Search Results (837)

Menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive life. It is well-known that skin aging is accelerated during this period, as declining estrogen detrimentally impacts the skin’s extracellular matrix (ECM) which is the provider of strength and elasticity. Menopause also affects scalp hair, reducing hair diameter and leading to shorter hair growth. Objective: To evaluate the main dermatological complaints of Brazilian women during this period, comparing the compatibility of these complaints with similar studies that evaluated skin health at menopause. Methods: This study interviewed 463 postmenopausal women between 42 and 83 years old through a public electronic questionnaire in the SurveyMonkey app about their perception of the changes noticed in their hair and skin after menopause. All statistical analyses were performed in R v. 3.6.1. Results with p-values < 0.05 were considered significant. Results: Dermatological health in menopausal women, especially the quality of the skin, nails and hair may deteriorate with estrogen deficits. As life expectancy increases and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) becomes more common, a greater understanding of their dermatological effects in menopause is needed. Conclusions: Menopause strongly impacts skin quality and worsens women’s self-esteem and quality of life. There is still a lack of knowledge about HRT and specific treatments for improving skin, hair and nails. Full article

There has been a significant increase in the use of botanical resources for the formulation of topical products designed for medicinal and cosmetic applications. Sanguisorba minor Scop., a botanical species, exhibits a variety of properties and has significant potential for applications in the field of cosmetics. The aim of this study was to formulate topical preparations, incorporating an extract derived from the plant S. minor Scop. comprising a combination of roots, leaves, and flowers. In the initial phase, a total of seven combinations were prepared using extracts derived from the roots, leaves, and flowers of S. minor Scop. (v/v/v). These combinations were subsequently subjected to evaluation for their antioxidant capacity using four distinct methods: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC). An extract of plant organs in a ratio of 1:2:1 (v/v/v), which had a strong antioxidant capacity and demonstrated synergistic effects according to the DPPH, TEAC, and CUPRAC assays (with values of 1.58 ± 0.1, 1.18 ± 0.09, and 1.07 ± 0.07, respectively), was selected for inclusion in three dermato-cosmetic products (hydrogel, emulgel, and cream). All the prepared preparations were evaluated in terms of topical formulation attributes and organoleptic characteristics. The testing of dermato-cosmetic products included assessments of their topical formulation properties and organoleptic characteristics. The hydrogel, emulgel, and cream exhibited varying degrees of stretchability. In addition, a study was carried out to assess the in vitro release of polyphenols from the cosmetic formulations using a Franz diffusion cell system. The results showed that the emulgel containing the extract of S. minor Scop. had the highest and most significant release of polyphenols, with a release rate of 84.39 ± 1.01%. This was followed by the hydrogel and cream, which had release percentages of 80.52 ± 0.89 and 75.88 ± 0.88, respectively, over an 8 h period. Thus, for the first time in the literature, a topical cosmetic product with high antioxidant potential containing S. minor Scop. extract was developed and optimized. Full article

The use of clays in beauty care comes from ancient times, with therapeutic use since prehistory, and it is considerably relevant in the current cosmetic industry worldwide. In our review, we described types of clay and clay minerals used in cosmetics and dermocosmetics, compositions, usages as active compounds and cosmetic ingredients/starting materials, and observations about formulation techniques. From this review, we observed that although much scientific and specialized literature has reported the characterization of clays, only some involved efficacy tests when incorporated into cosmetic products, mainly concerning haircare applications. Our review could be considered and encouraged in the coming years to provide scientific and technical information for the cosmetic industry regarding the multifunctional use of clays and clay minerals. Full article

