesis. Results of this type of analyses are of high practical significance in forensic study because they enable to create mathematical tools, allowing for prediction of the pigmentation phenotype, based on DNA studies. Aim: The objective of the investigation was finding out whether the genes, associated with pigmentation of adult subjects, differentiated in any way the newly forming pigmentation phenotype in Polish prepubertal children. Material and methods: The study encompassed Polish children, aged 7 to 10 years, without any abnormalities in skin or hair pigmentation. A total of 245 children were examined. Constitutive skin pigmentation according to skin melanin index (SMI) was evaluated, using a dermaspectrometer, and classified into three groups based on the reference values of 25 and 75 percentile for Polish children. Hair colors were evaluated by means of the descriptive Fischer-Saller scale and classified by a division of color variants (as accepted in that scale) (light blonde, blonde, dark blonde, brown and dark brown). In saliva samples, collected from the children, five (5) single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified: SNPs: rs1800401 (OCA2-15q11.2-q12), rs35264875 (TPCN2-11q13.3), rs16891982 (SLC45A2-5p13.2), rs12913832 (HERC2-15q13) and rs1805007 (MC1R-16q24.3). An association between each allele of verified genotype and skin and hair color phenotypes was assessed, using the z-statistic and associated p-value. The quality of classifiers was evaluated by 10-fold stratified cross-validation and was characterized by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results: Light skin pigmentation phenotype (SMI<25 percentile) was associated with rs1805007 (MC1R) (allelic OR=3.95; 95% Cl:1.20-12.99; p=0.0235), while the dark shade of the skin (SMI>75 percentile) with rs16891982 (SLC45A2) (allelic OR =14.37; 95% Cl: 1.78-115.88; p=0.0123). The probability of dark hair (brown and dark brown) in childhood was increased by T rs12913832 allele (HERC2) (OR=3.63); 95% Cl: 2.25-5.85; p < 0.0001) and dependent on it - rs1800401 (OCA2) (OR=6.31; 95% Cl: 1.74-22.91; p=0.0051). Other SNPs were not significantly associated with skin and hair color but improved prediction of these features. Conclusions: From the five gene polymorphisms analysed in Polish children the strongest correlation with hair color has the rs12913832 (HERC2) and with skin color - rs16891982 (SLC45A2). Therefore, the above-mentioned polymorphisms may be used as components of potential models, used to predict pigmentation features in European origin children in prepubertal age. To improve predictive value of the potential scoring model for hair color, the following should be additionally included: rs1800401 (OCA2), rs35264875 (TPCN2) and rs1805007 (MC1R), while for skin color: rs12913832 (HERC2) and rs1805007 (MC1R).

Digital dermoscopy to determine skin melanin index as an objective indicator of skin pigmentation

&lt;p class="Body"&gt;Clinical assessment of skin photosensitivity is subjectively determined by erythema and tanning responses to sunlight recalled by the subject, alternatively known as Fitzpatrick Skin Phototype (SPT). Responses may be unreliable due to recall bias, subjective bias by clinicians and subjects, and lack of cultural sensitivity of the questions. Analysis of red-green-blue (RGB) color spacing of digital images may provide an objective determination of SPT. This paper presents the studies to assess the melanin index (MI), as determined by RGB images obtained by both standard digital camera as well as by videodermoscope, and to correlate the MI with SPT based upon subjects’ verbal responses to standardized questions administered by a dermatologist.&lt;br /&gt; A sample of subjects representing all SPTs I–VI was selected. Both the digital camera and videodermoscope were calibrated at standard illumination, light source and white balance. Images of constitutive skin of the upper ventral arm were taken of each subject using both instruments.&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;The studies showed that 58 subjects (20 M, 38 F) were enrolled in the study (mean age: 47 years; range: 20–89), stratified to skin phototype I–VI. MI obtained by using both digital camera and videodermoscope increased significantly as the SPT increased (&lt;em&gt;p&lt;/em&gt; = 0.004 and &lt;em&gt;p&lt;/em&gt; &amp;lt; 0.0001, respectively) and positively correlated with dermatologist-assessed SPT (Spearman correlation, &lt;em&gt;r&lt;/em&gt; = 0.48 and &lt;em&gt;r&lt;/em&gt; = 0.84, respectively).&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;Digital imaging can quantify melanin content in order to quantitatively approximate skin pigmentation in all skin phototypes including Type VI skin. This methodology holds promise as a simple, non-invasive, rapid and objective approach to reliably determine skin phototype and, with further investigation, may prove to be both practical and useful in the prediction of skin cancer risk.&lt;/p&gt;

Association of genetic variants with skin pigmentation phenotype among populations of west Maharashtra, India.

