Skin Roughness Research Articles

Hydrolyzed Collagen Combined with Djulis and Green Caviar Improve Skin Condition: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Aging is a natural process that will cause physiological changes in organs. The effects of djulis and green caviar in skincare are currently unclear. This study combined hydrolyzed collagen with djulis and green caviar to develop new functional formulas that improve skin parameters. Fifty subjects were randomly assigned and divided into a placebo group (n=25) and a collagen drink group (n=25), and gave 50 ml of collagen of a collagen drink or placebo drink daily for 28 days, and we examined skin moisture, elasticity, gloss, spot, wrinkle, roughness, smoothness, pore, collagen and erythema. We find that intake of collagen drinks group improved skin parameters at 14 days and 28 days compared with baseline (0 day). The collagen drinks group improved skin parameters at 28 days compared with the placebo group. This clinical study proved the combination of collagen with djulis and green caviar for the substantial improvements in moisture, elasticity, gloss, spot, wrinkle, roughness, smoothness, pore, collagen, and erythema in the skin.

Oxidative stress in the skin: Impact and related protection.

Skin, our first interface to the external environment, is subjected to oxidative stress caused by a variety of factors such as solar ultraviolet, infrared and visible light, environmental pollution, including ozone and particulate matters, and psychological stress. Excessive reactive species, including reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species, exacerbate skin pigmentation and aging, which further lead to skin tone unevenness, pigmentary disorder, skin roughness and wrinkles. Besides these, skin microbiota are also a very important factor ensuring the proper functions of skin. While environmental factors such as UV and pollutants impact skin microbiota compositions, skin dysbiosis results in various skin conditions. In this review, we summarize the generation of oxidative stress from exogenous and endogenous sources. We further introduce current knowledge on the possible roles of oxidative stress in skin pigmentation and aging, specifically with emphasis on oxidative stress and skin pigmentation. Meanwhile, we summarize the science and rationale of using three well-known antioxidants, namely vitamin C, resveratrol and ferulic acid, in the treatment of hyperpigmentation. Finally, we discuss the strategy for preventing oxidative stress-induced skin pigmentation and aging.

Assessing Light and Energy-Based Therapy by Optical Coherence Tomography and Reflectance Confocal Microscopy: A Randomized Trial of Photoaged Skin

Background and Objectives: Image-guided quantitative and semi-quantitative assessment of skin can potentially evaluate treatment efficacy. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) are ideal for this purpose. This study assessed clinically relevant statistical changes in RCM and OCT features in photoaged skin after light and energy-based therapy. Methods: Novel statistical analyses were performed using OCT and RCM data collected during a previously published trial: a 12-week study of female décolleté skin randomized to four areas treated with thulium laser (L), photodynamic therapy (PDT), combined L-PDT, and control. Eight semi-quantitative RCM scores of photodamage and OCT measurements of skin roughness, blood flow, and epidermal thickness (ET) were evaluated and compared to dermoscopy and clinical skin scores. In statistical analysis, estimated treatment difference (ETD) was calculated. Results: Twelve women with moderate to severe photodamage were included. RCM and OCT data demonstrated a trend towards rejuvenation of epidermis with increased ET, changes in skin surface, and improved honeycomb pattern in RCM. In angiographic OCT, non-significant changes towards more regular capillary meshes were shown, which matched a decline in appearance of gross telangiectasias in dermoscopy. Improved skin tone after laser and L-PDT was identified in RCM, showing less edged papillae in 36% and 45%, and lentigo number declined in 55% of patients after treatments in dermoscopy. Based on clinical scores, L-PDT provided the greatest clinical improvement, which corresponded to superior ETD outcomes in ET and edged papillae shown in OCT and RCM, respectively. Conclusion: Objective OCT and RCM assessment of skin rejuvenation was demonstrated in this study. Importantly, image-based improvements corresponded to favorable clinical skin scores and fewer photoaging characteristics in dermoscopy. Importantly, most changes did not reach statistical significance, prompting further studies and emphasizing the modest value of non-randomized, non-blinded anti-aging trials.