The introduction of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnOn) in sunscreens solved the issue of poor spreadability of these formulations, which often left a white film on the skin. However, safety concerns have arisen regarding the topical application of ZnOn. Some studies employed commercial sunscreens to address the safety issues of the topical application of ZnOn; however, commercial formulations are often complex and contain a wide range of ingredients that could attenuate the potential damage caused by the ZnOn. Therefore, in this study we aimed to develop a simple stable formulation containing 20% of coated and uncoated ZnOn, characterize the formulations and the nanoparticles, and assess the skin penetration in a Franz diffusion cell. The Feret’s diameter for the uncoated and coated ZnOn was 137 nm and 134 nm, respectively. For the uncoated ZnOn the hydrodynamic size in water was 368 nm and for the coated ZnOn, the average hydrodynamic size in ethyl acetate was 135 nm. The incorporation of ZnOn led to formulations more consistent and easier to spread, as suggested by the lower work of shear and higher values of firmness, cohesiveness, consistency and index of viscosity compared with the vehicle. The stability assessment at 45 °C suggested that the formulations containing the ZnOn were stable for 30 days and the vehicle was stable for 90 days. The assessment of the skin penetration by reflectance confocal laser microscopy indicated that the ZnOn did not permeate into the deepest layers of the skin, but accumulated on the skin furrows, hair and hair follicles. Full article

(1) Background: Skin barrier function resides mostly in the stratum corneum, which consists of a protein component, the corneocyte (bricks), which provides a scaffold for the second component, the extracellular matrix, consisting of multilayers of lipids (mortar). These two components closely interact and this could be the basis for the differences in the biophysical properties of the skin between anatomical regions. So, the aim of this study was to compare skin microstructural properties between body sites. (2) Methods: A comparative study was conducted that included healthy individuals without previous skin diseases. Skin barrier function parameters and microtopography parameters (smoothness, roughness, desquamation, wrinkles, surface, volume, contrast, variance, homogeneity, anisotropy, total cell count, flaking index, skin surface hardness, brightness, deformability and friction) were measured on the forearm, cheek and palm. (3) Results: 44 participants were included in this study, with a mean age of 38.8 ± 15.0 years. Significant differences were found between body sites for 14 of the 15 parameters evaluated. Smoothness was higher on the forearm than on the cheek and palm (240.02 Sems vs. 348.16 vs. 408.19 Sems, p < 0.05). Hardness was higher on the palm than on the forearm and cheek (13.22 AU vs. 9.44 AU vs. 7.94 AU, p < 0.05). Moreover, we observed that sociodemographic characteristics such as age, sex, tobacco and/or alcohol use, influenced the parameters evaluated. (4) Conclusions: The differences in skin barrier function and microtopography between anatomical regions reflects the different structure of skin in each body part and could help to understand the influence of the sociodemographic characteristics on theses parameters. This information could be useful for comparison with pathological skin characteristics and for targeting new treatments. Full article

One of the most notable signs of an aging face is the nasolabial folds (NLFs), which often diminish emotional well-being and self-confidence. To address this concern, many people seek solutions to improve their appearance, often turning to fillers. The ULTRACOL100 device, a tissue restoration material, has been previously investigated and shown to exhibit significant efficacy in both in vitro and in vivo studies. In this research, we aim to explore the safety and effectiveness of the clinical trial of ULTRACOL100 in improving the skin in the NLF area over an 8-week observation period. Male and Female adults with nasolabial folds received two injections of ULTRACOL100, with a 4-week interval between treatments, on one side of their faces. On the other side, they received control materials (REJURAN^®, JUVELOOK^®, or HYRONT^®). The assessment of skin improvement in the nasolabial fold area for each subject took place before and four weeks after each application. Various skin parameters, such as roughness, elasticity, moisture, transparency, trans-epidermal water loss, tone, radiance, skin pore size, and skin density, were measured to evaluate the outcomes. The application of the ULTRACOL100 device significantly reduced the skin roughness, the trans-epidermal water loss, and the skin pore size and increased the skin’s elasticity and internal elasticity, as well as the skin’s moisture, transparency, skin tone, radiance, and density. This study comprehensively investigates the effectiveness and safety of the ULTRACOL100 device, comparing it with three commercial products (REJURAN^®, JUVELOOK^®, and HYRONT^®). The ULTRACOL100 device showed comparable performance in improving the appearance of the NLF area among this study subjects. Full article