South Asians exhibit extensive variation in skin melanin index (MI) which is observed across the broader region of South Asia as well as within restricted geographic regions. However, the genetic variants associated with variation in the skin pigmentation phenotype are poorly understood in these populations. The present study examines the association between MI measures and genetic variants from 5 candidate pigmentation genes among 533 individuals representing 6 populations of West Maharashtra. Associations between five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) known to play a role in pigmentation (rs1426654-SLC24A5, rs1042602-TYR, rs16891982-SLC45A2, rs6058017-ASIP, and rs642742-KITLG) and MI measures were tested using standard one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) within each population. Multiple linear regression was used to test the effects of these SNPs in the full West Maharashtra sample using sex, age, and population or social group as covariates. rs1426654 showed significant association with MI in all six study populations (P < 0.01). Association tests using sex, age, and population as covariates showed rs1426654 and rs1042602 to be significantly (P < 0.01) associated with lighter skin pigmentation in West Maharashtra as a whole. By contrast, when social group was added as a covariate instead of population, rs1426654, rs1042602, and rs16891982 were significantly (P < 0.01) associated with lighter skin pigmentation. Only rs1426654 is significantly associated with MI in each individual population; however, rs1426654, rs1042602, and rs16891982 are significantly associated with pigmentation in the broader West Maharashtra region after controlling for population and social group, with rs1426654 (SLC24A5) explaining the majority of the observed variation. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 28:610-618, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Skin-whitening and skin-condition-improving effects of topical oxidized glutathione: a double-blind and placebo-controlled clinical trial in healthy women.

PurposeGlutathione is a tripeptide consisting of cysteine, glycine, and glutamate and functions as a major antioxidant. It is synthesized endogenously in humans. Glutathione protects thiol protein groups from oxidation and is involved in cellular detoxification for maintenance of the cell environment. Reduced glutathione (GSH) has a skin-whitening effect in humans through its tyrosinase inhibitory activity, but in the case of oxidized glutathione (GSSG) this effect is unclear. We examined the skin-whitening and skin-condition effects of topical GSSG in healthy women.Subjects and methodsThe subjects were 30 healthy adult women aged 30 to 50 years. The study design was a randomized, double-blind, matched-pair, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Subjects applied GSSG 2% (weight/weight [w/w]) lotion to one side of the face and a placebo lotion to the other side twice daily for 10 weeks. We objectively measured changes in melanin index values, moisture content of the stratum corneum, smoothness, wrinkle formation, and elasticity of the skin. The principal investigator and each subject also used subjective scores to investigate skin whitening, wrinkle reduction, and smoothness. Analysis of variance was used to evaluate differences between groups.ResultsThe skin melanin index was significantly lower with GSSG treatment than with placebo from the early weeks after the start of the trial through to the end of the study period (at 10 weeks, P<0.001). In addition, in the latter half of the study period GSSG-treated sites had significant increases in moisture content of the stratum corneum, suppression of wrinkle formation, and improvement in skin smoothness. There were no marked adverse effects from GSSG application.ConclusionTopical GSSG is safe and effectively whitens the skin and improves skin condition in healthy women.

Topical cell growth factors for wound healing after fractional CO2 laser therapy: an experimental study