Skin barrier before and after topical Adipose Stem Cell-Conditioned Medium (ASC-CM) treatment in photoaging

Background: Photoaging is a type of aging mainly caused by ultraviolet irradiation. The skin barrier is affected in photoaging and it will result in coarseness, roughness and dry skin. It is probably because Ultraviolet (UV) affects the extracellular matrix in the skin. Adipose Stem Cell-Conditioned Medium (ASC-CM), which contains many growth factors, becomes a potential agent as a novel anti-photoaging treatment by repairing the skin barrier. This study aims to evaluate the skin barrier function before and after treatment with ASC-CM in photoaging skin by evaluating changes in Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL) and skinfold thickness.Methods: A true experimental study was conducted among 28 male Wistar rats aged 10-12 weeks. They were acclimated for 1 week and randomly divided into 4 groups: UV irradiated group with topical ASC-CM (Group P1); UV irradiated group with topical vehicle only (Group P2); only topical ASC-CM, non-UV irradiated (Group P3), and non-UV irradiated and no topical treatment (Group P0). The ASC-CM was given twice a day for four weeks and the total irradiance dose for 6 weeks was 4,2 J/cm2. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 for Windows.Results: There was a statistically significant difference of TEWL between pre-and post-treatment in group P3 (p=0.043) and P0 (p=0.018). In addition, a statistically significant difference in skin thickness was also found between pre-and post-treatment in group P2 (p=0.005) and P3 (p=0.003). There was a statistically significant difference in skin thickness post-treatment (p=0.000); however, there was no statistically significant difference of TEWL post-treatment by One-Way ANOVA test (p=0.138).Conclusion: ASC-CM could be a potential option for photoaging skin based on the TEWL and skin thickness evaluation. However, a longer study period was needed to know the further effect of ASC-CM.

Development of the technology of juice fruit and vegetable products enriched with collagen

The beauty and aging of the human body is associated with such a protein substance as collagen. Our body’s ability to produce this biologically active component naturally and in the right amount becomes limited as we age. Collagen slows down the aging process of the skin, prevents injury, promotes wound healing, improves the absorption of amino acids, can help maintain or improve the biophysical properties of the skin (elasticity, moisture), reduce transepidermal water loss and solve the problem of skin roughness. The purpose of the research work is the development of the technology, recipes for food products — fruit and vegetable juices, drinks, enriched with animal or plant collagen. As a result, the assortment and quality of different types of collagen (tomato, beef, pork and fish) were studied. The organoleptic characteristics of this food additive were studied and the most preferred collagen sample for drinks was selected. The required amount of this substance has been determined, while ensuring the required quality of the drinks. The preservation of the active properties of various types of collagen in a drinking product was investigated. It was proved that beef collagen in an amount of 5% to the mass of the drink retains its active properties as much as possible, in terms of fractional composition — salt, alcohol, alkaline protein fractions. It has been shown that the amino acids methionine, tryptophan and hydroxyproline, which confirm the presence of collagen in the product, are contained in ready-made juice drinks enriched with collagen of beef origin. This type of collagen makes it possible to obtain drinks of “potable” quality, which is confirmed by organoleptic and physicochemical indicators. In general, the studies have shown that a new assortment of juice-containing fruit and vegetable products supplies the important biologically active component (collagen) to the human body.

Search for genetic loci involved in the constitution and skin type of a Japanese women using a genome-wide association study.

The constitution and skin type of individuals are influenced by various factors. Recently, the influence of genetic predispositions on these has been emphasized. To date, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have shown several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that affect individual's constitution and skin type. However, these studies have mainly focused on the Caucasian population, and only a few association analyses with the constitution and skin type of individuals involving a Japanese population have been conducted. In this study, we conducted a GWAS analysis of 9 phenotypes regarding the constitution or skin type of 1108 Japanese women based on a questionnaire. As a result, in addition to SNPs known to be involved in phenotypes in the past, we discovered new SNPs and genetic regions related to darkness of pigmented spots, skin flushing, frequency of rough skin and responsiveness to cosmetics.