This original article presents the findings of a comprehensive case series, shedding light on the efficacy of diverse treatment modalities for managing precancerous and cancerous skin lesions and their remarkable rejuvenation effects on the skin. A particular focus is placed on the promising outcomes achieved through the application of a combination treatment involving 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) and salicylic acid, which demonstrates enduring and noteworthy results. Furthermore, alternative therapeutic approaches, including 5-FU monotherapy, Methyl aminolevulinate–photodynamic therapy (MAL-PDT), and the combination of Imiquimod therapy with MAL-PDT, exhibit substantial potential for patients seeking non-surgical solutions. These treatments manifest as valuable tools in improving skin texture and mitigating the effects of photodamage. Nevertheless, the intricate interplay between the chosen treatment, the extent of photodamage, and individual patient characteristics, with a particular emphasis on age, necessitates long-term follow-up to gauge treatment outcomes and the likelihood of lesion recurrence. Notably, these treatments are associated with a significant degree of inflammation, igniting curiosity regarding enhanced skin cellular turnover and the potential for a more youthful skin appearance. Our findings accentuate the promise of topical fluorouracil (5-FU) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) in combating photoaging among patients with actinic keratoses. However, a need for further in-depth research is evident to unravel the nuanced relationships between these treatments, the severity of photodamage, and the influence of patient-specific factors. Such comprehensive investigations are instrumental in optimizing patient care and outcomes, offering a holistic approach to managing photodamage within the context of actinic keratoses. This work, when combined with existing literature, provides valuable insights and serves as a catalyst for future research to fully unlock the potential of these treatments, ultimately enhancing the quality of patient care. Full article

Hyperpigmentation, characterized by the excessive accumulation of melanin in the skin, is a common dermatological concern triggered by various factors, including UV radiation exposure. This study investigates the potential of grapevine leaf extracts in treating hyperpigmentation induced by UV radiation, focusing on 11 European and 12 Israeli grapevine varieties. Our research explores the correlations between total polyphenol content (TPC), tyrosinase inhibition, sun protection factor (SPF), and half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of these extracts. Our findings reveal substantial variation in TPC among grapevine varieties’ leaves, with the Israeli varieties showing higher TPC levels than the European ones. Correlation analysis demonstrates a robust link between TPC and SPF, indicating that increased TPC contributes to enhanced sun protection properties. However, TPC alone does not strongly correlate with tyrosinase inhibition, suggesting the importance of specific polyphenols in tyrosinase inhibition. Furthermore, the study identifies specific peaks in the HPLC analysis that correlate with desired activities. In summary, our research highlights the potential of grapevine leaf extracts, especially those from Israeli indigenous varieties, in addressing hyperpigmentation. It emphasizes the importance of specific polyphenols rather than TPC alone in achieving the desired effects. These findings open doors for further investigation into identifying and isolating active compounds from grapevine leaves for skincare applications. Full article

The ever-evolving cosmetic industry requires advanced analytical techniques to explore, understand, and optimize product performance at nano, micro, and macroscopic levels. Nowadays, these insights are crucial for translating microstructure behavior into macroscopic properties. This knowledge is essential to formulate products with a lower carbon footprint and a higher sustainability profile, incorporating, at the same time, natural or biobased raw materials. These raw materials may present challenges for formulators and analytical scientists due to either an inferior performance when compared to their fossil-derived counterparts or higher costs. This comprehensive review covers a spectrum of analytical methodologies employed in cosmetic formulation, including chromatographic analyses, olfactometry, and electronic nose technology. The characterization of product stability involving assessing parameters such as droplet size, zeta potential, viscosity, analytical centrifugation, surface tension, and interfacial tension are also explored. The discussion in this paper extends to the role of rheology in understanding the molecular structure and behavioral dynamics of cosmetic samples. This review concludes with an overview of colorimetric analysis, a crucial aspect related to consumer perception, followed by a discussion on the challenges and opportunities associated with using meta-analysis methodologies in cosmetics. The formulation of cosmetics employing biobased feedstocks is included, highlighting the evolving landscape of cosmetic science and the integration of sustainable practices. This review stands at the interface between a meta-analysis of cosmetics and product performance, which is attained through a detailed examination of each analytical method. The know-how shared serves as a valuable resource for formulators, researchers, and industry professionals for real-world applications in the analytical field of cosmetics formulation. Full article