Objective To compare the accelerating effect of topical recombinant human epidermal growth factor （rhEGF） and recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor （rb-bFGF） on wound healing after fractional CO2 laser therapy. Methods Twenty male guinea pigs were included in this study. After hair removal and irradiation with fractional CO2 laser, the back of each guinea pig was divided into 4 regions to be topically treated with rhEGF of 10 μg/cm： （rhEGF group）, rb-bFGF of 262.51 IU/cm2 （rb-bFGF group）, the combination of rhEGF and rb-bFGF （combination group）, or normal saline （control group）, twice daily until the healing of wound. Skin physiology parameters including elasticity index and melanin index were detected before the irradiation, 7, 14 and 28 days after the irradiation, and compared between the 4 groups by analysis of variance. Tissue specimens were obtained from 4 mice at the above time points and subjected to pathological examination for the observation of collagen fibers and quantification of fibroblasts. Results After fractional CO2 laser therapy, the crusts fall off completely in growth factor-treated regions, while partly in the control regions, within 3 to 7 days; the wounds healed completely in 14 to 28 days in all the groups, with the regenerating tissue being more tender and redder compared with the surrounding unirradiated tissue. The wound surface was smaller in area and redder in color in the 3 growth factor-treated groups than in the control group. At 28 days after the irradiation, the elasticity index was 262.29 ± 62.40 in the combination group, 202.00 ± 65.62 in the rhEGF group, 188.86 ± 35.02 in the rb-bFGF group, 167.14 ± 42.49 in the control group. Statistical difference was observed in elasticity index, but not in skin melanin index among the 4 groups. Pathological examination showed a dense and organized arrangement of collagen fibem in the combination group but a sparse and disorganized arrangement of collagen fibers in the control group. Conclusion The combined application of rhEGF and rbbFGF can accelerate the healing of wound and increase the elasticity of regenerating tissue after fractional CO2 laser therapy. Key words: Administration, cutaneous; Fibroblast growth factor; Epidermal growth factor; Lasers; Wound healing

Glutathione as an oral whitening agent: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Objective: To determine whether orally administered glutathione, 500 mg per day for 4 weeks, affects the skin melanin index, when compared with placebo. Methods: This randomized, double-blind, two-arm, placebo-controlled study was set in the King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, a teaching hospital affiliated with a medical school. Sixty otherwise healthy medical students were randomized to receive either glutathione capsules, 500 mg/day in two divided doses, or placebo for 4 weeks. The main outcome was mean reduction of melanin indices measured at six different sites. Several secondary outcomes, including UV spots, were recorded by VISIA™. Efficacies of glutathione and placebo were compared by ANCOVA with baseline values as co-variates. Results: Sixty participants enrolled and completed the study. At 4 weeks, the melanin indices decreased consistently at all six sites in subjects who received glutathione. The reductions were statistically significantly greater than those receiving placebo at two sites, namely the right side of the face and the sun-exposed left forearm (p-values = 0.021 and 0.036, respectively). This was similarly reflected in the changes in the number of UV spots, as measured by VISIA. Both glutathione and placebo were very well tolerated. Conclusion: Oral glutathione administration results in a lightening of skin color in a small number of subjects. However, long-term safety has not been established and warrants more extensive clinical trials.

Application of a New Intense Pulsed Light Device in the Treatment of Photoaging Skin in Asian Patients

BACKGROUND Intense pulsed light (IPL) technology has long been used in the treatment of photoaging skin. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new IPL device in the treatment of photoaging skin in Asian patients. METHODS One hundred fifty-two Chinese women with photoaging skin were enrolled in this open-labeled study. Subjects received four IPL treatments at 3- to 4-week intervals. Changes of photoaging were evaluated using a global evaluation, an overall self-assessment, a Mexameter, and a Corneometer. RESULTS One hundred thirty-nine of 152 patients (91.44%) experienced a score decrease of 3 or 2 grades, according to the dermatologist. One hundred thirty-six of 152 patients (89.47%) rated their overall improvement as excellent or good. The mean skin melanin index (MI) and erythema index values deceased with each session. MI on forehead and EI on cheilion decreased most significantly. Adverse effects were limited to mild pain and transient erythema. CONCLUSION IPL treatment is a safe and effective method for photoaging skin in Asian patients. Adverse effects were minimal and acceptable.

Application of a New Intense Pulsed Light Device in the Treatment of Photoaging Skin in Asian Patients

Intense pulsed light (IPL) technology has long been used in the treatment of photoaging skin. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new IPL device in the treatment of photoaging skin in Asian patients. One hundred fifty-two Chinese women with photoaging skin were enrolled in this open-labeled study. Subjects received four IPL treatments at 3- to 4-week intervals. Changes of photoaging were evaluated using a global evaluation, an overall self-assessment, a Mexameter, and a Corneometer. One hundred thirty-nine of 152 patients (91.44%) experienced a score decrease of 3 or 2 grades, according to the dermatologist. One hundred thirty-six of 152 patients (89.47%) rated their overall improvement as excellent or good. The mean skin melanin index (MI) and erythema index values deceased with each session. MI on forehead and EI on cheilion decreased most significantly. Adverse effects were limited to mild pain and transient erythema. IPL treatment is a safe and effective method for photoaging skin in Asian patients. Adverse effects were minimal and acceptable.