Effects of a combination of botanical actives on skin health and antioxidant status in post-menopausal women: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BackgroundSkin aging is one of the most concerning issues during the post‐menopausal period. Despite the promising effects of hormonal therapy, there is still concerned about the long‐term outcomes from the treatment. Therefore, nutraceuticals that contain estrogenic and antioxidative effects have gained a lot of attention as an alternative therapy for slowing down skin age‐related changes in women after menopause.ObjectiveThis study was aimed at evaluating the effects of a combination of nutraceuticals on skin health and antioxidant status in women after menopause.MethodsPost‐menopausal women aged 45–60 years old were enrolled and randomly allocated (n = 110) equally to either treatment or placebo group (n = 55 per group). The test product, a nutraceutical containing a blend of Glycine max, Cimicifuga racemosa, Vitex agnus‐castus, and Oenothera biennis extracts, was administered over a 12‐week period, with dermatological parameters evaluated at baseline, week 6, and week 12 of the study. Additionally, glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were detected at baseline and week 12 to evaluate the antioxidant status.ResultsAt week 6, skin roughness was significantly improved in the treatment group (n = 50 completed), while at week 12, a significant improvement and large effect sizes observed in skin elasticity (Cohen's d = 1.56, [SDpooled = 0.10]), roughness (d = 1.53, [0.67]), smoothness (d = −1.33, [34.65]), scaliness (d = −0.80 [0.095]), and wrinkles (d = −1.02 [13.68]) compared to placebo (n = 51 completed). Moreover, GSH was significantly increased (d = 1.54 [32.52]) whereas MDA was significantly decreased (d = −1.66, [0.66]) in the test group, compared to placebo. Blood biochemistry, along with vital signs, did not differ between groups, and no subjects reported any adverse throughout the trial.ConclusionThese data indicate the supplementation with the formulated blend of four herbal extracts is supportive of skin health and antioxidant status in women of menopausal age.

Pyridoxine stimulates filaggrin production in human epidermal keratinocytes.

Pyridoxine (PN), one of the vitamers of vitamin B6, plays an important role in the maintenance of epidermal function and is used to treat acne and rough skin. Clinical studies have revealed that PN deficiency causes skin problems such as seborrheic dermatitis and stomatitis. However, the detailed effects of PN and its mechanism of action in epidermal function are poorly understood. In this study, we examined the effects of PN on epidermal function in normal human epidermal keratinocytes and found that PN specifically causes an increase in the expression of profilaggrin mRNA, among marker genes of terminal epidermal differentiation. In addition, PN treatment caused an increase in the production of filaggrin protein in a concentration-dependent manner. Treatment with P2x purinoceptor antagonists, namely, pyridoxal phosphate-6-azo (benzene-2,4-disulfonic acid) tetrasodium salt hydrate and TNP-ATP hydrate, induced an increase in the filaggrin protein levels. Moreover, we showed that elevated filaggrin production induced upon PN treatment was suppressed by ATP (known as P2x purinoceptor agonist). This study is the first to report that PN causes an increase in filaggrin transcription and production, and these results suggest that PN-induced filaggrin production may be a useful target as a daily care component in atopic dermatitis, wherein filaggrin levels are specifically reduced.

Wrinkle reduction using a Sasang constitutional medicine-based topical herbal cream in So-eum subjects: A split-face randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study