Objective: This study explored the impact of a black tea extract obtained through (plant small RNA) PSR^TM technology, characterized by its abundance of small molecules, particularly citric acid—an antioxidant and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle contributor—on mitochondrial health. The primary focus was to assess whether this extract could counteract reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced mitochondrial alterations associated with aging, which lead to impaired mitochondrial function, reduced ATP production, and increased ROS generation. Methods: The PSR^TM extraction method was employed to obtain a high content of polyphenols and small molecules, particularly citric acid. Results: In comparison with a conventional extract, the PSRTM extract demonstrated significant enhancements in aconitase activity, an ROS-sensitive enzyme in the TCA cycle, as well as basal respiration and ATP synthesis in fibroblast cells and skin biopsies. Moreover, the PSR^TM extract effectively reduced ROS production by safeguarding this critical enzyme within the Krebs cycle and displayed superior capabilities in scavenging free radicals when exposed to UV-induced stress. When administered post-UV exposure, the PSR^TM extract protected nuclear DNA by reducing the formation of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and promoting DNA repair mechanisms. Furthermore, the extract exhibited beneficial effects on the extracellular matrix, characterized by a reduction in matrix metalloprotease 1 (MMP1) and an increase in fibrillin 1 expression. Conclusions: These findings collectively suggest that the PSR^TM extract holds promising antiaging potential, potentially functioning as a mitochondrial nutrient/protector due to its multifaceted benefits on mitochondrial function, nuclear DNA integrity, and the extracellular matrix. Full article

Free radicals can cause damage to the structure of the dermis layer, which makes skin lose its elasticity and leads to the formation of wrinkles. A strategy to prevent this problem is by using antioxidants. A plant that has been reported to contain good antioxidant activity is sacha inchi seed (Plukenetia volubilis L.); apart from that, its oil has quite a high omega-3 content and potentially can act as an anti-aging agent stimulating the skin-cell-regeneration process, maintaining skin moisture and elasticity and stimulating collagen production. This research aims to analyze the physicochemical characteristics and determine the fatty acid profile, the levels of vitamins A, D, and E, and the antioxidant activity of sacha inchi seed oil. This research was conducted through eight main stages: sacha inchi seed extraction, quality parameters checking, phytochemical screening, determining fatty acid profiles, vitamin analysis, antioxidant activity tests, microbiological contamination tests, and heavy-metal contamination tests. In this study, quality inspection results were obtained: organoleptic form (liquid), color (yellow), odor (typical), relative density value (0.91 g/cm³), acid number (0.38 ± 0.02 mg/g), peroxide value (11.01 mEq/Kg), iodine value (179.32 g/100 g), and refractive index (1.479). The phytochemical screening results of sacha inchi seed oil were positive for containing flavonoids, triterpenoids, and steroids. The results of the fatty acid profile were omega-3 (48.5%), omega-6 (34.8%), and omega-9 (7.7%). The results of the vitamin contents analysis were vitamin A (123.42 mg/100 g), vitamin D (899.46 mg/100 g), and vitamin E (145.06 mg/100 g). The antioxidant activity test showed an IC₅₀ value of 8.859 ppm (very strong), and the microbial and heavy-metal contamination tests were negative. Full article

Long before its popularization as a skincare ingredient, snail slime was reported to have a variety of health-promoting attributes. Its medicinal use involved the treatment of ailments, such as anthrax, hernias, stomach pain, chest pain, as well as tuberculosis. The main aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties of snail slime from Cepaea hortensis (Müller, 1774) (brown garden snail). The slime was extracted by a mild method, and the anti-inflammatory characteristics were determined by croton-oil-induced mouse-ear edema. The histological study showed that the snail slime exerts its action at the level of inflammatory mediators, explaining the drastic decrease of edema (59% in comparison to the 47% of indomethacin). The daily application of 50 µL (15 mg/kg) of snail slime on excision wounds in rabbits proved to induce an almost full tissue repair after 24 days of treatment (87.80–92.7% wound closure in width and length, respectively). Analysis of the slime’s safety aspect allowed affirming the nontoxicity of snail slime on both the skin and eyes. Full article

