Search

Background: Cocoa powder derived from the Theobroma cacao plant is rich in polyphenols, such as catechin and epicatechin. These polyphenols are strong antioxidants when consumed orally; however, their ability to enter the stratum corneum following the topical application has never been demonstrated. Objective: The objective of this study was to demonstrate the deposition of catechin and epicatechin in the stratum corneum following the topical application of 6% aqueous cocoa powder 1 and 2 h after application. Methods: Five healthy female subjects aged 25–60 years were enrolled. A 6% aqueous cocoa powder solution was prepared and applied to two randomized designated spots on the left forearm. 2 cc of the solution was applied under a ¼‐inch gauze square covered with plastic wrap and held in place with a Coban dressing. The 15 d‐squame 7/8‐inch circular tape strips were applied to the predetermined area on the forearm 1 h and 2 h after application of the 6% cocoa powder solution. The tape strips were immediately placed in a −80°C freezer for storage until extraction in preparation for LC–MS evaluation for catechin and epicatechin levels. Results: More catechin and epicatechin were detected at 2 h than 1 h for both compounds, although the difference was not statistically significant. Higher epicatechin levels than catechin levels were detected from the cocoa powder at both time points. This is consistent with published data from food‐grade cocoa powder. Summary: It is detected that 6% aqueous cocoa powder delivers the antioxidants catechin and epicatechin to the stratum corneum 1 h and 2 h after topical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Facial erythema from acne, vascular rosacea, or photoaging is a common difficult–to‐treat dermatologic challenge. Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the role of lapachol in alleviating facial erythema associated with a variety of common dermatologic conditions. Methods: Twenty‐five healthy female and male subjects 35–65 years of age of Fitzpatrick skin types I–II with mild‐to‐moderate stable facial erythema from acne, rosacea or photoaging were enrolled in a single‐site monadic study. Subjects received the study cream for twice daily application and were assessed at baseline, Week 4, and Week 8. The dermatologist investigator and subjects assessed efficacy and tolerability and facial photographic images were taken of all subjects at each visit. Noninvasive erythema assessments of the face were conducted using a colorimeter at baseline, Week 4, and Week 8 to document improvement in facial erythema. Results: Twenty‐five out of 25 subjects successfully completed the study without tolerability issues including 12 subjects with rosacea, 6 subjects with photoaging and 7 subjects with acne. After 8 weeks of use, the investigator rated a 44% decrease in facial erythema while the subjects rated a 40% decrease. Facial erythema was also noninvasively assessed with a colorimeter and dermaspectrophotometer (DSP). There was a 26% decrease in skin redness at Week 4 and a 31% decrease in skin redness at Week 8 on the colorimeter L*a*b* scale. This finding was collaborated by the DSP which registered a 29% decrease on the erythema scale at Week 8. Conclusion: Lapachol in a moisturizer formulation was found to be effective in reducing facial erythema from acne, rosacea, and photoaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: A topical serum comprised of plant-based adaptogens was purposefully developed to support the ability of the skin to adapt and achieve balance. The study described herein evaluated changes in the expression of target genes related to skin homeostasis following topical exposure. METHODS: Utilizing an in vitro epidermal skin model, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis of gene expression was conducted following 48-hour exposure to 15µL of the study product (MYS serum) to the surface of each tissue (N=4). Biomarkers that play a key role in skin homeostasis were analyzed: Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), chloride channel accessory 2 (CLCA2), metallothionein 1A (MT1A), 1F (MT1F), and 1G (MT1G), and thioredoxin reductase 1 (TXNRD1). Statistically significant changes were calculated using unpaired t-test analysis (p<0.05) versus control (saline). A linear Fold Change (FC) value >2 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: An 85 percent (FC=1.85) increase in expression of AhR vs. control occurred following exposure to MYS serum indicating enhanced support of cellular and epidermal homeostasis, and the skin barrier's response to stress. Statistically significant increases in expression occurred with TXNRD1 (293%; FC=3.93), MT1A (307%; FC=4.07), MT1F (529%; FC=6.29), and MT1G (163%; FC=12.63) vs. control, indicating support of skin's adaptive response to stress and immune homeostasis. Significantly decreased levels of CLCA2 were demonstrated (69%; FC=-3.24) indicating inhibition of oxidative stress-induced senescence. CONCLUSION: Utilizing an in vitro epidermal skin model, a serum comprised of plant-based adaptogens demonstrated changes in the expression of target genes that play important roles in skin's ability to respond to stress and achieve homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The ability of the skin to maintain