BackgroundSkin aging is caused by exogenous and endogenous factors and is commonly manifested as wrinkling, sagging, and looseness of the skin. The herbal extract including Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Atractylodes chinensis (Bunge) Kodiz, Curcuma longa L., and Cinnamomum cassia (L.) J.Presl (ZACC extract), is widely used for So-eum (SE) Sasang constitutional type individuals. This study aimed to examine the protective effects of the ZACC extract against skin aging in 21 SE type subjects. MethodsThe safety and clinical efficacy of herbal cream were evaluated after application on human skin in a split-face randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The Sasang Constitution Analysis Tool (SCAT) was used to select 21 SE type subjects, who applied herbal cream and placebo cream for 12 weeks. Visual assessment, wrinkle parameters, questionnaires, and skin safety were evaluated. ResultsThe visual assessment score was decreased by using of the herbal cream, but there were no significant differences between groups. Among the wrinkle parameters, R1 (skin roughness) and R4 (smoothness depth) values were significantly improved after the application of the herbal cream compared to those observed after application of the placebo cream for 12 weeks. No significant differences were observed in evaluation of the product efficacy and usability by questionnaires. There were no adverse dermatologic reactions in the SE type subjects during the evaluation period. ConclusionThe ZACC herbal cream may be used to prevent or slow skin aging, including wrinkle formation, in SE type individuals.

Scientific validation of three-dimensional stereophotogrammetry compared to the IGAIS clinical scale for assessing wrinkles and scars after laser treatment

Measuring outcomes from treatments to the skin is either reliant upon patient’s subjective feedback or scale-based peer assessments. Three-Dimensional stereophotogrammetry intend to accurately quantify skin microtopography before and after treatments. The objective of this study is comparing the accuracy of stereophotogrammetry with a scale-based peer evaluation in assessing topographical changes to skin surface following laser treatment. A 3D stereophotogrammetry system photographed skin surface of 48 patients with facial wrinkles or scars before and three months after laser resurfacing, followed immediately by topical application of vitamin C. The software measured changes in skin roughness, wrinkle depth and scar volume. Images were presented to three observers, each independently scoring cutaneous improvement according to Investigator Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (IGAIS). As for the results, a trend reflecting skin/scar improvement was reported by 3D SPM measurements and raters. The percentage of topographical change given by the raters matched 3D SPM findings. Agreement was highest when observers analysed 3D images. However, observers overestimated skin improvement in a nontreatment control whilst 3D SPM was precise in detecting absence of intervention. This study confirmed a direct correlation between the IGAIS clinical scale and 3D SPM and confirmed the efficacy and accuracy of the latter when assessing cutaneous microtopography alterations as a response to laser treatment.

Hydrodynamic Characteristics of Flow in a Strongly Curved Channel with Gravel Beds

This study experimentally and numerically investigated the hydrodynamic characteristics of a 180° curved open channel over rough bed under the condition of constant downstream water depth. Three different sizes of bed particles (the small, middle and big cases based upon the grain size diameter D50) were selected for flume tests. Three-dimensional instantaneous velocities obtained by the acoustic Doppler velocimeter (ADV) were used to analyze hydrodynamic characteristics. Additionally, the Renormalization-Group (RNG) turbulence model was employed for numerical simulations. Experimental results show that rough bed strengthens turbulence and increases turbulent kinetic energy along curved channels. The power spectra of the longitudinal velocity fluctuation satisfy the classic Kolmogorov −5/3 law in the inertial subrange, and the existence of rough bed shortens the inertial subrange and causes the flow reach the viscous dissipation range in advance. The contributions of sweeps and ejections are more important than those of the outward and inward interactions over a rough bed for the middle case. Flow-3D was adopted to simulate flow patterns on two rough bed settings with same surface roughness (skin drag) but different bed shapes (form drag): one is bed covered with thick bottom sediment layers along the curved part of the flume (the big case) as the experimental condition, and the other one is uniform bed along the entire flume (called the big case_flat only for simulations). Numerical simulations reveal that the secondary flow is confined to the near-bed area and the intensity of secondary flow is improved for both rough bed cases, possibly causing more serious bed erosion along a curved channel. In addition, the thick bottom sediments (the big case), i.e., larger form drag, can enhance turbulence strength near bed regions, enlarge the transverse range of secondary flow, and delay the shifting of the core region of maximum longitudinal velocity towards the concave bank.

Efficacy of a New Non-drug Acne Therapy: Aloe Vera Gel Combined With Ultrasound and Soft Mask for the Treatment of Mild to Severe Facial Acne.