The skin serves protective roles for internal organs and is responsible for maintaining homeostasis between the body and the environment. The outermost and most exposed part of the skin to environmental factors is the stratum corneum (SC). SC hydration and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) values provide information about the physiological state of the skin. Plant oils, owing to their chemical structure, possess moisturizing and protective functions. This study assessed the impact of a single application of drying oil (Rubus idaeus seed oil), semi-drying oil (Sesamum indicum seed oil), and nondrying oil (Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil) on specific skin characteristics in young, healthy women. Thirty-five female volunteers (age: 20.03 ± 1.69) participated in the study. Before commencing the investigation, a questionnaire survey on the subjective assessment of skin condition and a body composition test were conducted. Subsequently, each participant had three oils applied to nonoverlapping skin areas on the forearms. Skin characteristics were assessed before and 1 h after the oil application using specialized probes: a corneometer and a tewameter. An enhancement in skin hydration was evident after the application of each of the tested oils (p = 0.001). Raspberry oil demonstrated the most significant moisturizing effect, while coconut oil showed the weakest impact. Only raspberry seed oil (p = 0.012) resulted in a noteworthy decrease in TEWL. The initial skin condition did not correlate with the subjects’ body composition, and the improvement induced by the application of the oils was not dependent on body weight, body water content, or BMI (body mass index). The applied vegetable oils positively influence the level of SC hydration. Improvement in barrier function, as measured by TEWL, was observed only for raspberry seed oil. Full article

Background: After significant weight loss, the abdominal skin can become permanently stretched, resulting in stretch marks, laxity, and thinning of the dermis. For many patients, surgical methods such as abdominoplasty are too risky due to the potential for complications, the lengthy recovery period, and the high cost. Objective: The purpose of this pilot study was to use microfocused ultrasound, calcium hydroxyapatite, and Incobotulinum toxin A to improve the appearance of patients who were suffering from abdominal skin laxity after heavy weight loss. The combination of these treatments can provide comprehensive results with minimal downtime and lower risk compared to traditional surgical procedures. Methods: Our team treated four female Chinese patients with microfocused ultrasound, diluted calcium hydroxylapatite, and Incobotulinum toxin A with different combinations, respectively. The first and second cases were only treated with 810 shots of microfocused ultrasound. The third case received 850 shots of microfocused ultrasound plus 5 mL of diluted calcium hydroxylapatite and 50 units of Incobotulinum toxin A on the left abdominal skin, and the fourth case was treated with 900 shots of microfocused ultrasound plus 5 mL of diluted calcium hydroxylapatite and 10 units of Incobotulinum toxin A on the left abdominal skin. All four patients received a single treatment session. Clinical photographs were taken before each treatment, and two individual blinded investigators were asked to assess photographs taken after 4 weeks and compare them with the pretreatment photos. Results: All four cases showed an overall clinical improvement, with the third and fourth cases demonstrating more significant skin tightening based on photographic analysis. The data indicate that the inclusion of calcium hydroxylapatite and Incobotulinum toxin A in microfocused ultrasound treatment yields superior results for abdominal rejuvenation. Conclusions: Abdominal skin laxity can be treated with a triple therapy combining microfocused ultrasound, diluted calcium hydroxylapatite, and Incobotulinum toxin A. Full article

Skin disease is a severe health issue that affects a lot of people in Africa and is vastly underreported. Because of their availability, affordability, and safety, medicinal plants represent a major source of treatment for various skin diseases in West Africa. This review presents the medicinal plants used in treating skin diseases in West Africa and their available biological activities that have lent credence to their skin care usage. A total of 211 plant species from 56 families are implicated to be used in West Africa for several skin conditions such as aphthous ulcers, burns, eczema, scabies, sores, and wounds. Fabaceae is the most-implicated family (30 species) for the treatment of skin diseases, followed by Combretaceae (14 species) and Asteraceae (13 species). Most of the medicinal plants used are trees (93); leaves (107) were the most-used plant part, and decoction (73) was the preferred preparation method for the medicinal plants. The biological activities related to the pathology of skin diseases, such as antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of 82 plants, have been evaluated. Based on their minimum inhibitory concentration, the most active antimicrobial plant is Brillantaisia lamium. Among the isolated phytochemicals, betulenic acid and lespedin were the most active, while plants such as Kigelia africana and Strophanthus hispidus showed significant wound-healing activities. This review highlights research gaps in the ethnobotanical studies of many West African countries, the biological activities of plants used to treat skin diseases, and the cosmetic potential of these plants. Full article