homeostasis declines with age. Adaptogens support the capacity of the skin to respond to stress. We sought to evaluate the efficacy of a novel serum comprised of plant-based adaptogens for improving photoaged skin following twice-daily application. METHODS: A multi-center, 12-week trial was conducted in participants aged 45 to 65 years, Fitzpatrick Skin Type (FST) I to VI, with mild-to-severe photoaging based on a 10-point grading scale (3 [Minimum] to 7 [Maximum]). Visible improvements were assessed in erythema, pore size, skin dullness, skin texture, and uneven pigmentation utilizing a six-point grading scale (0=None to 5=Severe). Global skin quality was measured utilizing our Global Skin Quality Index (GSQI). Sebum measurements were obtained in a subset of participants. Patient satisfaction and tolerability were recorded throughout the study. RESULTS: Fifty-three participants were enrolled and completed the study. Mean age was 56 years and 66 percent were White, 17 percent were Black, 8 percent were Hispanic, 6 percent were Asian/Pacific Islander, and 81 percent had moderate photodamage. At Week 12, significant mean percent improvements from baseline were demonstrated in erythema (50%), dullness (44%), texture (52%), pore size (23%), and uneven pigmentation (21%; all p<.0001). Significant GSQI improvements from baseline were observed at Week 12 (39%; p<0.0001). Significant mean reductions from baseline in skin surface sebum were demonstrated at Week 12 (-38%; p<0.0001). All adverse events (AEs) were mild and transient. CONCLUSION: A novel serum comprised of plant-based adaptogens, demonstrated improvements from baseline in the appearance of erythema, dullness, texture, pore size, uneven pigmentation, and global skin quality over 12 weeks. Participants reported high levels of satisfaction, with mild, transient AEs reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Since 1936, injectable carboxytherapy has been used for the treatment of circulatory issues and lack of tissue trophism. In the last 25 years, it has been applied to aesthetic issues, especially those related to the signs and symptoms of skin aging. Presently, carboxytherapy is available as a combination of transcutaneous gels that produce CO2 with benefit for atrophic skin. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of a topical carboxy mask on facial photoaging after short term use of 4 weeks and long term use of 10 weeks. Methods: The short term study was conducted for 14 days after 3 times weekly application of the facial mask for 1 h followed by a regression phase with evaluations at days 21 and 28. 11 healthy female subjects age 45–75 years were enrolled. Subjects applied the facial mask for 45 min, 3 times per week during the 2‐week treatment period. The long term study was conducted for 10 weeks on 35 subjects 35–65 years with mild to moderate facial photoaging of Fitzpatrick skin types I–VI. Subjects underwent photography, elasticity, hydration, and VAS questionnaire assessments. Results: The short term 4 week study demonstrated improvement in laser‐Doppler measured blood flow and skin hydration. The long term 10 week study demonstrated improvement in firmness (16%, p = 0.001), sagging (9%, p = 0.023), and overall skin appearance (12%, p = 0.002). These findings were supported by the retraction time decrease at week 10 (−10%, p = 0.05). Summary: The combination of two gels produced the liberation of CO2, which improved short term skin hydration after 4 weeks of use and improved longer term skin elasticity after 10 weeks of use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The recent removal of hydroquinone from the over‐the‐counter market has created a need for modern skin lightening formulations. An effective pigment lightening formulation must be non‐irritating to prevent skin darkening from post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation, penetration enhanced to reach the epidermal/dermal junction, contain anti‐inflammatory ingredients, and address multiple mechanisms of pigment production. Objective: The objective of this research was to demonstrate the efficacy of a topical multimodal pigment lightening preparation containing tranexamic acid, niacinamide, and licorice. Methods: Fifty female subjects 18+ years of all Fitzpatrick skin types with mild to moderate facial dyspigmentation were enrolled. Subjects were provided with the study product for twice daily use on the entire face and an SPF50 sunscreen with evaluations occurring at Week 4, Week 8, Week 12, and Week 16. The investigator used a face map to identify a pigmented target site on the face for dermaspectrophotometer (DSP) measurement. The dermatologist investigator completed a baseline facial efficacy and tolerability assessment. The subjects completed a tolerability assessment. Results: 48/50 subjects completed the study without tolerability issues. The DSP readings demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in target spot pigmentation at Week 16. The investigator assessed a 37% decrease in pigment intensity, a 31% decrease in pigment extent, a 30% decrease in pigment homogeneity, a 45% improvement in brightness, a 42% improvement in clarity, and a 32% improvement in overall facial skin dyspigmentation at Week 16. Conclusion: The combination of penetration enhanced tranexamic