Background: Acne is a chronic disorder that affects almost 80% of adolescents and young adults, causing psychological and emotional distress. However, the current treatments for acne are either ineffective or have many side effects. This study was designed to confirm and objectively quantify the effect of a new non-drug combined therapy on acne.Methods: This study innovatively utilized ultrasound, which enhanced the absorption of aloe vera gel, and soft mask to make a purely physical method without any drugs. In both the treatment group and control group, the number of papules/pustules and the area of hyperpigmented lesions were counted, and a smart mirror intelligent face system was used before and after the combined therapy. Alterations in the skin functional index were recorded and analyzed statistically.Results: In the treatment group, the combined therapy significantly reduced the number of papules and the area of hyperpigmented lesions and improved skin roughness and local blood circulation. In the control group, there was no obvious improvement over 2 months.Conclusion: This study suggests that the new non-drug combined therapy significantly improved acne, which provided experimental evidence and treatment guidance for patients with mild to severe acne, especially patients with moderate acne. This new therapy may possibly be an appropriate method for patients who seek topical treatments with mild side effects and low antibiotic resistance rates.

Evaluation of subclinical chronic sun damage in the skin via the detection of long-lasting ultraweak photon emission.

It is well known that solar radiation accelerates skin photoaging. To evaluate subclinical photodamage in the skin especially from the early phase of ultraviolet (UV)-induced damage, we have focused on ultraweak photon emission (UPE), also called biophotons. Our previous study reported that the amount of long-lasting UPE induced by UV, predominantly from lipid peroxidation, is a valuable indicator to assess cutaneous photodamage even at a suberythemal dose, although it was only applied to evaluate acute UV damage. The aim of this study was to further investigate whether long-lasting UPE could also be a useful marker to assess subclinical chronic sun damage in the course of skin photoaging. Forty-three Japanese females in their 20s were recruited and were divided into two groups according to their history of sun exposure based on a questionnaire (high- and low-sun-exposure groups). Several skin properties on the cheek and outer forearm were measured in addition to UV-induced UPE. Among the skin properties measured, water content, average skin roughness, and the lateral packing of lipids in the stratum corneum were significantly deteriorated in the high-sun-exposure group as were changes in some skin photoaging scores such as pigmented spots and wrinkles. In addition, those skin properties were correlated with the UPE signals, suggesting the possible impact of oxidative stress on chronic skin damage. Subtle oxidative stress detected by long-lasting UPE may contribute to subclinical cutaneous damage at the beginning phase of chronic sun exposure, which potentially enhances skin photoaging over a lifetime.

Investigating the 2017 Erratic Fishkill Episode in the Jhelum River, Kashmir Himalaya

Globally, the frequency of fishkill episodes is increasing, owing to natural and human-induced modification of aquatic ecosystems. A massive fishkill took place on 22 October 2017 along an approximately 1.5 km stretch of the Jhelum River in Srinagar City, India. Thousands of fish died during this specific event, not lasting more than three hours, creating chaos and panic among the local population and government circles. In this context, affected fish were assessed for three morphological parameters, which include skin color, eye appearance, and skin texture. To back our findings, three critical water-quality parameters, including pH, water temperature, and dissolved oxygen essential for the survival of fishes were assessed in the affected river stretch. This study assumes importance given that water-quality observation stations for monitoring the health of the Jhelum River are lacking in the highly urbanized Srinagar City. The morphological examination of fish samples revealed discoloration, bulging eyes, and rough skin texture, indicating chemical contamination of waters in the affected river stretch. The water quality analysis revealed neutral pH (7.2), normal temperature (15.6 °C), and mildly depleted dissolved oxygen (6 mg L−1) levels. While the morphological examination of the affected fish indicated chemical contamination, the physicochemical parameters exhibited a typical scenario of river water. For avoiding any such further incident and to precisely ascertain the cause of such fishkill episodes in future, it is suggested that a few continuous water-quality monitoring sites along Jhelum River should be set up, supplemented with robust ecological modeling simulations.

125 HSP27 a key element of skin regulation subjected to climate variations

Humidity, along with other climatic factors such as temperature, can impact the skin health. Indeed, our skin is daily exposed to humidity and temperature variations. All around the world, the daily humidity varies from low to high relative humidity (45% to 90%). In addition, the skin temperature can reach 44°C under sun exposure. The rare studies available show that low humidity causes several changes in the skin (dryness, itchiness, impairment of the desquamation process, skin roughness, and loss skin elasticity). Unfortunately, as most of the studies were performed on murine models, they remain inconclusive about the real effects of humidity and temperature variations on the human skin health. Thus, we developed human skin explant models (heat stress, humidity stress and a combined heat and humidity stresses model) in order to understand the effect of climate on skin physiology. We analyzed epidermis thickness and the expression profiles of loricrin (LOR), filaggrin (FLG), keratin 10 (K10), and HSP27. These markers were chosen upon their relevance in skin homeostasis. In all conditions studied an epidermis thickening was observed suggesting keratinocyte proliferation. In skins exposed to a heat stress, the differentiation process is delayed and decreased. In skins exposed to low humidity an early expression of K10 expression occurs suggesting a disorganized start of the differentiation process. In skins exposed to heat and low humidity the differentiation process of keratinocytes seems to be sustained and overstimulated suggesting an uncontrolled differentiation process. We found that the different environmental conditions studied modulate the expression of HSP27, a central protein regulating LOR and K10 (differentiation process), and the synthesis and processing of proFLG and FLG (epidermis physiology). Our results showed that climatic factors (humidity and/ or temperature) through the modulation of HSP27 expression are responsible in the weakening of skin barrier function due to impairment of skin differentiation process.

Cytotoxic, Cellular Antioxidant, and Antiglucuronidase Properties of the Ethanol Leaf Extract from Bulbine asphodeloides.

Bulbine asphodeloides (L.) Spreng (Xanthorrhoeaceae family), popularly known in South Africa as “ibhucu” or “Balsamkopieva,” is a perennial plant traditionally used to treat skin diseases, including sunburns, rough skin, dressing burns, itches, and aging. The present study reports the cytotoxic, cellular antioxidant, and antiglucuronidase properties of the ethanol leaf extract from B. asphodeloides. The cytotoxic effect of the plant extract on human dermal fibroblast (MRHF) cells was evaluated by the bis-Benzamide H 33342 trihydrochloride/propidium iodide (Hoechst 33342/PI) dual-staining method. A validated biological cell-based assay was used to determine the cellular antioxidant activity of the extract. The antiglucuronidase and metal chelating activities were evaluated using standard in vitro methods. Lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced RAW 264.7 cell model was used to determine the anti-inflammatory effect of the plant extract, and the immune-modulatory activity was performed using RAW 264.7 cells. The extract demonstrated no cytotoxic effect towards the MRHF cells at all the tested concentrations. Furthermore, the extract also possessed significant cellular antioxidant and antiglucuronidase activities, but a weak effect of metal chelating activity in a dose-dependent manner. However, the extract showed no significant anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulatory activities. Overall, the results showed that B. asphodeloides may be a useful therapeutic agent for the treatment of skin diseases, therefore supporting its ethnomedicinal usage.

Research on Skin Roughness Classification Based on Improved SVM

Skin condition closely reflects human health, and skin roughness is one of the factors to analyze skin condition. This paper presents a classification algorithm of skin roughness based on improved support vector machine. The improved gray co-occurrence matrix, Tamura texture feature, fractal dimension, Gabor feature and other 24 properties affecting skin roughness were extracted by using human skin samples captured by visible light as data sources. Genetic algorithm was used to optimize the feature space, and the most important feature combinations were selected according to the fitness values. In order to improve the performance of classifier, the improved particle swarm optimization algorithm is used to optimize the penalty factor C and radial kernel function coefficient Gamma of support vector machine. The experiment shows that the model established in this paper has an obvious effect on the classification of skin roughness.