acid, niacinamide, and licorice was effective in inducing facial pigment lightening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Silymarin is the active component of milk thistle, which has antioxidant properties by scavenging free radicals and potential comedolytic properties. Aims: This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of 0.5% silymarin‐loaded antioxidant serum (SAS) used to treat mild‐to‐moderate acne. Patients and Methods: A prospective, open‐label pilot study was conducted. We enrolled 22 Korean acne patients who applied the 0.5% SAS on the whole face twice daily while continuing the current anti‐acne medications. Grade of acne severity, individual lesion counts, sebum output levels, skin erythema, and melanin pigmentation were assessed. Results: After a 4‐week application, the modified Global Acne Grading Score (mGAGS), Global Evaluation Acne (GEA) scale, and the acne lesion counts were significantly decreased. Sebum secretion, skin pigmentation, and erythema were also reduced during the study period, yet only the melanin pigmentation index reached statistical significance. Subgroup analysis revealed that the patients who took the low‐dose oral isotretinoin during the study period showed more noticeable improvements in skin sebum output and melanin pigmentation. Additionally, no adverse event was associated with using the 0.5% SAS. Conclusion: The 0.5% silymarin‐containing antioxidant formulation improved acne's clinical severity and related skin biophysical parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Dry, flaky skin remains one of the most common and vexing of human disorders. The anterior shin is a challenging area to treat in women with scaly skin. OBJECTIVE: We sought to investigate whether a lactic acid/ceramide lotion improves the texture and appearance of dry skin through moisturization and desquamation. METHODS: This was a randomized, single-center, controlled, evaluator-blinded, within-subject comparison of a lactic acid/ceramide lotion versus no treatment. The lotion was applied twice daily for 14 days, with evaluations performed on Days 1, 2, and 14. A total of 56 healthy female subjects, older than 50 years of age, with Fitzpatrick Skin Types I through VI and dry, rough skin on the anterior shins (defined as Grades 3-4 by investigator evaluation) were included in the study. Assessments of change in skin appearance following desquamation and moisturization by D-SQUAME® analysis and an investigator assessment on the Dry Skin Scale were performed on Days 1, 2, and 14. Additionally, subjects completed a self-assessment questionnaire on Day 1 and Day 14. Safety was assessed via spontaneous reporting and review of subject diaries. RESULTS: Clinical and statistically significant superiority to no treatment in terms of enhancing moisturization and desquamation per D-SQUAME® analysis at Day 2 and Day 14 (-2.51 and -3.07 from baseline, respectively; p<0.0001) was achieved. Treatment success as assessed by the investigator (via the Dry Skin Scale) and subject's self-assessment also indicated statistically significant improvements were achieved with the lactic acid/ceramide lotion (p<0.0001). No adverse events were reported during the study. CONCLUSION: The lactic acid/ceramide lotion provided a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in moisturization and desquamation. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT04085809. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between good nutrition and skin health has been difficult to scientifically document. While the minimum daily allowances of nutrients to prevent disease have been established, the optimal nutritional state for skin health is unknown. This single-site, double-blind, placebo-controlled study enrolled 50 female subjects, aged 35 to 65 years, with mild-to-moderate photoaging and stable prescription medication usage for three months prior to study enrollment. All nutritional supplements were stopped at two weeks prior to study entry. Subjects took three morning and three evening supplement tablets or an equal number of placebo sugar pills to maintain the blinding. The blinded investigator rated a statistically significant improvement at Week 8 compared to baseline, which continued into Week 12, for the active supplement over the placebo in terms of firmness (p=0.035), hydration (p<0.001), dullness (p<0.001), and overall skin appearance (p=0.010). The subjects noted a statistically significant improvement in healing (p=0.042), hydration (p=0.004), dullness (p=0.003), roughness (p=0.015), pigmentation (p=0.025), and overall appearance (p=0.005) at Week 8 that also continued into Week 12. In addition, the subjects completed a quality of life evaluation, which split statistically from placebo in all attributes at Week 12. Finally, there was a statistically significant reduction in wrinkle breadth in the supplement group compared to the placebo group (p=0.018), as analyzed from laser-scanned silicone replicas from the left orbit when comparing baseline to Week 12. These findings support the value of the study supplement in improving skin appearance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Folliculitis is a frequently recurrent skin condition characterized by inflammatory papules and pustules on numerous body areas arising from follicular irritation induced by shaving or trauma but might also arise in the presence of bacterial or fungal organisms. Oral and topical antibiotics remain the mainstay of treatment, but the chronicity of the condition requires a safe maintenance therapy. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the off-label use of 15% azelaic acid foam in the treatment of folliculitis. DESIGN: Subjects received 15% azelaic acid foam for twice daily application to all areas of folliculitis for four weeks. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-six male or female subjects with dermatologist diagnosed folliculitis participated in this research. MEASUREMENTS: Assessments consisted of the dermatologist investigator and subjects evaluating several parameters on a five-point scale (0=none, 1=minimal, 2=mild, 3=moderate, 4=severe) at baseline, Week 2, and Week 4. The dermatologist investigator evaluated lesional erythema, lesional inflammatory papule size, extent of inflammatory papules, lesional pus, lesional pustule size, extent of pustules, and overall folliculitis assessment. The subjects assessed itching associated with folliculitis, pain associated with folliculitis, lesional pus, lesional redness, extent of involvement, and overall folliculitis assessment. RESULTS: After four weeks of 15% azelaic acid foam treatment, the investigator noted a 67-percent reduction in lesional erythema, 73-percent reduction in lesional inflammatory papule size, 87-percent reduction in extent of pustules, and 78-percent reduction in overall folliculitis. The subjects reported a reduction of 60-percent in folliculitis itching, 67-percent reduction in pain, 73-percent reduction in lesional pus, 51-percent reduction in lesional redness, and 59-percent reduction in extent of folliculitis involvement. CONCLUSION: Azelaic acid 15% foam used off-label might be a useful treatment or adjunctive therapy for folliculitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The goal of this study was to determine if a therapeutic cream containing PC-104 synthetic ceramides and other ingredients could help to ameliorate signs and symptoms of mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis and other xerotic or pruritic dermatoses. Design: In this single-site, four-week study, subjects (n=50) were instructed to apply the study product three times daily to all affected areas, including a target site for evaluation and photography at baseline, Week 2, and Week 4 visits. Setting: This study took place in the private practice of the senior author. Participants: Eligible subjects with mild-to-moderate sensitive skin were included. Measurements: Evaluations included Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) scale score; subject satisfaction assessments; and noninvasive assessments of transepidermal water loss, increases in water content of the skin, and improvements in skin smoothness. Results: Use of the ceramide cream resulted in a 100-percent improvement in IGA scores and a 67-percent improvement in overall subject skin assessment scores after four weeks of use in individuals with sensitive skin conditions. Improvements were statistically significant. Statistically significant improvements were also observed in transepidermal water loss, water content of the skin, and skin smoothness. Adverse events were not observed. Conclusion: These data demonstrate that a proprietary combination of ceramide PC-104, palmitamide MEA, glycerrhetinic acid, and grape seed extract in a glycerin, dimethicone, and petrolatum vehicle was effective in reducing the signs and symptoms of mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis and other types of pruritic dermatoses (e.g., senile itch, cosmetic intolerance syndrome) in children and adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of luliconazole cream 1% applied once daily for 14 days in patients with interdigital tinea pedis. Design: Multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, vehicle-controlled study. Setting: Private dermatology clinics and clinical research centers in the United States and Central America. Participants: Three hundred twenty-two male and female patients =12 years of age diagnosed with interdigital tinea pedis. Measurements: Complete clearance (i.e., clinical and mycological cure), effective treatment, and fungal culture and susceptibility. Results: At study Day 42, complete clearance was obtained by a larger percentage (14.0% [15/107] vs. 2.8% [3/107]; p<0.001) of patients treated with luliconazole cream 1% compared with vehicle. Also at Day 42, more luliconazole-treated patients compared with vehicle-treated patients obtained effective treatment (32.7% vs. 15.0%), clinical cure (15.0% vs. 3.7%), and mycologic cure (56.1% vs. 27.1%). Erythema, scaling, and pruritus scores were lower for the luliconazole cream 1% group compared with vehicle on Day 14, Day 28, and Day 42. For all species and the same isolates, the MIC50/90 for luliconazole cream 1% was 6- to 12-fold lower than for other agents tested. No patients discontinued treatment because of a treatmentemergent adverse event. Conclusion: Luliconazole cream 1% was safe and well-tolerated and demonstrated significantly greater efficacy than vehicle cream in patients with interdigital tinea pedis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]