Collagen Hydrolysate Prepared from Chicken By-Product as a Functional Polymer in Cosmetic Formulation.

Chicken stomachs can be processed into collagen hydrolysate usable in cosmetic products. The aim of the study was to verify the effects of a carbopol gel formulation enriched with 1.0% (w/w) chicken hydrolysate on the properties of the skin in the periorbital area after regular application twice a day for eight weeks in volunteers ageed 50 ± 9 years. Skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin elasticity and skin relief were evaluated. Overall, skin hydration increased by 11.82% and 9.45%, TEWL decreased by 25.70% and 17.80% (always reported for the right and left area). Generally, there was an increase in skin elasticity, a decrease in skin roughness, as the resonance times decreased by 85%. The average reduction of wrinkles was 35.40% on the right and 41.20% on the left. For all results, it can be seen that the longer the cosmetic gel formulation is applied, the better the results. Due to the positive effect on the quality and functionality of the skin, it is possible to apply the cosmetic gel formulation in the periorbital area. The advantage of the product with chicken collagen hydrolysate is also the biocompatibility with the skin and the biodegradability of the formulation.

MALAYSIAN HERBS IN SKIN AGING AND HYPERPIGMENTATION

In the beauty and wellness industries, the association between herbs, skin aging, hyperpigmentation, and cosmeceuticals is gaining significance. The process of skin aging occurs in the epidermal and dermal layers and is primarily associated with the deterioration of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Deterioration of ECM can be due to increased matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) or decreased transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Along with some pigment defects such as hypo or hyperpigmentation, this process can cause skin wrinkles, roughness, and dryness. There is a need to slow down the ECM degradation and inhibition of melanin formation. Herbs have a high potential due to their various biologically active compounds. Malaysia is one of the countries rich in tropical rainforests with its traditional medicinal herbs. However, the use of Malaysian herbs in skin aging and hyperpigmentation is still limited. Thus, this review focuses on selected Malaysian herbs that are traditionally used for various purposes and have potential as anti-aging and anti-hyperpigmentation properties. The information contained in the present review indicates that selected Malaysian herbs can be used in the treatment of skin aging and hyperpigmentation and will assist the cosmetics sectors in the development of herbal anti-aging and antihyperpigmentation formulations.

Effects of Hand Hygiene Using 4% Chlorhexidine Gluconate or Natural Soap During Hand Rubbing Followed by Alcohol-Based 1% Chlorhexidine Gluconate Sanitizer Lotion in the Operating Room.

Objective: Hand hygiene using either 4% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) or natural soap during hand rubbing, followed by alcohol-based 1% CHG sanitizer lotion in the operating room was compared to assess bacterial reduction, skin moisture, skin texture, and hand hygiene using qualitative questionnaires. Approach: A crossover study with 36 professional scrub nurses at two medical centers was performed to compare 4% CHG followed by alcohol-based 1% CHG sanitizer lotion, the Two-stage method with handwashing using natural soap followed by alcohol-based 1% CHG sanitizer lotion, and the Waterless method, after a period of 10 days of use. The study completely followed CONSORT, www.consort-statement.org. Results: There was no significant difference in bacterial reduction based on the bacterial colony-forming units between the two methods. The skin moisture and skin roughness scores were not significantly different between the two methods. The Waterless method was significantly better than the Two-stage method regarding "foaming," "quality," "longevity" (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, and p < 0.0001, respectively), but "disappearance" was significantly better by the Two-stage method (p = 0.0095) during washing and rubbing. Immediately after washing and rubbing, the Waterless method was significantly better regarding "tightness" and "moisture," whereas the Two-stage method was significantly better regarding "stickiness" (p = 0.0114, p = <0.0001, and 0.0059, respectively) Innovation: The Waterless method using natural soap during handwashing followed by alcohol-based 1% CHG sanitizer lotion was as effective as the Two-stage method of 4% CHG followed by alcohol-based 1% CHG sanitizer lotion. Conclusion: Handwashing using natural soap is simple and superior to hand scrubbing in several aspects.